Walter (Walt) Diamond died July 30 at the age of 85 after a brief battle with a lymphoma brain tumor. The longtime Malibu resident co-founded Snyder Diamond, the decorative kitchen and bath retailer, 64 years ago.
Diamond was born in Chicago in 1927 and moved to Los Angeles when he was eight years old. He grew up in the Boyle Heights neighborhood and attended Fairfax High School. Wanting to defend his country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Diamond enlisted into the Navy at the age of 17 and was called into active duty in March 1945.
Diamond and businessman Lou Snyder founded Snyder Diamond during the 1950s. The kitchen and bath décor company still maintains its original Santa Monica location, along with showroom locations in Pasadena and North Hollywood. Diamond was known for creating compelling customer experiences in the industry, before the concept of customer experience was usually considered.
Diamond is survived by his wife, Sharon (Sheri), his three sons, Jeffrey, Russell and Glenn, and daughter Tamara.
A memorial service is pending.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Diamond’s name to WeSpark (wespark.org), the cancer support center or to the City of Hope.