WALTER HERBERT WHITLEY AVIS

It is with deep sadness that the family of
Walter Herbert
Whitley Avis
announce his passing on
Tuesday December 23, 2014
at 86 years of age.
He was born in Fort Frances, Ontario to
Walter and Elizabeth Avis on April 20th, 1928.
Walter is survived by his wife Shirley, sons Jim (Andrea), John (Yatne Betharte) of Edmonton/Cuba, his grandchildren Branda (Mitch) Christoffersen, Scott (Nicole) Avis, his brother Brian (Mona) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents Walter and Elizabeth, his sisters Annie Mathews and Winona Tierney, his brothers Syd, Allan, Percy and their spouses.
He enjoyed his early working years with the CNR and The Fridge, where he developed a love for mechanics. This led him to open Midway Marine which he owned and operated for 10 years. He was a talented marine mechanic, and enjoyed interactions with customers and friends. Following Midway he joined the team at West End Motors where he worked until retirement.
Walter lived a full, long and happy life. He was united in marriage to Shirley Williams in 1951. Together, with their two sons, they built their cabin in Swell Bay, on Rainy Lake. Many great years were spent at the cabin fi shing, building, relaxing, fi xing (The Scubouy), and enjoying a cold beer. He cherished the hours he spent with his grandchildren at the lake. Visitors were always welcome and together they enjoyed the company of family, friends and annual parties. He spent countless hours entertaining young and old alike on the cabin piano.
Walter was an accomplished curler and loved all aspects of the “Roaring” game. The bonspiels of the 60’s and 70’s are legendary and he enjoyed being involved. His ultimate curling achievement was representing Northwestern Ontario, and wearing the “Moose Crest”, at the Senior Men’s National Championship in 1986.
The camaraderie of his morning coffee crew gave him great joy. His friends gathered each morning in his garage to exchange fi sh tales, lies and other general BS.
His Late-Night-Talk Show humour, musical talents and unpredictable antics will be remembered and missed by everyone. The district has truly lost a “Character”.
“Thanks for the music Dad!”
Cremation has taken place, and a private interment is planned. We welcome you to a celebration of Walter’s life on Saturday January 10th at the Fort Frances Curling Club between 2 – 4 pm. Please come equipped with stories to share. He would surely approve if his friends were to hoist a glass in his memory. If you feel inclined, you can make a donation in Walter’s memory to the Fort Frances Curling Club, Box 27 – 300 8th Street, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M5.