July 12, 1932 - May 13, 2025
In loving memory ~
We are sad to announce that Walter passed at the age of 92, after a long and well-lived life.
Walter was born in Alberta and he and his siblings were raised on their parents' small dairy farm. At the age of 16, he worked briefly in the oil fields and then he responded to a MacMillan Bloedel newspaper ad for new logging Chokerman jobs in BC. After receiving a letter of acceptance, he bought a train ticket and headed west along with other eager young prairie boys. From Vancouver they were flown by small boat plane to an isolated West Coast logging camp on Vancouver Island.
Walter returned briefly to the family farm in Alberta and then moved permanently to Vancouver Island to avoid the cold prairie winters and to avoid getting gassed again on the discovery oil digs.
Walter was pre-deceased by his daughter Barb in 2015 and by his parents Herman and Adeline Guderjan, sister Hertha, brothers Norman and Melvin, teen brother Eric and infant brother Edward.
Walter is survived by sons Doug (Brenda) and Kevin (Lisa), daughter Cindy, and by the mother of his children, Pat. He is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Walter raised his young family in Kelsey Bay and later in Campbell River. Walter had a strong work ethic and he was a proud logger for 40 years. He worked his way up to a faller and like many stoic fallers, he rarely missed a day of work. He was more comfortable in a hard hat and steel toed cork boots than in a suit and tie.
Walter remembered when he was a young child of 8, he helped plough the field with their two large draft horses. His father eventually purchased a small tractor with steel wheels. It was young Wally's task to start up the tractor whenever his father was away working in the mine. In order to start the tractor, young Wally stretched his legs, grabbed the steering wheel, reached back and pulled the fly wheel as hard as his young strength would allow. Starting the tractor became easier as he grew taller. Walter was thrilled when his father traded the old steel wheel tractor for a Koeteshette tractor which was easier to start for young Wally.
Each summer his Alberta family visited Vancouver Island or Walter drove his young family to Alberta to visit relatives there. As his children grew, Walter took pride in being involved in their activities including baseball, hockey, curling, fishing, camping and repairing bikes.
Walter enjoyed puttering in the yard, fixing the family car, falling and splitting firewood and building sheds. Evenings were filled with repairing his chainsaws and sharpening the chains. He liked to help others and he was quick to lend a hand to a neighbour.
Even in his senior years, Dad (Walter) could be seen up on the roof, checking for leaks. He liked to do his own repairs, but would make-do with whatever hand tool he had on hand which often increased the difficulty and frustration of the repair. He spent cheerful evenings playing cribbage with buddies.
In his elder years, Walter connected to a welcoming church community and enjoyed revisiting the faith he had left behind as a teen.
After retirement, Walter spent many happy coffee hours with his buddies. He walked his faithful dog along the Campbell River Foreshore and when Walter's knees became painful, he parked his truck and contentedly watched the Quadra ferry and the tug boats with his furry companion at his side, while remembering his logging and salmon fishing days. Many funny fish stories have been shared around summer campfires.
The family extends much appreciation to the staff of OFV care home for giving Walter dignity, humour and kindness as his independence faltered.
Dad (Walter) is missed by many. Walter did not like to be the centre of attention and a small gathering is planned for a later date. Cards of condolence may be sent to: W. Guderjan family, # 70 - 2700 Woodburn Rd. Campbell River, BC. V9W 4R4
For those wishing to make a donation, Walter loved his loyal dogs and he would chuckle if people considered the Campbell River SPCA at 891 - 13th Ave. Campbell River, BC V9W 4G9.
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