Walter Warkentin passed away at home on April 27, 2007 after a 14 year battle with cancer. Walter spent his last hours surrounded by his loving family.
Born on January 7, 1942 in Rosemary, Alberta and raised in Abbotsford, BC. Walter was the youngest of nine children. After graduating from MEI, he attended Columbia Bible College and then UBC, where he studied medicine and met Gerry, his beloved wife of 43 years. Walter’s medical practice took him to Ontario, Nigeria and Victoria before he finally settled in Chilliwack, BC, where he lived for the past 28 years.
Known for his gentle, loving and patient nature, Walter lived a life of service to God and others. His love for God, his Creator, also translated into a love of nature. Walter loved sailing, hiking, woodworking, gardening and traveling. In later years, when his body was failing, he still loved going for rides on his scooter beside the creek to watch the ducks and geese, often accompanied by his grandchildren. Walter’s zest for life, spirit of adventure, wisdom, sense of humour and encouraging words will be remembered and missed tremendously. His warm smile and twinkling eyes will live on in our hearts forever.
Walter couldn’t sit idle for very long, and his talented hands and active mind built many treasures for his family: their first family home, doll houses, doll furniture, wooden toys and beautiful furniture for every member of his family.
Walter is survived by his wife Gerry, his daughters Carrie, Marnie and Kristi, sons-in-law John and Christian, grandchildren Sebastian, Katja, Annika and Nicole and siblings Peter, Selma, Justina, George and David. He is predeceased by his parents Gerhard and Elisabeth and siblings Elsie, John and Henry.
Walter’s strong Christian faith, integrity and servant heart are a living legacy he passes on to his children and granchildren. We are thankful that he is finally free from his pain and suffering and is now at peace with his Heavenly Father.
Viewing for family and close friends will take place on Saturday, May 5 between 9:30 - 10:30 am at Sardis Community Church, 45625 South Sumas Rd. Chilliwack, BC. The Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 am with pastor Graeme Isbister officiating. A fellowship lunch will be held at the church following the burial. As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Mennonite Centre Committee. Arrangements in care of McLean’s Funeral Services Ltd. Mary’s Cemetery.