Obituary of Walter Ewen

July 22, 1922 - January 20, 2011

With a heavy heart the family of Walter James Ewen announces his passing on Thursday, January 20th, 2011, in his 89th year.

He is survived by daughters, Joy French (Jim) of Cranbrook, BC; Heather Welt of Onoway, AB; and son James (Colleen) of Sherwood Park, AB. He is also survived by grandchildren Curtis Welt (Shirly Felipe), and Justin Welt, both of Edmonton, AB; Matthew Ewen and Michelle Ewen, both of Sherwood Park, AB; and great granddaughter, Sara Welt of Edmonton, AB. He is sorely missed by his faithful canine companion, Toby. Watt was predeceased by his wife, Iris on June 24, 2009; his parents Jim R. Ewen in1958 and Irene in 1976; sister Alice McKnight of Killarney, MB in 1989; brothers Allan at Plenty, SK 1917; Geordy of Elgin, MB in 1920; and Jack of Saskatoon, SK in 1974; and grandson, Dean Kaplar of Port Alberni, BC in 1980.

Dad was born in Elgin, MB, the youngest of five children. Working alongside his father during summer holidays he learned to climb telephone poles and all about line maintenance. When he left school in April 1941 looking for adventure, he joined the army and was assigned to the signal corp where he became a Trade Qualified Linesman. He served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany where, while only armed with a stick, he captured an enemy soldier while on a short leave. He always carried his rifle after that. He met his bride, Iris Ricketts, at the Woodsman Pub while posted to Ashstead, in England. They married in Leatherhead, Surrey July 28, 1943.

The couple settled in Winnipeg some months after Dad returned home from England. Dad took at course in Architectural Drafting and then apprenticed and became a journeyman bricklayer working in Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton. In 1950 Mum and Dad moved to Edmonton where there was more work. Even so, bricklaying was seasonal and Dad needed an income year round, so after a few years he took a position as a milkman for Palm Dairies. He and Mum bought a 20 acre parcel of land south east of Sherwood Park in 1961. Dad built our home which included a ductless heating system of his own design that everyone said would never work. It heated our home beautifully for several decades. He loved music, playing the piano, accordion, guitar and organ by ear. A kind, compassionate and humble man, he loved animals and always had some around. He and Mum taught square dancing and Dad was also a caller. He later worked as a custodian for Edmonton Public School Board retiring in 1985. By 1987 Qualicum Beach, BC had become their retirement home. They continued square dancing and Dad acquired his Amateur Radio operator license. His call sign was VE7WEW and he ran the net there for many years. In 2004 they moved to Cranbrook, BC where they lived in a suite in their daughter's home. This move brought them closer to their children in Alberta and we were able to spend more time together.

A service will be held at 2:00 pm on February 7, 2011 at Glenwood Memorial Gardens, south of Wye Road on Range Road 232, Sherwood Park, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com

 

Today I looked into the sky and it was beautiful.

I then realized it's because you are up there.

I miss you lots.....