(ARNOLD) WALTER HEMBROFF

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(ARNOLD) WALTER HEMBROFF January 28, 1927 - March 27, 2010 Peacefully, with Olga, his loving wife of 63 years by his side, Walter passed away at the age of 83 at the Golden West Centennial Lodge. He is also survived by his son Bruce (Louise); their children, Catherine (Willard Holmen), Andrew (Caroline), MaryAnne (Jason Bachewich); daughter Marilyn (Gordon Mutter); their children, Tom (Raena Buksak), Robert (Denise Dowell) and Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Flynn Hembroff, Anna, Emily and Erin Holmen, Amelie and Ellyce Bachewich, Joseph Mutter; sisters Ann Creed, Madeline Prout, Shirley Falconbridge, Alice Beavis, Viola Roebuck; and sister-in-law Julie Hancher. He was predeceased by his parents Tom and Freda; sisters, Jimmy Billiard, Sarah Murray, Emily Nicholson; brothers Arnie Austman, Fred and Harold Hembroff. Walter was born in Yorkton, SK. He moved to Winnipeg with his family as a child. Too young to enlist during the Second World War, he left school to join the work force. He later attended night school and began his career with the Winnipeg Fire Department. After 38 years of service, that included being an instructor in the Training Division, he retired in 1987 as District Chief. For many years Walter was an active member and officer of the I.O.F. He was a quick learner and a perfectionist who was gifted at working with his hands. Without any formal training in the construction trades he built three houses in Winnipeg, and a cabin at Clear Lake where he enjoyed many years of fishing and family fun. Later in life he generously shared his skills and knowledge with his children and friends in numerous home construction projects. After his retirement, he and Olga wintered in Arizona and travelled extensively throughout North America, Europe and Australia. Walter always cherished visits with family and friends along the way. The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge for the excellent care they provided over the last three years. Please join us for a celebration of Walter's life on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd., with a reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter's memory to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund, 303 - 83 Garry Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4J9 or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2010