Walter passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 17, 2025, in Victoria, BC. He was born on May 20, 1941, in Vancouver, BC.
He is survived by his wife Joan and his children Blake and Elizabeth.
It’s hard to find words worthy of a man whose life wasn’t marked by headline grabbing achievements, but by his whole way of being, his kindness, his acceptance of people as they are, and the way he made us feel.
Walter was an exceptional man, a true gentleman and the most honest person around. He treated everyone with respect and encouraged people to work to accomplish whatever they wanted to do. He loved good food, wine and family, but also had a remarkable ability to appreciate whatever he had, even hospital food! He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis most of his life but never complained or let it stop him from appreciating every day.
He married the love of his life, Joan, in Vancouver in 1971 and they later moved to Victoria for his job at the new Institute of Ocean Sciences where he enjoyed working for around 30 years until he retired. While his work studying ocean contaminants had been very fulfilling, he also took to retirement very well. He was a problem solver and could always figure out the best way to fix things or make improvements around the house. Between reading, tinkering, and sci-fi shows he was never bored. He was good natured, calm, and stoic. We will all miss him.
There will be a small family service.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Cretney” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
Leave Condolence