a Very Special Person Walter Ellert
June 5 1932 ~ November 5 2007
For as long as I can remember back to when I was little, there was a family friend who just showed up on our doorstep every now and then to visit. This wonderful visitor became known to me as “Uncle Walter”. I was always excited to see him because he always brought treats. He always took the smallest kids up on his knee and told us stories about all his sweethearts and all his travels. He had a gruff voice and a strong accent. Uncle Walter adored children and we were all his sweethearts. Maybe he was my first impressions of Santa Claus?
When I grew up the surprise visits continued with my kids. They all loved the gummi bears!! He brought big chocolate bars too and he protected the kids from having parents seize ‘too many’ sweets! I remember once he showed up a few days before Chantelle’s birthday June 6th. We begged him to stay for a longer visit and surprised him with his own birthday cake on June 5th. We made his day and he was so happy. When he settled in our home town to retire, the visits continued with my grand daughter also.
He was very sick for a long time and we thought we would lose him a few years ago. Uncle Walter never seemed to have much for material possessions, but he had the biggest caring heart of anyone I know. He really knew the meaning of life and the most important thing was being with friends and family.
I think this Bible verse is so fitting for Uncle Walter. He was always surrounded by kids.
“But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14
**Rest in Peace Uncle Walter, Love You and Miss You Always!!**
Walter was born in Lakendorf Grosses-Werder, Germany – one of eight children of Freida and Otto Ellert. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 and worked in many construction jobs across the country. In the mid-sixties he settled in northern B.C. living in Stewart, Terrace and Dease Lake where he developed a passion for jade mining. Terrace became his permanent home upon retirement. He had many great adventures and many interesting tales to tell.
He is survived by his sisters Herta and Edith, his brother Kurt, nephew Rainer, nieces Gabriella (Gabi) and Birgit and their families – all in Germany.
There will be a brief informal gathering for those wishing to pay their last respects at The Royal Canadian Legion on Sat. Nov 17th at 1:00 p.m. Children are welcome until 3:00 p.m. when the lounge opens. He did not wish to have a funeral service and his ashes will be scattered in the mountains he so loved at a later date.
God watched you as you suffered
and knew you had your share.
He gently closed your weary eyes
and took you in his care.
Your memory is our keepsake
with that we will never part.
God has you in his keeping,
we have you in our hearts.
Nothing could be more beautiful
than the memories we have of you.
To us you were someone special.
God must have thought so too.
Walter will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his long-time companion Anita, his family, his ‘adopted’ families and many friends.
Miss Me – But Let Me Go
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 too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the times that we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.