After a remarkable life of 89 years, Walter died peacefully in Victoria on September 19, surrounded by love. He was born in southern Manitoba to Mennonite immigrants, the second of five children. His family moved to the Fraser Valley when he was a young teen; he thrived on his parents’ farm and learned the value of hard work. In high school he met the love of his life, Susanne, whom he married in 1955 after completing an Agriculture degree at UBC. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm in Sumas Prairie for the next 10 years, raising a son, Warren, and daughter, Lisa, as well as developing a herd of prize-winning Holsteins. After selling the farm, Walter began a more than 30-year career in public service, first as the District Agriculturist in Prince George and Creston, before moving in 1969 to Victoria, where a third child, Elizabeth, was born. Walter held numerous government positions including Supervising District Agriculturist, Director of the Field and Special Crops Branch, and Director of the Crop Protection Branch, along the way earning a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Victoria.
Walter enjoyed 25 vibrant years after his retirement, taking road trips with Susanne, gardening, reading, and volunteering at their church. He was a man of niche interests and could talk at length about Jewish history, crop pests, elders and deacons, and sprinkler systems. A man of faith, Walter was generous and hospitable, always quick to offer a meal, a ride, a room for the night. He loved sitting on his patio chair and surveying the yard. He loved walking around the golf course and greeting every person he met. He loved visiting with relatives most of all and would have dearly loved to attend his memorial.
Walter is now reuniting with his parents David and Justina, brother Abe, and beloved granddaughter Charis. As his brother-in-law, Ben, reflected upon viewing his body: “He’s busier than he looks.”
Remembering him are his wife of 67 years, Susanne; son Warren (Leanne); daughters Lisa Dyck (Tim) and Elizabeth Grinevitch (Trevor); grandchildren Bryan (Stacy), Kevin, David, and Hazel; great-grandchildren Hannah and Nathan; sisters Agnes, Mary, and Susan and their families, as well as numerous relations and friends. He will be missed.
The family would like to thank the staff at Berwick Royal Oak and Brio Care Unit for their compassionate care during Walter’s last months.
A memorial service was held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. The family invites those unable to attend and those unvaccinated for COVID to join the service through a Zoom link below.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85630399459?pwd=NG4rYmMzcmJHZnZjKzM4c042eVZkQT09
In lieu of flowers, please donate to International Student Ministries Canada or Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine. To view service recording click arrow below.
McCall Gardens
11 Responses
I am sorry I missed the Zoom service, Susanne, but have good memories of Walter both at Central and Saanich. We have known each other since our kids were in their teens and that was a long time ago. I am happy you are at Berwick where I know you have made some good friends. Peace go with you.