Walter Fraser Durnin, 81

Walter passed away July 2, 2009 in Ashcroft, BC at the age of 81 years.
Born in Saskatoon, SK, Walter was the oldest son of Robert Wilbur (d. 1974) and Queenie Vashti (d. 1980) in a family of seven: Jacqueline Burch (d. 1994); Beth (Leon) Brandson of Selkirk, MB; Rodney of Ottawa, ON; Robert (June) of Stratton, ON; Frank of Ogema, SK; and Judy Beer (d. 1996).
He is mourned by his wife of 51 years Joyce (nee Persson) and children/grandchildren Margaret (Emma/Alysa) of Cache Creek, BC; Katherine (Francis) of New York City, NY; and Guy (Seth) of Cache Creek, BC. Son Robert predeceased Walter in 2001.
Walter began teaching in a one-room school after graduating, then attended one year at Dalhousie Univ. before moving west with his family. He taught in northern and Interlake Manitoba, the Rainy River district of Ontario, and the Peace region in Alberta. While working he completed his BA and B.Ed., and advanced to become Principal at many schools in High Prairie School Div. His career ended at the level of Superintendent of Fairview (AB) SD 1974- and Northern Lights (SK) SD 1986-89.
We will always remember him for his wide-ranging interests and knowledge; his devotion to family; his story-telling on our many family trips across Canada; and his love of music and a good joke.
He chose to be cremated and a family memorial will be planned in future.