MARYLAND, USA - Walter A. Schurman, 87, Sykesville, Maryland.
On April 16, 2011, Walter A. Schurman climbed into the cockpit of his single prop plane and took off to spend eternity soaring throughout the heavens.
Walter was born in New Glasgow, NS, on September 24, 1923 and graduated from the Nova Scotia Technical College as a machinist. He subsequently worked for Maritime Steel Company and Trenton Industries in that capacity. During WWII, he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the war, he pursued his love and got his pilot’s license. He then went to work for Gulf Flying Services, flying Royal Mail from the mainland to Pictou Island. In 1956, he moved to Braintree, MA with his wife Ruby (Ward) and daughter Sheila. There, his second daughter Elayne was born. The family then moved to, and spent many years living in, Weymouth, MA. In 1997, Walter and Ruby moved to Sykesvile, MD to live with their daughter Sheila (Leone) and her family. Walter’s two great loves were his family and his time in the air. His greatest pride was his 30 year medallion for sobriety and the people who helped him earn it. His favourite hobby was providing money to the states of Massachusetts and Maryland via their state lotteries. He loved his Boston Red Sox. As for the NY Yankees, let’s just say, he loved his Red Sox.
Walter will return to NS one more time where he’ll be laid to rest.
He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Ruby; his daughters, Sheila and Elayne (Watts); sister, Jean Carr; many nieces and nephews; and three grandchildren. All will dearly miss “Grandpa Pilot”.
A public graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 6, in Hillside Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Kenneth MacLeod officiating. Reception to follow in the First United Church Hall, High Street, Trenton.
Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca