Walter Fred John Maki

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing away of Walter Fred John Maki on Friday, May 13th, 2022, at the age of 99 years at Mt. Cartier Court surrounded by his loving family.  There will be a Graveside Service at Mountain View Cemetery, Revelstoke on Saturday, May 21st at 2:00 p.m.  Pallbearers are Wayne Yackel, Clayton Schmidt, Jackie Schmidt, Lee Schmidt, Tyler Maki and Sandy McDonald.  Honorary Pallbearers are Micah Schmidt, Jonah Schmidt, Dawson Schmidt, Ben Schmidt, Spencer Yackel, Alex McDonald and Caleb Cochrane.  Following the service, the family will be gathering for a reception at the Revelstoke Senior’s Centre.

Walter was born in Furrer, B.C. (near Kamloops) on April 6th, 1923.  He was raised in Monte Creek and Chase and had been a long-time resident of Revelstoke.  Walter enlisted in the Army in 1942 and saw active duty in Canada, the North Pacific, the Aleutian Islands and Great Britain and was discharged in 1946.  He was very proud of never taking a man’s life in the war.  Walter worked for C.P. Rail in the car department for 32 years and retired on December 31, 1983. 

Walter never had a driver’s license and rode his bike as his mode of transportation.  He loved gardening with his wife Victoria, spending time with his family and especially Sunday dinners as his favourite pastime was eating.  He was an avid carpenter and rebuilt the home his family lived in as well as carved a full set of chess figures.  Walter was very particular about the way he was dressed and always looked dapper.  He loved dancing, listening to country music, singing in the choir, carpet bowling and playing pool.  His favourite song was “You Are My Sunshine” and he loved to sing it out loud.  Walter was a member of the Moose Lodge for over 50 years, a member of the Senior Citizen’s Association and a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion.  Walter had a passion for reading the Bible, newspapers, and magazines.  He enjoyed picking hazelnuts, cherries and apples from his trees and harvesting his garden.  He liked the changing of the seasons each year.  Walter attended Moberly Manor for fun and games and other activities and loved the home packages he received.  One of Walter’s greatest pastimes was space exploration and he just loved to watch it on NASA T.V.   He was well-known for his love of photography and took many photos, which is now the family trait.  He had a good sense of humour and loved spending time with his family.  Walter was a truly kind, caring, dedicated and loving man, willing to help others.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  In the words of his family: “He was a great and wonderful man.  This is how we will remember him.”

Walter was predeceased by his younger sister Iris, his parents John and Mary Maki, his wife Victoria and dear friend Joan Morrison.  He is survived by two daughters: Shirley Schmidt and Linda (Terry) Yackel and son Frank (Christine) Maki; seven grandchildren: Clayton (Rhonda) Schmidt, Wayne (Kassandra) Yackel, Luana (Sandy) McDonald, Jackie (Andrea) Schmidt, Lee (Nicole) Schmidt, Tyler Maki and Amanda Maki (Conrad); great grandchildren: Micah, Jonah, Alyssa, Dawson, Ben, Alex, Olivia, Spencer, Ashten, Taylor, Broderick, Sephora and Caleb as well and many other relatives.

Walter’s family would like to thank the homemakers and the staff at Mt. Cartier Court as well as the doctors and nursing staff for the wonderful care that Walter received while he was there.   They would also like to thank Brandon Bowers Funeral Service for their considerate care.