William Bill Edward Walters

Bill’s grandparents were early pioneers who settled on Parson’s Hill, now the community of Ryder Lake. It was 1894 when these adventurous folks left Toronto and Rochester, New York. It puzzles the family as to why anyone would leave the comforts of city life for the wilderness.

Bills father, William Edward liked the area and also took up homesteading. Bill’s mother Bertha Lois also left Toronto with barrels of dishes and clothing. She arrived at the Kilby Hotel at Harrison Mills. She then crossed the Fraser River and married William in Chilliwack. From here it was horse and wagon up the hill to the Parson’s Hill settlement.

Bill was born on the Walters homestead, March 30, 1924. He was the fourth child and only son born into the family. As a young child, the walk to Parson’s Hill School was long and tiring. A new school opened in Ryder Lake in 1934 and was a shorter distance for the children to walk. Bill was not too interested in school and at 15 years old, he was anxious to join the workforce. He would ride his bike to work at a site at Ryder Lake. He enjoyed machinery and worked many places. He learned how to operate a yarding machine in Sedro Wooley , Washington. He became a yarding engineer which took him to many parts of BC. He was employed at Indian River, the Queen Charlottes, Port Alberni and Engelwood. His last place before retirement was in Hope.

As a young man, Bill liked to hunt and fish, as wild game was a part of many early settlers diets. In 1961, Bill married Hazel and she and Colleen moved to the house on the family homestead. He built a new home on the property, where he stayed until the last two years of his life.

The family grew to include two grandchildren, Bill and Sheri, and four great grandchildren, Dustin, Cameron, Melissa and Megan.

He was pleased to have family members reside in his home. This includes a seventh generation resident of the Ryder Lake Hill.

Bill’s childhood friends, Stan Ross and Arvid Anderson reside in Chilliwack. They all attended the Elk View School and have remained in contact for over 70 years. A long and memorable friendship.

The stories Bill told of his childhood, living in a small isolated community, are experiences that bring many a smile.

Since Hazel’s passing, Bill had many difficult days without her by his side. After breaking a hip, his health declined. He was prepared to leave and is now at peace.

WHEN I COME TO THE END OF THE ROAD

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free.

Miss me a little but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the fun we once shared,

Miss me but let me go…

* * * * * * * * * *

WALTERS

William “Bill”

March 30, 1924~October 26, 2010

Bill passed away October 26, 2010 at the Bradley Centre, in Chilliwack. He is survived by his daughter, Colleen Barber and Wes Barber; grandchildren, Bill (Rhonda) and Sheri (Mike); great grandchildren, Dustin and Cameron, Melissa and Megan. Bill is also survived by his sister, Verla Farr; four nieces and one nephew. He was predeceased by his wife, Hazel, two sisters, Bertha Barber and Ethel Donald, two nieces and one nephew.

Bill was born to William and Bertha Walters of Ryder Lake on the family homestead on Elk View Rd. He attended the Parsons Hill School and Elk View School in the Ryder Lake community in the 1930’s and early 1940’s.

Bill was employed in the Forestry industry from the age of 15 until his retirement.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at the Bradley Centre, for their kindness and care to Bill.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 1:30 pm from the Chapel of Woodlawn MT. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave. Chilliwack, BC In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be offered at: www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, Chilliwack, BC.