It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, and grandfather Walter Muir. Walter died peacefully at Parkwood Court, with the loving presence of his family. Predeceased by his son Cameron and grandson Mark. Walter is survived by his devoted wife Joan, daughter Leslie (Bob), son Scott, and the apple of his eye granddaughter Heather. He is also survived by his wonderful siblings, Don, Heather and Jim.
Walter was born in Edmonton to Annie and James Muir. He was always proud of his Albertan roots. He loved school and learning. At the age of 11, he started bagpipe lessons and this became a major part of his life. He made many friends within many bands and he loved performing whenever he had the opportunity.
Walter met Joan while working for the Alberta Government. After their friendship blossomed into love, they married in 1962. Walter was a high school teacher for two years and then went on to graduate school at the University of Alberta. During that time, his daughter Leslie was born in 1965 and son Scott in 1968. In 1968, he was offered a job at the University of Victoria. Although he had offers from several Universities, the spring flowers in Victoria helped solidify his decision. Walter’s family moved to Victoria in the summer of that year. He taught Statistics, Research Methods, and Computer Applications at UVIC for 32 years and had many valued friendships. He enjoyed teaching his students. When Dad had kidney failure in 1999, he managed and accepted his illness with courage. Thanks to Dr. Antonsen, he had almost 18 more years of life. In his last days, he would say, “I’m a lucky guy.”
Our family is so thankful for Dr. J. Antonsen, all of the doctors and nurses at the Renal Units at The Royal Jubilee Hospital, Dr. E. Swiggum, Dr. D. Woodley, Dr. T. Yip, and all of the staff at Parkwood Court who became great friends to Walter and his family.
A Celebration of Walter’s Life will take place at the Faculty Club, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to the ‘Kidney Foundation of Canada,’ that would be lovely.
We would like to thank all of our family and friends who have shown us such great love and support at this very difficult time. We are grateful!
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Harry & Heather smith
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Catharine and David Dear Family,
While I worked in the Faculty of Education at UVic it was always a pleasure to talk with Walter, his positive outlook was so refreshing. My husband had the privilege of driving him to his appointments at RJH and enjoyed their chats . Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
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S. Jane Colgan To Walters’s family,
I first met Walter at a Remembrance Day service at Christ Church Cathedral and he shared the story of his first chanter which was presented to him by his first piping teacher. That instrument had been kicked out of the mud of Flander’s Field.
I am reminded of an old hymn and may it bring a measure of comfort to the Muir family.
And when the battle’s fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts grow brave again,
And arms grow strong.Sincerely,
S. Jane Colgan.
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Greg Searle Dear Joan and family. So sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. Such a great picture in the paper of his wonderful smile! It was such a privilege to have known him. My thoughts are with you all.
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Mary Ross-Klektau Mary Ross Klektau
Oct. 27, 2017
To the Muir Family.
Sending caring thoughts from the heart
Memories are the treasured thoughts that help sustain us.
I have known Walter for many years, that revolved around Scottish Functions that we
were both involved in. Robert Burns functions and happy days performing at the Pig and Whistle with George McDowall in the late 80’s. We always enjoyed seeing Walter’s cheery face and listening to his tunes on the bagpipes. It was Walter that I requested to play for my Glasgow Dad’s Surprise 80th Birthday party at the Pig and Whistle. The last time I saw Walter was just a couple of years ago at the Brentwood Senior Centre, where we both participated at a Robert Burns function.
May some of these happy thoughts bring you peace,
Sincerely,
Mary
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Sheila Martindale Thank you, Walter, for all the years you played The Lament on the bagpipes at Christ Church Cathedral. You sent shivers up my spine, and your annual contribution to our Remembrance Day Service was always much appreciated. We already miss you. Rest in peace
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Ian and Barb McDougall very best wishes to you all from Barb and Ian McDougall. We were so lucky when we moved to Victoria in 1986…to Jason Place…and to find ourselves to be neighbours of the Muir family! Walter was such a special person, and we were honoured to get to know him and his family.
Our thoughts are with you.
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Bill Cross Dear Joan and Family:
Hoe Walter will be missed by so many. He was a wonderful and helpful colleague at a;l times. He lent his bagpipe music to many events at the Faculty Club and at my Sannich rotary Club and that enriched our enjoyment greatly
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Frank & Marion Grealy Dear Joan, Scott & Family,
I met Scott and then Walter and you Joan byway of coaching Scott. It was always a pleasure to be with any member of your family and Walter was so helpful at all times. Marion being a Scot would always look for Walter with the pipes and we enjoyed watching and listening. We will say a prayer for all of your family and our sympathy goes out to all the family.
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Liliane Morgan Dear Mrs. Muir and family,
Walter was a truly wonderful person who was vital in establishing and growing the statistics, research and computer education program in the then Dept of Psychological Foundations.
He was kind and thoughtful of all faculty and staff and treated everyone equally. As departmental secretary, I always referred to Walter as “Dr.Muir.” One day he told me to call him Walter but I told him that out of respect Is was proper for me to referred to him as “Dr.” He told me that if I didn’t call him Walter, he would have to call me Mrs. Morgan. He was just that kind of person.God bless you Walter and I’m sure you are playing your bagpipes in Heaven!
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Jim Vance I was saddened to learn of Walter’s passing. I followed him from the University of Alberta to UVic in 1969, and had the privilege to work and associate with him as a respected colleague and friend in the Faculty of Education for more than 30 years. I recall those early days when he introduced computers to the faculty. I was also very aware of his expertise with the bagpipe and heard him play at the Wilkinson Road church at various times.
May I express my sincere condolences to Joan, Leslie and the family he leaves behind.
Jim Vance
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Sally Bell Dear Family,
Although we have lost touch I want to say how much I will miss seeing Walter in his kilt playing in the Pipe band. We often exchanged greetings and a quick ‘catch-up’ on family. I know how much you will all miss him, especially Joan. Love to you all.
Sincerely, Sally
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Sally Bell Dear Family, Many years have passed and although I have lost touch I always looked forward to seeing Walter in his kilt and playing with the Pipe band, often enjoying a quick “hello” with his quick happy smile. He will surely be missed and I offer sincerest sympathy to each of you, especially Joan.
Sincerely, Sally (Bell)
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Enid & John Jackson Dear Joan & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your sad loss–we know this will be a most difficult time for you
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Enid & John Jackson Dear Joan & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your sad loss–we know this will be a most difficult time for you.
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Inez St. Dennis Inez St. Dennis
October 19, 2017Dear Leslie and Joan,
I was sad to read of Walter’s passing. He was a fine teacher and bagpiper and a truly good human being. He will be missed. I hope that memories of the many happy times you have had with Walter sustain you as you mourn his passing.
Sincerely,
Inez
this may not reach Joan Muir…but I just found out that Walter had passed about 6 years ago…I played bagpipes with him in a great quartet in the 60’s….( Jamie Troy, Byron Barnard , Walter and myself..( Heather Zinck )…he was such a gentleman and kind person….it was an honor to have known him…
Heather Smith, River John Nova Scotia…
January 2024…