Obituary of Walter Connell Weir

WALTER CONNELL WEIR Walter passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, September 22, 2014. Walter was born September 25, 1924 at Saskatoon, SK. He was predeceased by his parents, Alex in 1988 and Laura in 1989; a sister Madge in 1924; brothers, Maurice in 1976 and Glen in 2012 (Kelly, 2005); nephew Gavin in 1975; sister-in-law Blanche (Bun) in 1974; and brothers-in-law Keith and Donald Green. Walter is survived by Hazel, his wife of 64 years; daughters, Dr. Laura Weir of Kelowna, and Robin (Arnold) Endsin of Lumsden; as well as grandsons, Stefan (Reanne), Matthew (Alison Maddigan), and Alexander Endsin; brother Malcolm; sister-in-law Phyllis; and numerous nieces and nephews. Walter completed his schooling in Aberdeen SK. He was an accomplished left-handed pitcher, hockey player and curler. He joined the army in 1943 and was seriously wounded in Holland on April 8, 1945, serving with the Regina Rifles. After the war he farmed at Aberdeen until 1956. Walter married Hazel Green on July 19, 1950. He was a charter member of the Legion and an executive of the Dairy and Poultry Pool in Saskatoon. He left the farm and enrolled in Ontario Veterinary College in 1956. Upon graduation in 1961, he practiced with Dr. Fred Judiesch in Swift Current until 1970 when he joined the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture, first as veterinary lab supervisor and then as Director of Veterinary Services Branch until his retirement in 1985. Walt was a life member of the Saskatchewan and Canadian Veterinary Medical Associations, the Regina Humane Society; as well as past president of SVMA, a member of the Regina Rotary Club, a director of VIDO, and the Swift Current Public School Board. He enjoyed 22 years of swimming, water skiing, gardening, and golfing at their cottage in Mistusinne on Lake Diefenbaker. Walt and Hazel both loved to read, were faithful participants in aquasize classes, yoga, as well as ardent Bridge players. They spent more than 20 winters visiting Oahu, Barbados, Arizona, and Mexico. In retirement, Walt joined the “Boys” in a weekly coffee session. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He always enjoyed stimulating discussions where he took both sides. He said there were three sides to any issue – yours, mine, and the correct one. A Private Family Gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Walter may be made to the Regina Food Bank, 445 Winnipeg Street, Regina, SK, S4R 8P2.