January 6, 1939 - February 24, 2025
In loving memory ~
Walter (Wally) Victor Dietrich was loved by his family, friends, and neighbours, and he loved them back wholeheartedly. He always looked forward to his Monday morning coffee group at Orchard Park Mall, dances at Rutland Seniors Centre (his dance card was usually full!), and lunches or visits with his neighbours.
He was generous with his time and attention but he could also squeeze a dime out of a nickel without blinking. Having said that, he once admitted to his son that he was happy spending a dollar to drive across town if it meant he could save fifty cents on a head of lettuce. It was the thrill of the hunt. Not that he would have done that for lettuce. Meat and potatoes yes...rabbit food, not so much.
Over the past few years, Wally became fond of saying, "I've had a good life". That life began 86 years ago on January 6, 1939 near Macnutt, Saskatchewan. He was the seventh of ten children. Around age 2 he went to live with his Aunt, Uncle, and two cousins (who also became brother and sister to him) in Roblin, Manitoba. He was just about twelve years old when he had his first job working in the Roblin General Store. When he was 17, he went diamond drilling up north. A few years later he moved west to Nanaimo, British Columbia, where he stayed with his sister, worked in a service station, then opened his own service station with a friend. During that time, he met Sheila, and they were married. They were able to save enough money to buy a nice piece of land near Nanaimo, where he and Sheila had their first child, Gregory. The family moved to 琉璃神社, and Wally earned his boilermaker ticket. He worked all over BC for many years, and made some lifelong friends along the way. Five years after Gregory was born, they had daughter Tracy.
Unfortunately Wally and Sheila were not destined to stay together and, after a number of years, they parted ways. However Wally would find love again more than once, eventually marrying Maxine, a childhood friend, in 1997. The couple lived a good life together, travelling to Europe with Tracy and her husband Cam and making an epic cross Canada journey in a camper van. As the years rolled on Maxine succumbed to illness and she passed away.
Wally settled into his golden years after that, following current events, dancing and spending time with friends and family. His niece Joan and her husband Bob were frequent guests at 'Hotel Wally'.
Wally Dietrich passed away in his home after a brief illness on February 24, 2025. His children and son in law were fortunate to be by his side at the end. He will be missed.
In honouring their loved one's wishes, the family will not hold a public service or gathering. They appreciate your understanding during this time.