Walter George Croft

In 1957, he married Iris Eaton and it was around this time that he went to school to become a plasterer finishing his apprenticeship in 1958. This began a career that lasted more than 20 years of driving back and forth to Edmonton. Walter also did side jobs around the Dunstable and Barrhead areas. After work and on weekends, Walter was a farmer.

In 1980, Walter having built up a nice cow herd decided he would farm full time, but that didn’t last. Ron Hove offered Walter a job checking gas wells and he was back working off the farm. He also worked for Codas Oil Field Services.

Walter retired when he was 65. Now Walter liked to have a drink or two, this leading up to some mischief. Like the time he got a square bale of straw and put it in some guys bed. The guy repaid him the same way the very next weekend. Going to town was easy for Walter, finding his way home wasn’t. Too many friends in between town and home to have that drink with, but that was Walter.

Walter was a character, convincing his sister she had to learn how to spell horse before she could go to school. He was also good at getting his sisters to milk his cows for him.

Walter was a great babysitter, his niece and nephew waking him up telling him it was time for them to go to bed.

You never knew what might come out of his mouth. In the hospital, the nurse told him to drop his pants, his response, “You first”.

Walter liked being a Grandpa. When Stephanie was little, he would take her for ice cream or milkshakes most every day. On their way there and back they would listen to Hank Williams. We didn’t realize until one night we were listening to Hank Williams and she knew all the words and was singing away.

Walter always brought the grandkids treats, sometimes tools; you just never knew what they might get. Once even a lamb which ended up starting our sheep herd.

Walter had a heart of gold. He was a giving and helpful person. He had his sense of humor and that little smirk right up to the last week of his life.

You will be dearly missed. Love you… Walter.

Hope you can still get your papers and milk.

* * * * * * * * * *

Walter George Croft

Mr. Walter George Croft of Dunstable, AB, formerly of Wildwood, AB, passed away on October 18, 2012 at the age of 79 years. He is survived by his loving family; son, Gordon (Michelle) Croft; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Darcy) Croft, Dustin (Kayla) Croft, and Kyle Croft; one great-grandchild, Logan Wall; one brother, Norman (Wendy) Croft; four sisters, Violet (Bill) Saxer, Doris Ueland, Helen (Pius) Volk, and Nora (Robert) Gretz; sister-in-law, Louise Croft; special nephew, Wayne Eaton; as well as numerous other family and many dear friends. Walter is predeceased by his wife, Iris Croft; parents, Albert and Aurelie Croft; brother, Albert Croft; sister, Annie Lypkie; brother-in-laws, John Lypkie and Gordon Ueland. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the Barrhead United Church with Reverend David Pype officiating. Donations in memory of Walter are gratefully accepted to the Barrhead Cancer Clinic (4815 – 51 Avenue, Barrhead, AB T7N 1M1). Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.rosegardenchapel.com. Rose Garden Chapel 780.674.4644.