Wally Mann was born in the small country town of Broadus, Montana, on July 3, 1937, his birth attended by the local mid-wife. Eventually, the family moved to Tacoma, and finally to the coastal community of Tokeland, Washington. Many local residents may remember that the Mann family operated a grocery store and post office in Tokeland. (His mother was the post master.)

He was preceded in death by his sister, Minnie, and by his parents, Raymond Willis and Eva Hulford Mann. Wally is survived by his sisters Kathy Stone (Wayne) of Underwood, Washington, and Karen Piukkula (Dave) of Grayland, Washington.

His first wife, Darlene Weiss, was mother to his only son, Matthew Mann of Tacoma. Wally was stepdad to her three children from a previous marriage. They are Kim Bellandi-Wolfer, Marty Bellandi, and Kellie Brown. Wally was always involved with his kid’s activities. He was a baseball coach and PTA president to name a few. Together, Wally and his wife built a well-known sign business called Studio Signs which operated for 30 or more years in the Puget Sound area. After his wife’s death, he left the sign business and moved back to Tokeland, Washington.

In Tokeland, he immediately had a big studio built and proceeded to delve into his art work. In 2005, he married Marlene Pukis of Butte County, California. Once again, he was a father figure to two more daughters: Shannon McLean of Chico, California, and Erin Vandegrift of Reno, Nevada.

He had 10 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

As an artist, Wally was well-known for works depicting the local landscapes and local people. He was an amazing artist and loved working in his studio. Over the years, he entered shows with his art, and he taught art workshops. For 20 or more years during his retirement, he was the consummate artist, always having a project in the works. When not working on art projects or activities, he and Marlene traveled. The majority of trips were interstate, traveling the Greater Western States in their RV Sprinter van, visiting family and friends and going to many bluegrass festivals.

Wally had many friends from the Puget Sound area and from the local coastal communities. He was known as a kind and generous man. When he lived in Tacoma, or when he resided in Tokeland, Wally was always involved in community projects. He was a man of good character, and a friend. He passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Wally Mann will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.