Obituary of Richard de Warenne Waller

Richard “Dick” de Warenne Waller passed away unexpectedly at the Foothills Medical Centre on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the age of 84 years. Richard was born in Elkhorn, MB and lived in Brandon, MB, Port Arthur, ON, and Calgary, AB. Richard joined the Canadian Navy in 1942 and served on ships in the North Atlantic and was overseas for the invasion. When he returned to Canada, he volunteered for the Pacific Theatre and was discharged after the Japanese surrendered in 1945. Richard moved to Calgary, AB in 1951 and married Joy Waller (nee Teeple) on March 7, 1953. Richard’s career and passion centered around the heavy construction industry and after working all over western Canada for six years for various companies, he was employed by Cana Construction (formerly Burns & Dutton) as a crane operator from July 1957 and then as a crane superintendent from 1968 until he was retired in April 1985. After his retirement, unable to sit idle at home, he continued to work in the heavy construction industry until 1995. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955 from 1956 to 1996. Richard was well respected in the construction industry and served as a member of the Local Advisory Committee of the Alberta Apprenticeship Training Board. He was very involved in setting the standards and the examination for certifying Journeymen Hoisting Operators. He was also involved with the Alberta Construction Association and helped Occupational Health and Safety establish their procedures for the operation and maintenances of tower cranes. After his wife passed away, he moved to the Seniors Residence at the Colonel Belcher where he met and made many new friends. His hobbies included playing bridge and cribbage. Richard is survived by his daughters Kevyn Sinclair (Duncan), and Adrienne Waller (Alf Skrastins), as well as by his grandchildren Heather Sinclair, Courtney Sinclair, Sara Sinclair, and Ryan Sinclair. Richard was predeceased by his wife Joy Waller on February 2, 2007. A private memorial service will be held for Richard’s family and friends. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If family and friends so desire, donations may be made in the names of Joy and Richard Waller to the Calgary Humane Society (4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7) The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff, and especially Richard’s caregivers,8 at the Seniors Residence at the Colonel Belcher for providing a home he loved, and the personal care to make the last eighteen months both enjoyable and memorable. He will be sadly missed. In living memory of Richard Waller, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.