Samuel Waldner

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, Sam Waldner. He leaves his wife Shirley, his children Jenny (Chris), Amanda (John), Brad (Jackie) and Cheryl. He also leaves his grandchildren Avery, Azalea, Olivia and Blake. In addition to a large extended family, he is survived by siblings Susie (Joe), Katie (Aaron), Jonathan, Rachel (Jake), Edward (Clara), Lydia (Levi), Margaret (Sam) and Rebecca. Sam was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Susanna, as well as siblings Jake, Paul, Elizabeth, Mary and Ben.

Sam was born in the R.M. of Cartier. Early years were spent at Waldheim and Rose Valley Hutterite Colonies where he was part of the close-knit family community and introduced to farming and trades. At 15 years old, and with $10 to his name, he departed from the Hutterite way of life and embarked on a new, unknown journey.

Sam's strong work ethic came through in his professional life as he focused on mechanics, farming and welding. He most enjoyed working for employers such as Old Dutch, Blackwood Hodge, Pinewood Farms, LBT Enterprises, Hanson Manufacturing and most recently CPB Equipment, which provided a shop camaraderie that he truly missed during his illness.

Community-minded, Sam served southeast Manitoba as a certified Level 4 baseball umpire, Boundary School Division School Trustee, R. M. of Piney volunteer firefighter and Piney Curling Club icemaker and community club volunteer.

Dad's greatest enjoyments came from spending time with his family and taking care of the family farm. Dad was enthusiastic about outdoor pursuits such as gardening, hunting and taking walks; Mom's cooking, barbeques, fall suppers, and the 5 o'clock hour; horses and of course, motorcycles. Harley Davidson runs allowed him to travel throughout Manitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Canada, while work and vacation travels took him to Louisiana, Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, Iowa, Illinois, Gjoa Haven, Hawaii, Scotland, Switzerland and Italy.

Dad was deeply touched by all his visitors at the hospital. His last moments were spent with his true love and wife of 40 years, Shirley. His family will miss him dearly, especially when reminded of the simple things he enjoyed and his "colourful" sense of humour. We have a growing sense of the space that he has left in our lives and our hearts now that our provider is gone.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., viewing one hour prior, at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home and Cemetery at 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. Interment and reception to follow.

Special thanks to the staff at De Salaberry District Health Centre in St. Pierre, Manitoba for their compassionate care in his last weeks. Also, a special thanks to Alex, who travelled a great distance from England to visit Dad while he was in the hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Live to ride. Ride to live.