From The Office of Auburn Mayor Michael Ley:
AUBURN, Ind. – It is with a heavy heart that I’m commenting on the recent passing of long-serving Auburn Common Councilman Michael Walter. Mr. Walter was found passed away in his home by Dr. Mark Souder and Mayor Ley while they were checking on him Saturday afternoon. Both had performed a welfare check on Walter earlier in the week.
Robert Michael (Mike) Walter, 76 was the lone Democrat on the council serving the residents of District 5. He was first elected to the council in 1992 serving until 1999, when he ran for mayor and was defeated by Norman Yoder. He was reelected to the council in 2003 and has faithfully served the City of Auburn for the past 20 years. He has served at a Democratic Precinct Chairman since 1988.
No matter the administration Walter didn’t hesitate to voice his point of view during council meetings. Walter was a passionate member of the council and always had the citizen’s best interests in mind with every vote.
Walter may have been known best around town as the gentleman who either walked or road his bicycle around town no matter the weather. He was also an avid animal lover.
He was a graduate of Auburn High School, class of 1965. From there he pursued a degree in government from Indiana University graduating in 1969.
Mike’s love for serving those around him began with Peace Corps training at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah and Chinle Boarding School, Chinle, Arizona in 1969. He continued his work with the Peace Corps at the Collège de Sainte-Anne-de la-Pocatière, Québec, in 1970. He was a member of the U.S. Department of State (107th Foreign Service Class) from 1973-75.
After his time in the Peace Corps he continued his education graduating from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in 1976 and Indiana University School of Law in 1979. He was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1980.
Walter was a member of the United Methodist faith. In 1990 he wrote “A Model Wetlands Ordinance for Indiana Communities” which was adopted by the Auburn Common Council. He was an avid reader, some of his favorite publications were Scientific American, The Nation, The Atlantic, Harper’s and The New York Review of Books.
With his wide array of interests Walter suggested naming minor planet 15017 “Cuppy” for author Will Cuppy in 2003.
“Mike Walter was a tireless advocate who I came to know not only as a colleague but also as a friend,” said Mayor Ley. “He will be missed by many in the Auburn Community.”
Issued this 29th Day of January 2023.
Michael Ley