February 3, 1937 - May 9, 2024
In loving memory ~
We are deeply saddened to announce that Walter Frank Crombie, known affectionately as Red, passed away in the hospital surrounded by his loved ones on May 9, 2024, in his hometown of Campbell River, British Columbia. He was born in Saskatchewan on February 3, 1937 to Walter and Mary Crombie, as the first of their twelve children. Walter moved with his family to British Columbia when he was young. He moved to Campbell River in the 1970s and lived there the rest of his life.
Walter began his career in logging as a young man and was knowledgeable in many areas of the business. He worked as a tree faller, equipment operator, logging truck driver, sawmill owner, and many other related roles during his life.
In 1956, Walter married Eleanor, and they had four daughters together.
Walter had a number of hobbies. He was an avid golfer, and for many years he was a regular on the course and in local tournaments. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and was on the racing circuit when he lived in the Okanagan. He obtained his pilot's licence and enjoyed flying whenever he had the opportunity. He owned his own plane for a time, and enjoyed nothing more than seeing the beautiful B.C. coast from the air.
Walter was predeceased by his parents and two of his brothers, Floyd and Calvin. He is survived by his first wife Eleanor, his second wife Jan; his children, Della, Susanne, Sharon and Anna; his seven grandchildren: Olivia, Ben, Sam, Catherine, Patrick, Jessica, and Chelsey; his brothers Robert, Steve, Marvin, Edward, Roy, William; his sisters Alice, Muriel and Dorothy, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service to celebrate Walter's life will be held on June 7, 2024, in Armstrong, BC, with a reception to follow at the home of his brother Marvin.
Walter's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff in the emergency department at Campbell River Hospital who treated Walter with dignity and kindness.