Obituary of Walter Edward Askin

October 15, 1925 – Kamloops, British Columbia
July 19, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Walter Askin, CA of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at the age of 94 years after a series of health problems. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather with a quick wit, ready smile and a twinkle in his eye.

Walter was born in Kamloops, BC, and spent his young childhood on the family farm near Manly, AB.  As he grew older, the family moved to several small communities in both provinces, as his father, a CNR section foreman, was transferred to work on the rails.  Walter attended high school in Jasper and McTavish Business College in Edmonton.  Because of his math proficiency, the principal recommended him to the managing partner of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. Chartered Accountants (now KPMG).  He articled there and ultimately became a partner in the Calgary office with a specialty in insurance investigation.  He worked for the firm for forty-four years!  As a young man, he played in bands, having taught himself to play the saxophone, violin and accordion, and pitched for an Edmonton baseball team.  Later, he served on church council and assisted several political campaigns.  He enjoyed gardening, Bible study and watching sports on TV, usually rooting for the under-dog!  When less mobile as an older man, Walter enjoyed watching the antics of rabbits, squirrels and birds in his yard.  Even as his appetite diminished, he always had room for a piece of pie and cup of coffee!  He will be remembered for his integrity, graciousness, strong work ethic, dedication to family and physical strength.  We are comforted knowing that he is safe with Jesus!

Walter is  survived by his son Joe, daughter-in-law Evelyn, and grandson Nicholas, of Calgary; his sister-in-law Shirley Ludwig of Edmonton, his nieces and nephews, Vince (Deb), Jon, Cathy and Jennifer Ludwig, of Edmonton; Louise Stecyk-Ziegler of Kelowna, Ken (Cindy) Stecyk of New Westminster, and David (Christine) Ludwig of St. Albert; as well as his dear great-nieces and nephews.  Walter was predeceased by his wife of fifty-nine years, Dorothea (nee Ludwig), his parents, Joseph and Mary (nee Mastaller) Askin; his sister Jenny (Fred) Stecyk, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 01, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 4 Street NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 01, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Walter’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to www.operationsmile.ca or www.samaritanspurse.ca.

The family would like to thank dad’s caregivers from All About Seniors and the staff at Auburn Heights Retirement Residence, Foothills Medical Centre and South Health Campus for their excellent care of him over the past four years.

In living memory of Walter Askin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.