Walter of Barrie, Ontario, died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 27th, 2024. He was 91 years old, and passed after a tumultuous illness that began with pneumonia on December 25th, 2023.
Walter was born at home on Flos Road 4 West, New Flos, in 1932. Walter farmed until the age of 36. Walter robbed the cradle when he married his wife of over 65 years, Ruth Anne, in 1958. They had 3 daughters on the farm, and after the move to Barrie in 1968, they had a son.
Walter worked in Barrie for Mansfield Denman General, later to become General Tire, until it closed and he enjoyed an early “retirement”.
Walter worked every day in his “all-season” garage. He loved to work on fixing things. He maintained our cars, and would fix anything a friend or family member would bring his way. He became known as “MacIver”. If he needed a part and couldn’t source one, he made it. Walter loved people, plain and simple. He was the neighbour you went to when you needed a drill bit, help with the pool, let out your dogs, or fix your snowblower. He was a wonderful man, with a great sense of humour. Even in his final days, the staff at IOOF in Barrie said he was the sweetest, funniest man. Thanks to all of the staff. We are touched by your outpouring of sympathy.
Walter and Ruth Anne, still farmers at heart, grew a garden every year. Walter liked feeding the chipmunks peanuts (by hand), and he hated the rabbits that ate his beans, tomatoes and cucumbers! He went to great lengths each season to put up fencing to keep the buggers out. They shared their bounty with neighbours and family.
Above all, Walter loved his family. He is survived by his wife Ruth Anne (nee Reynolds), his daughters Linda (Dennis Hallam), Judy Peacock (Shayne), Diane Hiltz (Mike), and his son Brian (Lorraine), 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, his sister Marion Rigg (Harold), and his brother Murray (Betty), and nieces along with their families.
In lieu of flowers … No muss, No fuss, just be sure to visit Ruth Anne as often as you can at IOOF. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca.
