Walter George Siemens

Walter passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the age of 92, in his home surrounded by family. Walter was noted for his strength of character, enduring many physical hardships with remarkable stoicism, the last several years of his life. Reatha’s loving care provided Walter with a supportive environment that allowed him to thrive, even during his difficult later years.

Walter was born in Herbert, Saskatchewan and grew up in Coaldale, Alberta. Walter met Reatha Sept while attending Berean Bible College in 1954 in Calgary, Alberta. They married in 1956 and together raised 4 children. 

Born with limited vision, Walter rarely let it hold him back. He rode bikes, horses and ice skated with his brothers on the family acreage. He also rode a motorcycle. In his late teens and early 20’s Walter was a hardworking ranch hand at the George Wesley Ranch in Granum, Alberta. On the ranch, he was primarily responsible for operating heavy equipment and was known to have expert skills in this area. Walter also worked with his brother-in-law, Ben Sept, on Ben’s farm in Three Hills, Alberta. As the foreman, Walter was responsible for the majority of farm operations, including operating and maintaining the farm machinery. Working with Ben was one of Walter’s favourite jobs, and he always said that Ben was “the best boss he ever had”. Later, Walter worked for the City of Calgary Electrical Department, where he was well respected. After retirement, Walter worked for Enmax as a valued subcontractor, and also kept busy by helping neighbours with snow shovelling and lawn maintenance.

Some of Walter’s favourite pastimes were hiking in the Kananaskis, going for picnics, swimming at Vecova, and ice skating at the Olympic Oval with his family and grandchildren. Walter and Reatha were frequent visitors at William Watson Lodge, where they found great pleasure in the natural environment of the area.

Walter appreciated music and taught himself how to play guitar, accordion, and piano. For a number of years, he was part of his church’s choir and frequently a soloist, having an emotive tenor voice. Walter also enjoyed listening to audio books and Reatha regularly read books out loud for his enjoyment.

Walter, will be forever loved and sadly missed by his wife of 68 years Reatha; his children, Daniel (Dawn), Marlene (Brian), Sheila (Faron), and Keith (Laura); his grandchildren, Michelle (Dan), Kevin, Ben (Jessica), Randell (Nolan), and Levi (Sydney); and his great-grandchildren, Sam, Jacob, Josh, Brooklyn, Madison, Sharlene, Ryan, Connor, Colby, Owen and one more great-grand baby due March 2025. 

Walter is predeceased by his parents, two brothers, and survived by his younger sister Alma. 

Walter’s family would like to thank all his doctors, nurses and caregivers at palliative care, for their compassion and support over the years. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Kidney Foundation at https://kidney.ca/.

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