Walter was born on April 12, 1919, in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 7, 2011, at Grand Forks, BC. He was 91 years of age.
Walter was predeceased by his parents, James and Thelma (Dolly) Walsh; his wife, Elva; his eldest son, Gary; brothers, Doug (Dub) and Gerald; and his sister, Gladys.
He is lovingly survived by his children: Vern (Fern), Darlene (Wilf), Lyle (Ann), Pat (Jenny), David (Marina) and Laurie (Anna); grandchildren: Shauna, Darryl and James, Kevin, Mark and Erin, Debbie and Sherry, Cory and Tamara, Justin and Sheldon, Tara and Jordon and Christian; 18 great-grandchildren; plus other loving family members: Donna and Louis, Dale, Merna, Dianne, Jim and Joyce, James, Marlene, Tyler and RJ.
He was a long time employee of the Canadian National Railway, retiring in 1979 after 41 years of service. Walter was an avid outdoorsman, guiding fishermen in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, for 59 years. He also enjoyed hunting, canoeing, hockey, bowling and cribbage. He was an active member of the Anglican Church for many years as well as a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.
Walter and Elva moved to Grand Forks in 1994 to be closer to their children. His sense of humour, kindness and generosity endeared him to all who knew him. Walter had many friends in Sioux Lookout and Grand Forks, and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by them all.
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 11 am at Holy Trinity Anglican Church at Grand Forks, burial at Evergreen Cemetery.
A special thank you to the doctors and staff of Boundary Hospital, staff and residents of Abbeyfield and the Baker family of Grand Forks Funeral Home for their kindness. In memory of Walter, donations may be made to the Palliative Care unit at Boundary Hospital.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
The rains fall softly upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
“Walter, we know you’re fine as frog’s fur now (Dad)”
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Grand Forks Funeral Home.