Obituary of Walter Kelm

Walt Kelm of Regina, Saskatchewan went to be with the Lord on March 18, 2021 at the age of 89 years.  He was predeceased by his daughter Bev Ormond (Dave) and brother Bill Kelm (Carol).  Walt will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Marlene Kelm; son Donald Kelm (Patti); sisters Wilma Lutke (Woody) and Margaret Bennett; grandchildren Matthew Kelm (Brittany), Nick Kelm (Clara), Emilee Wilson (Kevin), Jared Schlung, and Benjamin Schlung (Amber); and great grandchildren Maverick Kelm, Selah Kelm, Zoe and Quinn Wilson, Vincent Schlung, Kayleigh Schlung and Kalianna Schlung.

Walt was a kind and gentle man, who was intelligent and hardworking.  He walked his life journey with grace, including the last few months of his life as he faced health challenges, always maintaining a positive, thankful and patient attitude.  Walt was dedicated to his family and lovingly cared for his grandchildren as he watched them grow, providing his wisdom and stories around the dinner table. He enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren whenever he had the chance and had the opportunity to welcome two new great grandchildren into the family during 2020.

Walt was raised in Chimanus, Duncan, and Surrey, B.C., the oldest of four siblings – Bill, Wilma and Margaret.  As a boy, he delivered newspapers and worked at a mink farm, enjoying softball in his spare time.  He attended North Surrey High, graduating with his Grade 12 diploma.   Following this, Walt worked in a sawmill and then in the banking sector in Vancouver, Vanderhoof, and Kamloops B.C.  His career path from there included a move to Toronto to work in sales at a window manufacturing company and positions as an accountant at Domtar Packaging and Coopers and Lybrand in Calgary.  During those years he earned a Registered Industrial Accounting (RIA) designation.  Walt spend the last leg of his working years as an Administrator at Strathcona Tweedsmuir private school in Okotoks, Alberta, retiring in 1995.                                                

Walt was a Kinsmen for many years, helping to raise funds for a number of community based and charitable organizations.  As an adult he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf and watching football.  Walt was always up to date on and knowledgeable about current news, financial and business trends, and the global context.

A private memorial service and interment will take place in the summer of 2021.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 919B Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4R 2P6.