WALTER ALLISON

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WALTER ALLISON April 8, 1928 - April 25, 2013 Walter Allison, beloved husband, father, and friend, left this life with the same gracious dignity with which he lived. Born in Paisley, Scotland, and orphaned when just a wee lad, Walter nonetheless found delight in great mischievousness together with his late sisters, Betty and Margaret. This same playful teasing accompanied Walter throughout the years as often he spotted the absurdity of daily life. Gifted with keen intelligence and deep integrity, Walter liked a job well done. He designed power stations throughout the world in Scotland, Brazil, Russia, Alaska, and the provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. He loved these places as well as France and the Basque Country. Yet some of his favourite moments were spent in the small northern village of Burns Lake, with its enchanting wilderness and warm people. An aficionado of classical bagpiping, Walter shared his perfect pitch and innate musicality with his late daughter, Leslie, and his granddaughter, Kiera, both gifted musicians. To his son, Alan, he nurtured a love of learning and study. With his daughter, Irene, he shared his gift of the written word, a love for storytelling, and the deep bond of friendship forged from common adventures. With his son, Kenneth, he shared an unerring brilliance for the workings of the practical world, a generosity of spirit, and boundless loyalty to family. And together with his cherished wife, Helen, Walter was blessed with 62 years of travels, lyrical music, a penchant for poetry, and fond companionship. To the very end, Walter expressed a profound love and gratitude for life. And to this we say, "we're no' awa' tae bide awa', for we'll aye come back an' see ye." For the staff at Saint Boniface Hospital and Parkview Place, we give our heartfelt thanks. Donations to The Children's Hospital.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2013