Obituary of Wayne Douglas Walrath
It is with great sadness that today we said, “We’ll see you in Heaven, Dad.” Wayne Douglas (DUG) Walrath left his earthly home at 12:45 pm on Friday, July 9th, at his residence at The Hamlets of Red Deer, with his daughters Betty and Janice holding his hands and loving him on his journey homeward. We are so grateful that his son, Jerry could spend the prior day with him in person, and many family members visited on video conference over the days preceding. Dad was truly loved, and we will always cherish these final days with him as we remember his life.
Doug was born in Saskatchewan near Hawarden, in February of 1930 to John Lawrance Walrath and Minnie Isabel (Brown) Walrath. He was raised on the family farm, the second youngest of his six siblings: Rosalie (Tangeman), Marion (Larson), Marvel (Olson), John (Jack) Walrath, Leah (Kinney), and Betty (Reilly). His parents and all of his siblings have predeceased him and were awaiting his arrival in glory.
On June 27, 1950, Doug married his high school sweetheart, Edith ELAINE Nixon. Doug and Elaine met while attending boarding school in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Their faithful and enduring love carried them through 70 beautiful years together. Their example of unwavering commitment, and the beauty of two lives living as one, was undeniable. Elaine predeceased Doug on July 28, 2020.
After a very brief time serving a small church as a Pastor, Doug embarked on a life-long career in sales. He could sell anything to anyone, as he was likeable, believable, and always passionate about his products, from toothpaste and soaps with Colgate, to Tuck tape, real estate, and insurance. Elaine always supported him and was so proud of him through every hill and valley.
Doug was vibrant man with an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He had a wonderful sense of humour and could make people laugh, taking immense enjoyment in seeing faces light up at his witty and goofy songs, antics and comments. His greatest joy after Jesus, was his family: Brian Douglas Walrath, Jerry Lance Walrath, Janice Elaine Schultz and Betty Joanne Dearth, his 8 grand-children; Jonathan (predeceased), JoAnna, Andrea, Vanessa (Brian & Betty Walrath); Ben, Pamela (Janice & Marshall Schultz); Matthew, Katie (Betty & Steve Dearth), and his 14 great-grandchildren. There was nothing his family could do to disappoint him. If you asked him, he had the smartest, best behaved, most loving kids and grand-kids in the world. He taught us all the value of music and family, and we have enjoyed many times of singing as a family over the past 50 plus years. Doug exhibited unconditional and unending love to family and friends alike, and in return, he was loved by many.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Hamlets of Red Deer for the loving care for Doug over the past year since Elaine’s passing. He touched their lives as well, with his quick wit, kind and gentle heart, and his evening harmonica concerts. His favourite song to play, and he played it over and over, was “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.”
Dad, when your name was called you were so ready, and you answered with dignity and grace. We will miss you greatly, but we eagerly look forward to the day when we’ll meet you in Heaven, as you always prayed we would.
The memorials for both Doug and Elaine will be held on Friday, August 13th at 11:00 a.m. MST at CrossRoads Church, Red Deer County, Alberta. Interment will be held in a small ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Sunday, August 15th. Time TBD.
Condolences to Doug’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944