Blanke, Walter Paul Henry Blanke, 83 years of age of Swift Current, passed away Feb. 18, 2014 at the Cypress Regional Hospital. The funeral service was held at 2:00 pm, Feb. 26, 2014 from First United Church with Captain Michael Ramsay and Reverend Sharon Ferguson-Hood officiating. The soloists were Kathy Grant and Al Metivier. Eulogy and readings were given by daughters Evelyn Bowman, Clare McNab, Jean Sulzer, and Paula Ostapowich. Ushers were Bradley Paul and Russell Paul. The interment service was held at Mount Pleasant Burial Park. The active pallbearers were Joshua Ostapowich, Ryan Bowman, Kurtis Bowman, Jim Blanke, Brian Blanke, and Ron Martin. Honorary pallbearers were Peter and Jacquie Jacques, Ron and Sandy Lang, Gord Budd and Irene Nelson. Walter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cecile, and children, Evelyn (Wayne Bowman), Paul (Ruby Wilson), Gary (Linda Gloeckler), Clare, Jean (Gary Sulzer), and Paula (Grant Ostapowich). He has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ryan Bowman (Alisa) and daughter Jaya; Kurtis Bowman (Abbee) and Isaac, Laney, and Zoey; Tammy (Shane Castle) and Bodie, and Justin; Jason Blanke (Sarah Boyd) and daughter Brooklyn, Jennifer (Dennis Caine) and Hailey, and Colby; Jocelyn (Adam Sia); Meagan (Sean Sutherland); Robert Gillies (Lisa); Bryana McNab (Conrad Couture) and Hollis; Genevieve McNab (Darren Dyck) and Declan; Joshua Ostapowich (Jill Chomyn); and Jessica Ostapowich. He is also survived by his sister Martha Wymer. Walter is predeceased by his parents, Henry & Martha (Pyper) Blanke; his godfather Henry Fricke and godmother Freda Henning, uncle Ernest Blanke (Sophie), his siblings, Gertrude (Cyril King), Verner (Ona Hall), Eric, Alice (Henry Swartz), father-in-law Maurice LaRocque and mother-in-law Lena (Paul Anderson), brother-in-laws, Fred Wymer, Lawrence LaRocque (Rosemary Rushoway), Louis LaRocque , Jerry LaRocque, Robert Anderson, Gordon Sadlier, son-in-law, David Lilley, nephew Ken Blanke, niece Donna Rumbold, great niece Gayle Whetstone and great-nephews Robin Blanke, and Larry LaRocque. Walter Paul Henry Blanke was born in Swift Current Hospital on April 28, 1930. He was the youngest son of Henry and Martha Blanke. He attended Spring school, St. Joan of Arc Academy, and Luther College in Regina. He also attended one year of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Walter married Cecile LaRocque on July 21, 1951 in Swift Current. They had six children, Evelyn, Paul, Gary, Clare, Jean, and Paula. The first years of their marriage, they lived with Walter's mom and dad on the homestead south of Swift Current. In 1954, Walter purchased a farm in the Lac Pelletier valley and moved the family there. He had a mixture of farming, hay land, pasture land and cattle, milk cows, pigs, chickens, sheep (for a while), cats and dogs. He supplemented his farm income with employment in Swift Current, welding/painting at McIntyre Manufacturing and building elevators and homes with Zac's construction during the winter months. After the kids left home, he struggled to keep everything afloat. Walter made a decision to leave the farm and passed it along to his daughter Jean. He worked at several jobs, including UGG elevator in Palmer and Glenbain, grocery manager at the Co-op in Vanguard, and general manager at the Co-op in Margo. Finally, he was hired at the Drumheller Institution as a Correctional Officer. He worked as an Officer for 15 years until he retired when he turned 65. After retirement, Walter continued to work as a Commissionaire, working with the RCMP in Drumheller, and then at the Palliser Hospital in Swift Current until he was 75 years old. After leaving the farm, Walter moved several times, and relocated to Drumheller for work. After retirement, he returned to Swift Current in 1999 where he resided until his passing. He was involved in the community most of his life. He was a caller for Square Dancing in the Bissell and Simmie area, and assisted to teach young people to square dance. He played ball in the Lac Pelletier league, and was president for several years. He played hockey with Reg's Rebels in Simmie. He was an Elder in the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, and assisted in the building of the new church on the south side. He was an associate member of the Association of Métis and Non-Status Indians for many years. He led the development of Legal Aid Services in Swift Current, resulting in the opening of a Legal Aid Office. He was a member of Lions Club in Drumheller for many years. Walter and Cecile continued square dancing for 40 years in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Walter lived a full life, working to help others where he could. He was a generous person with lots of love to share. He will be cherished by his wife, family, and many friends. Donations can be made to the Prairie Dog Métis Local #1.2.3., 780 8th Ave. N.E., Swift Current, SK., S9H 2R5. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 306-773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.