Walter Harold Pritchard
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Walter Pritchard announce his sudden passing on December 13, 2016. Walter was born in Moose Jaw on December 2, 1928 to Edward and Ethel Pritchard and was raised in farming communities outside Moose Jaw. In 1952 he married the love of his life, Marjorie (nee Ellison). They always brought out the best in each other and have been marvelous parents to their five children. Walter loved people and could start a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed traveling, especially his five vacations to Wales; first with his dad in 1979 and later trips with Marjorie, some of his children, and even some of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed showing them the beautiful country and introducing them to his cousins. Family was very important to Walter and he never missed a family occasion, reunion, performance, or sporting event. Throughout their lives Walter and Marjorie grain farmed, first in the Moose Jaw area and later in the Cardross area. For 11 years they had a dairy herd. Walter enjoyed every aspect of farming, but his favourite part was working with his cattle and even last week dreamed of buying more cattle. In addition to farming, Walter worked for 21 years at CFB Moose Jaw as a Power Engineer (Fourth Class Engineer’s Certificate). Walter was a life-long learner and avid reader continually stretching his skills; he learned through Dale Carnegie classes, Toastmasters International, weaving classes, and stained-glass classes. He joined the Zion choir in his sixties. Walter thoroughly enjoyed music and was a beautiful singer. He shared his love of music with his family and the number of musicians in his family is a testament to his enthusiasm. He also became a ham radio operator and was a member of the local amateur radio club. He was a past-master of the Doric Masonic Lodge, having served as Worshipful Master in 1971. Over his life, Walter made important contributions to several organizations. He held leadership roles in both the Moose Jaw Hospice Association and the Saskatchewan Palliative Care Association and was a founding member of the latter. Zion United Church held a special place in Walter’s heart and he tirelessly gave his time and energy to maintenance projects, garage sales, food preparation, serving and clean-up and many other events and activities. He was a devoted volunteer for the Moose Jaw Speed Skating Club from its beginnings and served as president for several years. He was also involved with the White Hackle Pipe Band. Walter is predeceased by his parents; his brothers and their wives: Ed (Eileen), Phil (Jeannette), Bob (Noreen), and Kenny Pritchard; his sister and her husband, Madalene Dreger (Clem); Marjorie’s brother Jim Ellison; and great-nephew David Dreger. He is lovingly remember by Marjorie his wife of nearly 65 years; his children: Morina Rennie, Bev Pritchard (Eric), Kevin Pritchard (Val) Doug Pritchard (Aurora), and Joy Harris (Paul); grandchildren: Kate Dudek (Pete), Jim Rennie, Jack Rennie, Kendra Kittler (Tanner), Charlotte Harris (Kyle), Eva Rennie, Danica Pritchard, Logan Pritchard (Brittney), Daylan Pritchard, Liam Harris, Erin Harris, Kieran Pritchard, Andrew Harris; great grandchildren, Isla and Hugh Dudek; son-in-law Dick Rennie; sister Sharon Rya (Gary); and sisters-in-law: Birdie Pritchard, Greta Smith (Bill), Elizabeth Campbell (Earl), Donna Ellison; and several generations of nieces and nephews. A remarkable man has died. Walter’s greatness was not headline material; he did not have power, nor wealth, nor fame. His greatness was shown in ways that are far more important than that: the way he loved and accepted everyone just as they were and where they were; the way he took a genuine interest in what was going on in the lives of the people around him; the way he made everyone feel important and appreciated; the way he adored his family and made them his first priority. We will miss him. A Celebration of Walter’s life will be held Wednesday December 21, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Zion United Church 423 Main Street North Moose Jaw. Reverend Doug Hallman will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zion United Church. In living memory of Walter, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Dayna Smith-Short - Funeral Director