John Walters, a retired turbine-powered hydroplane racer, lived a life on the water’s surface defined by speed, risk, and accomplishment. With a career spanning over two decades, Walters wore many hats in the racing world – he was a driver, a boat builder, an engine specialist, a crew chief, and a race official. His experiences on the water propelled him to speeds of over 170 miles per hour, earning him recognition and accolades in the racing community.
Walters’ personal life was hit by even deeper tragedy. His wife of 47 years, Arlene, took her own life while the couple was building a 5-bedroom home in west Washington near the border. The loss was devastating, though Walters found solace in writing, penning a book aimed at shedding light on mental health issues and suicide.
Today, Walters lives alone in what was meant to be his workshop, a space he’s transformed into a home where he often reflects. His small community, secluded by mountains and trees, is home to others who have faced hardship, prompting wonder about the connection between place and healing. Years after Arlene’s passing, Walters’ life was impacted by another loss when his girlfriend, Stephanie, also succumbed to suicide.
In the shadows of his home, John Walters weighs the contrast between the outward successes of his past and the emotional toll of his losses, grappling with the lasting impact of grief and the ongoing journey of healing – physically and emotionally.
But beyond the trophies, Walters’ life was marked by profound tragedy. In 1980, during a scheduled test run, his boat propelled off the water, sending the hull sky-ward and into a 2.5 revolution reverse somersault. He was ejected from the cockpit and spent years recovering from his injuries, undergoing a period of convalescence and physical therapy.
John poses for a portrait on his four-wheeler, sporting an H1 Unlimited Tee and Hydro Fest cap.