Obituary of Walter Gerald Spanier

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Walter on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. Walter was born at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary on March 3, 1943, and was raised in Calgary. During and after high school, Walter worked for many years at the family business, established by his father, Nicolas Albert; however, flying proved to be his true passion. He realized his dream of not only attaining his helicopter endorsement on a Bell Jet Ranger 206 in April of 1981, but also of flying his own 206, C-GWGS; the registration reflecting his own initials. Walter had both a strong love and fierce loyalty for his family and friends. A smart, intelligent man with a will power that astonished everyone including his doctors. He was quick witted and focused, but also known to be mischievous and enjoyed a good joke. Almost everyone saw the twinkle in Walter’s eyes at some point or another. In 1968, Walter built his own house on the “Ranch” near Cochrane, where he lived for the rest of his life. Walter was a man of many interests: he loved to watch and feed treats to his “boys” (horses) and dog Penny. He spent many a day looking at the sky for signs of rain, when showing his original 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. Camping, sausage making, woodwork, gardening and remote airplane flying were just a few of Walter’s favourite pastimes. Walter leaves behind his loving family, his wife; Brenda, son Rick (Brig), twin daughters; Suzanne (Scott) and Karen, step son; Jason (Alana), brother; Ralph (Liz), and two beautiful granddaughters; Sarah and Rachel, niece Lorie (Brian) and nephew Gord. He also leaves to mourn his Auntie Viola, Uncle Jim, Aunt Doreen and numerous cousins, mother-in-law; Frances, brother in law; Roger (Elaine), sisters in law; Ellen (Dieter), Gayle (Kelly), and nieces; Karissa, Lauren and Hayley. Many friends will also miss him dearly. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, (369 Railway Street, Cochrane, Alberta) on Monday, May 14, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Walter’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Cochrane Funeral Home (369 Railway Street) on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Main Floor Intensive Care Unit at the Foothills Medical Centre (1403-29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 2T9). Many thanks to all the nursing staff and the doctors at the Foothills Medical Centre who did so much, not only for Walter, but also for his family. In living memory of Walter Gerald Spanier, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.