Walter Schrader, a longtime behind-the-scenes volunteer in local politics, died May 31 at age 61. Sources say Schrader suffered a heart attack and died at St. Francis Hospital.

He was born Nov. 6, 1948. He graduated from Glacier High School in 1967. He also graduated from University of Puget Sound in 1971.

The Federal Way resident served as chairman for the 30th District Republicans as well as a precinct committee officer and state delegate. He was heavily involved in local campaigns and had volunteered on behalf of numerous candidates, past and present. He also served as a past president of Federal Way Kiwanis.

“Many (including me) in our local community owe a great deal of their political success to his hard work and dedication on our behalf,” said friend and Lakehaven commissioner Len Englund in an e-mail. “He was a cheerful and selfless giver of time and talents. Our community is better off because Walt chose to live and work here.”

Information on a memorial was not available at press time.