Walter (Jolly Wally) was born in Schumacher, Ontario on March 29, 1923. He passed away at Chilliwack General Hospital on May 28, 2008 at the age of 85 years.
Wally was a master craftsman in the leather and shoe repair industry for many years, alongside his wife Grace. They had shops in Abbotsford, Clearbrook, Armstrong, Vernon and Oliver until they retired and moved to Chilliwack with their daughter Maureen, Stan and children.
He loved hunting, fishing and camping in his younger years. He was best known to his friends as “Jolly Wally” because of his fun-loving, warm and gentle personality. His favorite saying when asked how he was doing was “Best in the West” which was always accompanied by a big smile.
He loved to dance for his friends as he became more advanced with Alzheimer’s Disease.
He enjoyed attending his Seniors Hall for carpet bowling and socializing and made some great friends there.
Wally served in the Canadian Army from 1942 - 1945 and was shot under sniper attack crossing the Maas River on a night mission on overseas duty. He was with the 12th Field, 43rd Battery, 3rd Division 25 Pounders.
He loved spending time with all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We couldn’t have asked for someone as kind, thoughtful and gentle as he was.
Survived by his loving wife Grace of 49 years; daughters: Pat Parker (Cambridge, Ontaro), Vandy (Gary) Yarama Prince George, Mareen (Stan) Galuska Chilliwack, son Mervin (Darlene) Furphy Calgary, nine grandchildren, 13 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his mother Margaret, father John, son John, brothers Tom, Roland and twins John and Joe.
Services to be held at Greendale MB Church 6550 Sumas Prairie Rd. Wenesday, June 4, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. and a Memorial Tea at Sardis O.A.P.O. Tyson Seniors Hall at 5725 Tyson Rd. at 1 P.M. Private family interment to follow at Vedder View Cemetery.
“For everything there is
an appointed season,
And a time for everything
under heaven
A time for sharing,
A time for caring,
A time for loving,
and a time for remembering.”