WALTER PETERS

A much-loved father and grandfather, Walter Peters, 95, of Rainy River, Ont., passed away Monday July 25, 2005 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River.
Walter was born Feb. 5, 1910 in Rainy River to Carl and Anna Peters. The family moved to Blue Township when he was just an infant, where he resided until moving back to Rainy River in recent years due to health problems.
In 1935, he was united in marriage to Winifred Ann Tobin and together they settled on his newly-purchased farm.
Walter was involved in the founding of the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Blue Township and served there as minister for many years. He also was involved with the Sunday School and youth groups. Many local residents remember fondly their time with him.
Walter also was one of the founding members of the Gideon Bible Society in Rainy River District.
After retiring, he worked on the farm, turning the house and barn into a “museum” and chapel where many people stopped to visit.
He loved music, and played many instruments. Walter also enjoyed visiting with friends and family, and was always encouraging to others.
He was predeceased by his wife, Winifred on May 20, 1980; brothers, Henry, Carl, Alfred, and William (in infancy).
Walter leaves behind his children, Gordon (Cathy) of Emo, Ont., Edith (Peter) Tarling of Parry Sound, Ont., Willard (Enid) of Sleeman, Ont., Phillip (Rosella) of Red Deer, Alta., and Alvin (Leslie) of Winnipeg, Man.; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Friday, July 29, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Rainy River, with Pastors Gord Armstrong and Mark Mast officiating.
Monty Svinsky (cousin of Walter) played the prelude to the service. Willie and Rhoda Longenecker, some of his favourite singers, honoured him in song.
The pallbearers were his grandsons, Derek Tarling, Gordon, Keith, Dean, Gary, David Craig, Steven, and Calvin Peters.
The honourary pallbearers were his grandchildren-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who formed an honour guard for him after the service and at the grave site.
Family members came from as far as Houston, Tex., British Columbia, and Toronto, Ont.
Internment took place in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River.
It was requested that in lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations be given to the “building Fund” of the Rainy River Evangelical Covenant Church or the Gideon’s.