Walter retired from the professional game in 1899, but not with any intention to take life easier. He was a first class cricket umpire for five seasons and also turned his attention to coaching. He had played football (soccer) as an amateur and this experience, together no doubt with his general sporting prowess, led to his appointment as coach to Reading Football Club. He also found time to coach cricket and running at Leighton Park School in Reading. Later he moved on to a coaching position at Swindon Town Football Club and for seven seasons from 1913 was cricket coach at Radley College in Abingdon, Berkshire.

Walter finally put down permanent roots in Leigh Lancashire in 1920, where he worked as a coach and groundsman at Leigh Cricket Club. The years immediately following his arrival were among the most successful in the clubs history. He retired at the age of 73.

Walter died on 21 Mar 1940 at the age of 84 and was buried at Leigh Parish Church. He was a devoutly religious man who lived a full and active life until shortly before his death, having, according to his obituary, 'the sprightly gate of a much younger man'. What is known of his life suggests an uncomplicated but strong willed man, and at the funeral service the Vicar of Leigh said "We loved him because of his goodness and simplicity and his sterling character"

Sources: Peter Wynne-Thomas; The History of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. Christopher Helm (Publishers) Ltd, (1992).
The Leigh Journal, 29th March 1940.
Many thanks also to June Hawkins and Pete Taylor of Leigh Cricket Club for contributions to this article.