On Monday, January 25th, Ernest “Ernie” Joseph McKee Walter passed away at the age of 80.
Ernie was born in Saskatoon, SK on December 12, 1940, the second child and first son born to Ernest Hugh and Marguerite McKee Walter. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Lucille; daughters, Lisa MacCuish (Rob) and Hilary Calder (Sean); son, Michael Walter (Karla Loberg-Walter); grandchildren, Caitlin, Cameron and Mila MacCuish; Lauren and Marcus Walter; Marina and Courtnal Shenfield; and Hunter, Vivian and Easton Calder; and sisters Sharon (Donnie) Churchill, Ruth (Bob) Anstruther, Patricia (David) Willis, Debby Badger (Don), Noel Beauchamp (Dale); and brother, Tom, brother-in-Law Ned (Debbie) Bosnak; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers-in-law, David Willis, Bob Anstruther, Al McKinnon, and Donnie Churchill.
The Walter family moved from Saskatoon to Winnipeg and then to Paradise Valley, Alberta where Mr. Walter was given a teaching position, and subsequently became principal. Ernie’s mother Marguerite also taught at the PV School and all seven children attended. When his parents left PV in 1965, the county renamed the school The E. H. Walter School in honour of Ernie’s father. Ernie finished school by attending St. Anthony’s College, Edmonton, for his Grade 12 year. He always spoke so fondly of the Franciscans who spent so much time ensuring that the young men at the college completed school with the very best of fundamental education.
In 1959, Ernie entered the combined and accelerated B.A/L.L.B. program at the U of A, receiving his B.A. in 1963 and his L.L.B. in 1964. He articled with Brownlee Fryett and was admitted to the Bar in 1965. From 1965 to 1967, Ernie served as an Associate with the firm and his practice consisted of civil litigation along with municipal and administrative law. In 1968, he became a partner with the firm and remained in the practice for 27 years during which time; he specialized in administrative law, regulatory hearings, municipal law, and litigation. In March of 1984, Ernie was appointed as Queen’s Counsel.
Ernie’s people skills were his greatest gift. He always wanted to meet with others on their own turf and speak with them personally about their interests and concerns. Growing up, he had learned about farming and livestock when his father purchased a farm just outside Paradise Valley. As both an urban and a rural municipal lawyer, Ernie spoke the language of those responsible. When Ernie left Brownlee Fryett in 1992, the firm represented over 200 municipalities, roughly 2/3 of the municipal governments in the province of Alberta. And this was thanks, in large part, to Ernie’s devotion and efforts. Ernie’s partners described him as never being too busy to talk with a partner, an associate, a client, or a staff member.
In August of 1992, Ernie was appointed a judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta, Edmonton Criminal Division, an ambition he had had since he was a boy but especially since his early days at Law School. Shortly thereafter in May of 1996, he was appointed Assistant Chief Judge, Edmonton Rural Region. On May 12, 1999, he was appointed Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta. Upon completion of his term as Chief Judge, Ernie continued to sit as a provincial court judge until his retirement in December of 2015.
During his time as Chief Judge, Ernie helped bring about some significant changes to the Provincial Court, including the establishment of family protection courts and a drug treatment court in Edmonton, expansion of an early case resolution process, establishment of a specialized court on the Tsuu T’ina Reserve, extension of videoconference court appearances throughout the province, adoption of increased technology to enhance court scheduling, and commencement of the construction of a new Court facility in Calgary. Again, he did all this while still sitting regularly in as many Alberta courthouses as possible—his goal was to sit at least once in each location, a goal that he very nearly achieved during his years at Assistant Chief Judge and then as Chief Judge. He wanted to see each courthouse in action and meet with every individual judge as well as spend time with the Court Clerks and other staff. He wanted to hear the good and the bad on a personal level. He was so effective as a leader because he took the time to get to know everyone personally, and to what was working and what was not. He believed the relationship between the Minister of Justice and the Chief Judge had to be strong and open for the benefit of the courts and the province. He was instrumental in strengthening the Alberta Provincial Courts Judges Association and the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges believing that provinces needed to work together for the good of every province and territory.
Ernie was awarded the U of A Alumni Award of Excellence in 2001. For many years, Ernie was involved with fund-raising for the Friars’ Club of the Edmonton Archdiocese and for the Canadian Diabetes Association. For the latter, he worked for many years organizing the annual Flame of Hope Golf Tournament which raised many hundreds of thousands of dollars for the study and cure of diabetes.
Ernie married Lucille Bosnjak on July 18, 1964. They had three children and ten grand-children. Family meant everything to Ernie. He was devoted to his parents, and his siblings, making every effort to keep family ties strong. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He acted always in the best interests of his family. He stressed the importance of a good education and of being active in your community. He sacrificed willingly and with pleasure to spend time and bring joy to his family. He would gather the grandchildren around him and tell stories in which each one of them was some kind of hero. He would play their games with them. When he was with his kids and grandkids, he acted with genuine joy. They love him because he never lost “the child within”.
Ernie was the consummate host. “Have some more!” is recognized as his staple saying amongst his friends and family. “Let me fill your glass!” He truly loved to give. “Big Ern’s” heart was large.
The Walter Family annual hunting trip on Thanksgiving weekend in Paradise Valley went on for over 60 years with his son, grandchildren, in-laws, nephews and nieces striving each year to attend. Ernie again, was most concerned that all were happy and well fed on this annual adventure.
Travel was also a major passion for Ernie and Lucille and their children. His absolute favourite trips were those which included all the kids and grandkids and took them all to Croatia, the Maritimes and Disneyland. He loved his trips with family and friends always putting their wishes ahead of his own. He was blessed to have travelled to so many parts of the world and in each place made lifelong friendships
Ernie and Lucille built a cottage on Lac Sante in 1986 and it has always been a treasure for his family. Ernie would always stress to his children and grandchildren how blessed the family was to have such a sanctuary and to never take that for granted.
Sadly, Ernie’s retirement was interrupted by his illness. The two activities that he loved best—travel and socializing—were both severely curtailed. But his family is forever grateful that he had had such a full blessed life before this time. There is no doubt that he looks happily upon what he has accomplished in his life. He is fiercely proud of his family, his former law firm, the strong provincial court, and his many friendships.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Ernie’s name to the Alberta Diabetes Institute Donations Fund, University of Alberta, Office of Advancement, 3-501, 10230 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton T5J 4P5.
The Walter family wishes to send a special thank you to the team at Alberta Health Services Homecare for their support and guidance. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the devoted caregivers who were so professional, thoughtful and considerate in their care. Your caring and support for Ernie will be remembered always.
A service which will be live-streamed will be held at a date to be determined.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ernest Walter 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta