WALTER FRASER DURNIN

Walter Fraser Durnin passed away July 2, 2009 in Ashcroft, B.C. at the age of 81.
Born in Saskatoon, Sask., Walter was the oldest son of Robert Wilbur (d. 1974) and Queenie Vashti (d. 1980) in a family of seven: Jacqueline Burch (d. 1994), Beth (Leon) Brandson of Selkirk, Man., Rodney of Ottawa, Ont., Robert (June) of Stratton, Ont., Frank of Ogema, Sask., and Judy Beer (d. 1996).
He is mourned by his wife of 51 years, Joyce (nee Persson); and children/grandchildren, Margaret (Emma, Alysa) of Cache Creek, B.C., Katherine (Francis) of New York City, N.Y., and Guy (Seth) of Cache Creek, B.C.
Son, Robert, predeceased Walter in 2001.
Walter began teaching in a one-room school after graduating, then attended one year at Dalhousie University before moving west with his family. He taught in northern and Interlake Manitoba, the Rainy River District of Ontario, and the Peace region in Alberta.
While working, he completed his BA and B.Ed., and advanced to become principal at many schools in the High Prairie School Division.
His career ended at the level of Superintendent of Fairview (Alta.) SD 1974-1982 and Northern Lights (Sask.) SD 1986-89.
We will always remember him for his wide-ranging interests and knowledge, his devotion to family, his story-telling on our many family trips across Canada, and his love of music and a good joke.
He chose to be cremated, and a family memorial will be planned in future.