Walter grew up in a home where Christian principles were central, and he followed the Lord throughout life. When Walter was 14, his family moved to the Okanagan to farm, but returned to beekeeping when their orchard froze. A life-altering experience was singing Handel’s Messiah with the Bethel Church choir. In the inter-church choir, Walter noticed the pianist Irene and drove her home after a rehearsal. After their wedding, Walter worked 10 years as chartered accountant for Rowcliffe Canning Co. He studied music at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, graduating with a BA in 1968. While working in accounting at Neufeldt Industries, Lethbridge, Alta., Walter directed Coaldale MB’s choir and led Lethbridge Symphony Chorus. He was in demand for tenor solos in oratorios. When Walter was directing or singing, Irene nearly always accompanied him on piano. They worked in music at Clearbrook MB for 7 years before retiring to Penticton, B.C., in 1992. Walter volunteered as music director at Grace MB Church and started Gracemen, a male octet. His favourite destination was Waterton Lakes National Park. Walter and Irene visited Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Ecuador. Walter touched many hearts with his music.
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