Walter Fuller may have earned a living as an air-traffic control supervisor at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, but his life was his family in Simi Valley.
"He was a great dad. He wasn't afraid to discipline us and to keep us in line to make us better people and better followers of Christ," said daughter Kristi Fuller.
"One of our friends sent an e-mail and said, 'I perceived Walt as being the foundation of your family that allowed the rest of you to grow and flourish,'" said Walter's widow, Jenny Fuller. "That's what he did for us."
The 54-year-old father of three was also a private pilot.
He can be seen beaming at his eldest daughter's wedding photos from last year. His smile, his family says, was a constant.
"We know he was in the first car," said Jenny Fuller. "But he died instantly. He didn't feel a thing. So we know he was on the train and he was with the Lord. And there was not anything in between, and there's great comfort in knowing that."
Their faith will help get them through this tragedy. For Walter and Jenny Fuller, their youngest, Casey, turned 19 Monday.
"He was an awesome guy. He loved the Lord. He was just amazing. He always supported me in whatever I did. He's just an amazing person. Going to miss him a lot," said Casey.
The Fullers would have celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary in December.
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