Ernest Frederick Walter, late of Weyburn, SK passed away April 7, 2012, at the age of 89 years. Ernest was predeceased by his parents: Lillian and Harry Walter, brother Jack Walter, sister Peggy Williamson, sister in law Beryl Shields and infant daughter Donna.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Alice, daughter Beth Graas, her husband Don, their children Erin, Alexis (Brad) Zerr, and Blair; daughter Susan Minard, her husband Gene and their children Christopher (Lindsay) and Lea and her husband David Hemphill and their children Sydney and Nash; as well as 5 sisters-in-law (Edith Bernard, Rea Pederson, Arvilla Carleton, Edna McGillivray, Dorothy Walter), many nieces and nephews and numerous cousins in England and B.C.
Ernest was born on February 11, 1923. He grew up on the farm and had a genuine love for the land. He also loved to play hockey and spent many weekends clearing the ice on the dam and playing hockey with the neighbour boys. He played in the farmers league with the CCYM and then with the East Weyburn Aces. He took over running the farm from his father in 1949, married Alice Spence in 1950. In 1953, he contracted polio. It was thought that he wouldn’t survive this disease and if he did survive he would not be able to walk again. Through sheer perseverance he did walk again and farmed until 1996. Ernest was a member and active supporter of the co-op movements, the credit union, and the NDP. He was also a director with the Farmers Union. He was a trustee for the school unit board and on the executive for the Grand Bend Telephone company. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was an usher for many years there. Ernest was one of the leaders for the woodworking club in 4-H. He was a talented carpenter and made many items for their home and in later years, his grandchildren. Alice and Ernest square danced with the Weyburn Twirlers at South Weyburn School.
He was very proud of his daughters, Beth and Susan, and was appreciative of the work they did on the farm. He loved nature and enjoyed teaching all he knew to his daughters. His grandchildren meant the world to him. When they were around he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Extended family gatherings at the farm, visiting with his brothers-in-laws, playing softball with his nephews, getting into trouble with his water pistol, wiener roasts after swimming in the dam, were the highlights of his life. His wonderful sense of humour and kind manner enamoured him to all that met him. Ernest was a true gentleman to the very last of his days and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
A service of remembrance for Ernest was held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from Calvary Baptist Church, Weyburn, SK with Rev. Doug Loden, officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK. Honorary pallbearers were Evan & Mary Goranson, Ron & Gloria Miller and Don & Ollie Goranson.
For family and friends so wishing, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ernest may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church, 1619 1st Ave. NE, Weyburn, SK S4H 3E7 or Weyburn Special Care Home, 704 5th Street NE, Weyburn, SK S4H 1A3
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