On May 13th at about 12:33am our music died. No final dance, and no applause but much pride and sadness felt for a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and Friend.
Walter Crockett was the loving husband of Yvonne for 64 years. He was born in Trail B.C. the son of Harry (Shorty) and Kathleen Crockett the eldest of eight siblings.
At the very young age of 14, Walter started working full-time in Kelowna, loading gravel into dump trucks with a shovel. He quickly proved his worth as a hard worker and then was asked to drive the trucks, (without a driver’s license I might add). He made many lifelong friendships in Kelowna and still kept in touch with many of them. He was an employee of Cominco for over 40 years as a labourer in the lead smelter and then as a crane operator and iron worker. Walter built his own house and raised his family in Montrose where he still resided and had been a resident for 60 years. Walter was the local small engine repair guy, he repaired many lawn mowers and snow blowers, there was never a job he couldn’t tackle (well maybe the ones that arrived in a box in pieces).
MUSIC was his passion. He was a self-taught musician; whose talent was equal to none. No matter if it was the banjo, guitar, mandolin or the fiddle (as his children we remember well him learning the fiddle-oh my), he made the strings sing, as he did himself and he mastered them all equally well. Many people danced and enjoyed his music with his band the Rhythmaires, always with a Crockett boy drumming (either a son or nephew at his side) or just him strumming and singing for company in the backyard, front step or family gatherings. He entertained at Local 480 picnics for many years right up until last spring. He arranged food drives with the Old Time Fiddlers and had a key part in developing a summer fiddle school at Selkirk College. Amazingly he continued to play with the Rusty Nails alongside his bandmate and buddy Jack at numerous LTC homes in the area. And who could forget Granny D’s annual Christmas parties.
Walter struggled with a poor heart for years. As a strong man, it was a difficult path to follow, but with Crockett determination he maintained and did so with much grace and dignity. Walter loved his family and reached out to them often. His pride in the Crockett name will be carried with us all. He has taught us to respect and cherish family and friends; a lesson that he passed on to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His musical talents have also been passed to the next generations with so much pride.
Words cannot express how much we will mis him, his smile, his sparkling baby blue eyes, his humour and his guiding voice.
Walter is survived by his beloved wife Yvonne; his daughter Donna (Fred), sons Ron (Jo) & Steven (Alicia), His 10 grandchildren; Angie (Kevin), Bryan (Tracy), Danielle (Corey), Chelcy (Steph), Kyla (Marty), Dylan, Colton, Riley (Matthew), Caitlin (Zac), & Ryan; 8 Great Grandchildren Regan, Kayden, Caelan, Carter, Keith, Mackenzie, Nixon & Willow. Walter is also survived by his brother Lee, and sisters Irene & Doreen. Predeceased by his sisters Hazel, Kathy, and brothers Rod & Sid.
Days before his death, Dad kept telling me how proud he was of his family…. I reminded him that WE were so very Proud to be his children. I am very sure he is without pain and suffering and he is Playing music with his sons Bryan & Keith.
A very special thank you to Dr’s Heather Stefanison & Deanna Teichrob and Nurses Stacy & Sonja from Heart Function clinic, Dr Behrens, Dr Stanley for their care over the years. As well a thank you to Dr Houde, Dr Ceihal and Dr Foreman and the many nurses from KBRH that cared for dad the weeks before his passing.
A private graveside service will be held for Family and a Celebration of Walter’s Life will be held at a future date when restrictions for gatherings are lifted.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests as an expression of sympathy donations to The Walter Crockett Memorial Music Bursary, administered by the Kootenay Fiddlers; ℅ Sandra Milosevich, 1082 Parkside Rd., Castlegar, BC, V1N 4T7
As dad would always say
“Bye for now & Take it Gentle…Love you”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Walter Crockett May 13th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique
Our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to dear Yvonne and all the Crockett family and friends. Walter will be greatly missed by so many. There simply aren’t words to fully convey how we hurt for you and with you. We hope all the wonderful memories of Walter will bring you some solace during this very difficult time.
On behalf of my uncle Jack Wensley and myself, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love & hugs to all.
Unfortunately Grandpa it has come to this …. I remember when I first met you 24 years ago when your first Granddaughter Angie introduced me to you and that “bloody damn” handshake of yours. I knew at that moment you were solid and a man of his word. My most fond memories of you are the good conversations we always had at the dining room table – playing “Stinky Board” with the family – admiring your garden and “Sneaking a Cigarette” out back in the garage from time to time – when you would break out your Guitar, Banjo or Fiddle and start strumming the good Ol’ Country Tunes – the trips to Nelson – and the Family Reunions. I always enjoyed that we both connected being Tradesmen (you being an Iron Worker and myself a Millwright). We as a family tried to make our way down to the Kootenays as much as we could from Edmonton. I’m glad too that my kids as teenagers got to know their Great Grandpa GG’s as we refer to you and Grandma Yvonne. You were an incredibly strong man with your sensitive side. You always cried when you saw Angie during the times we came down for Summer or Christmas. It makes me sad that we were unable to see you during these trying times with “Restrictions” but now I’d like to say Goodbye and “God Damn!” you will always be “Gentle on my Mind”. Love ya Grandpa Walter.
Kevin Hugh