A sales and marketing force behind many well-known names in pro audio, Thomas C. Walter died on January 16. With a career spanning six decades, he was widely recognized for his efforts on behalf of Community, JBL Pro, Sound Advance, Quam and others.
Thomas was a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art, where he studied graphic art and illustration. An early disciple of Don and Carolyn Davis’ SynAudCon principles, he worked tirelessly to improve the professionalism of thepro-audio industry and took an active role in the objective scientific documentation of loudspeaker performance while working with many audio luminaries.
A lover of all genres of music, especially jazz, Thomas is survived by Barbara, his wife of 40 years, and will be missed by countless friends and colleagues spanning the globe, who remember him for his quick wit, wry quips, soaring language and a sardonic sense of humor that always expressed the truth.
“Thomas was supremely knowledgeable when it came to audio and acoustics technology,” former longtime business partner and good friend, John T. Wiggins, remarked upon hearing the news. “He truly understood how things worked and fit together synergistically. He was a critical thinker, visionary, and mentor who brought color and life to even the most bureaucratic companies. His inner voice was much more real than anything in the material world. He made me laugh every day, and I, like so many others, will miss him dearly.”