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
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16 Responses
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…
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
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.
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.
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
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