Obituary of Walter George "Walt" Henderson

Walter George Henderson, resident of Dawson Creek and formerly of Rolla, British Columbia, passed away November 5, 2014 at 86 years of age. Walter was born in Pouce Coupe Hospital on December 16, 1927, the first of two sons born to his parents Alma and Gus Henderson. Walter grew up in North Rolla, BC, on the farm and went to school at Shearerdale and Rolla Schools and was one of few in his age group to graduate. Walt was proud of having graduated and remained an avid reader his whole life. As a young man, Walt mostly worked on the family farm, taking it over from his father when his Dad was elected to parliament in 1958. Gus didn't like the newfangled farming implements like combines, so Walt, as a young man was much better suited to trying new things. He took that to a whole new level in 1968 when he started courting Kay Hall, eventually marrying her in February of 1970. Kay was a widow with three young children whose first husband had told her that if anything ever happened to him, she could marry Walt. Kay thought this advice was silly at the time, but look what happened! Walter was an eligible bachelor who must have been game for adventures, going from a single bachelor to a family man and father of three virtually overnight. Nine months later, Kevin was born and the family was complete. Kay and Walter were married for 44 years. They lived on the farm in Rolla until 1997 when they moved to Dawson Creek. Walter was known for the way he wore his Cap, with a distinctive "Rolla Tilt." He loved the farm and raising his family there. He not only worked on his own farm, he was always willing to help his friends and neighbors get their crops off, plow snow or help with whatever needed done. He never expected anything in return. Part of life on the farm was always having a dog, as Walt loved animals. His animal friends included Spud, Peanuts, Conn, Dusty, Nuku and the love continued with his "grand dogs." Once he moved into the city, he took up wood working as a hobby to keep his hands busy. He built beautiful clocks, trucks and toys for the grandkids. He also took up the habit of going for coffee at the Co-op to visit with his friends, reminisce about old times and stay current on local events. He and Kay took up bowling and golfing as wellthere were lots of hours to fill without the farm to take care of. Walter was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His face would light up whenever one of the kids were around, and he loved to tease them - though not too much. He had a good sense of humor, and he loved to tell jokes. He had an astounding memory and if you could get him talking, he was a great storyteller. He had a full life and lots of stories to tell, some of which contradicted his persona as the strong, responsible, silent type. Walter passed away peacefully at Rotary Manor on November 5, 2014 at the age of 86 years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Walter is predeceased by his parents, Alma and Gus, and his brother Allan. He is survived by his wife Kay; children Rick (Faith) Hall, Janis (Steve) Naylor, Sharon (Lloyd) Clease, and Kevin (Tyra) Henderson; nine grandchildren, Heather Hall, Laurena (Dave) Myers, Brian (Stacie) Naylor, Amy (Chris) Pocknell, Breena (Stephen) Beirnes, Tyson (Erin) Clease, Tanille Clease (Travis Jessen), Hudson and Rachel Henderson; and six great-grandchildren Jordan, Kamryn, David, Addison, Tristyn and Kendal. A celebration of life was held on November 12, 2014 at the Senior Citizen's Hall, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Walt, may be made by donation to the Rotary Manor Palliative Care Room in c/o South Peace Hospice Palliative Care Society, #3 929-106 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 2N9. Service 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Senior Citizens Hall 1101 McKellar Ave DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2S2 Interment Rolla Cemetery Rolla ROLLA, British Columbia, Canada