WALTER POLDEN WILMOT

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WALTER POLDEN WILMOT Suddenly, on October 30, 2004, Walter Wilmot drew his last breath and completed his earthly business. Born July 27, 1921, he was the youngest of nine children. Walter was predeceased by his parents, Fanny and Thomas Herbert Wilmot; baby sister Elizabeth; sisters, Elsie Kingdon, Frances Wilmot, Margaret "Peggy" McQuarrie; and brothers, Jack and Laurence Wilmot. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lily; his children, Ron Wilmot, Joyce (Murray) Castle, Nancy Wilmot (David Zryd) and Wallis Wilmot (Harold Sachwi) grandchildren, Tannis, Lindsay, Christopher, Jonah and Annie; great-grandchildren, Jarod, Ty and Sarah. He is also survived by his brother Archie Wilmot; sister Kathleen MacKay; and numerous nieces and nephews. Walter was marked early by a zest for life and a love of the outdoors. He spent his early years on the family farm in the R.M. of Minto. As a young man he dreamed of flying and when war broke out he went to Port Arthur where he was employed, building Hurricane fighter planes. When he returned home he joined the RCAF Air Crew stationed at Brandon Manning Depot. He went overseas in 1943 and trained on heavy Halifax bombers, later receiving a commission as flight officer. After the war he returned to Canada and to his two other loves - farming and Lily. Walter and Lily Kathleen Halverson were married on July 15, 1946 and together they built their home in the valley and raised their four children. In the 1970s he resumed flying and purchased CZ - J, a Cessna 170, that he flew for the rest of his life. Walter was a founding member of the Erickson Flying Club and a proud lifetime member of Legion Branch #143. As the years went on, he retained his keen love of life and never stopped doing the things he loved. After retiring from farming in 1998, he purchased a small sawmill and at the age of 78 launched a new career. Walter always had a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face and was never happier than when he was setting out on a new adventure. One of the things that made him happiest was to be with young people who were passionate about what they were doing and over the years he was blessed to be included in many of their adventures as well - both on the ground and in the sky. Walter died on a beautiful October day with the Autumn sun shining. At the age of 83, life was still an adventure, with more to be done than there were days in the week. He never lost his passion, never stopped seeing the potential for excitement in the world around him. Walter will be laid to rest on Thursday, November 4. The Funeral Service will be held at the Erickson Legion Hall at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Little All Saints Cemetery near Clanwilliam, MB. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to mchapel@mts.net. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, Minnedosa, 867-3868. "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep" Step lightly in those deep woods papa - - your promises have all been kept.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2004