Aug. 1, 1928 — June 25, 2004
On Friday, June 25, 2004, Walter Huebert passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at Chilliwack General Hospital, and went to be with his Saviour, Jesus Christ. Walter Huebert was born August 1, 1928, in the Ukraine to Franz and Margaret Huebert, who adored him and his sister, Erna. During the upheaval of World War II he and his sister, who were just in their early teens, were separated from their parents. Eventually, he and Erna joined relatives in Canada, coming in 1948 to Chilliwack, which he regarded as the most beautiful place in the world.
On May 26, 1950 he married the love of his life, Susan Matthies, and their marriage was blessed with two children, Irene and Gordon. They lived on Corbould Street in a bungalow he built during his and Susan’s first year of marriage. Walter was a "where there's a will, there's a way" self-sufficient kind of man and lived by the maxim that "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well." In his work as a floor layer, he was regarded by many as one of the best. He was particular about keeping his vehicles clean and his lawns neatly cut. He joined the Chilliwack Volunteer Fire Department, enjoying the camaraderie among the firefighters and serving the community for 34 years with the team at Hall No. 1. Always a lover of BC’s scenery, he and Susan enjoyed cycling in the area as well as camping and fishing with family and friends on rivers and lakes throughout the province. A dream came true for him on June 12, 1965 when, after 22 years of separation, he was reunited with his parents who joined the family in Canada. Another dream came true for him in 1967 when, after many years of planning, he and Susan built their dream house together on Hodgins Avenue. They lived there happily for 26 years, then retired to a broiler farm on Lickman Road.
Walter’s greatest joy and highest priority was his family. He enjoyed his friends and colleagues, was quick with offers of help and hospitality, and his winsome sense of humour frequently brought smiles to the faces of people he met.
He was predeceased by his father, Franz Huebert, in 1972; his mother Margaret Huebert, in 2002; and brother-in-law, Jake Letkemann in 1978.
He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly: his wife of 54 years, Susan; their two children, Irene (Eric) Geng and Gord (Trudy) Huebert; 7 grandchildren—Heather Geng; Brian (Jennifer) Geng; Theresa, Brandon, Jeremy, and Chelsea Huebert; his sister Erna Letkemann, and her family.
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. (John 11:25)
Viewing: Thursday, July 1, 2004, 6:30 — 8:00 pm, Woodlawn Mt Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave. Chilliwack.
Funeral service: Friday, July 2, 1:30 pm, Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Rd., Chilliwack. Rev. Werner Froese officiating.
Messages: irene@cascadiabb.com, ghuebert@shaw.ca