It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Walter Ivens announce his passing. He left us on December 14, 2003.
Walter was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1926 to Anne and Ivan. He had three sisters and four brothers. His sister Sandy, brothers Eli, Les and Lamont have survived their brother.
Ivens came to B.C. in the 1950s and worked in various capacities within the forest industry. In Williams Lake he worked for Lignum Ltd. and began working for the city in 1972. He retired in 1991.
Walter worked tirelessly in anything he did and for those in the Deni House.
His beloved Frona was a resident and after her passing in 1998 he continued to be a friend to all those still living there and to their families.
Walter was recognized by the city in 1993 as the Citizen of the Year.
He was a diamond in the rough, not too concerned with outside appearances and whose unique personality and quiet disposition brought strength, joy and inspiration to those who knew and loved him, for we thought of him as our citizen of the year every year.
Walter loved the outdoors and spent as many Sundays as was possible fishing at Felker Lake.
He said it was like being in paradise, quiet and beautiful.
Walter left big shoes to fill and as none of us alone can do what he seemed to find time to do himself we would ask that in his memory each and every one who knew and loved him to please do one thing for someone less fortunate than yourself.
Unconditional love and quiet selflessness was the trademark of this gentle man.
He will remain forever in our hearts for he not only touched our lives but he changes us by demonstrating what it truly is to be a humanitarian.
Thank you Walter ... son, brother, uncle, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.