Walter Henry Theodore Schweitzer, resident of the Hythe Continuing Care Centre, formerly of Goodfare, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2017, in Hythe, AB, at the age of 88 years.

It is with sad hearts that the family announces his passing, as we reminisce fondly of his love for his family and how hard he worked throughout the years in providing for us.

Walter was born at home on the farm in the small community of Golden Spike, AB, on September 24, 1928. At a very young age, he began working on a threshing crew, then went logging, and also worked on some of the first drilling rigs in the Leduc area.

He married Helen Bucknell in 1951, and, after working in Uranium City, SK, and Hinton AB, on the construction of the pulp mill, he decided to join his older brothers and sisters up in the Peace Country and try his hand at farming. They then raised their family of 4 on some farmland purchased in Goodfare, AB.

Upon retirement from farming, they moved to Hythe, AB, then briefly to Hinton AB, where his beloved wife Helen passed away in 2008 after 56 years of marriage. After this, he continued his 10 year battle with dementia, residing for a time in the Hythe Pioneer Lodge, and then the Hythe Continuing Care Centre where he was well cared for until his passing.

He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and neighbours who loved and supported him all his days, right down to the end.

Walter is survived by his children: Brenda (Frank) Nicholson of Edmonton, AB, Roy (Erika) Schweitzer of Goodfare, AB, Debra (Philip) Kent of Edmonton, AB, and Denise (David) Chambers of Hinton, AB. He will also be missed by his 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at 1:30pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hythe and District Pioneer Home - Pioneer Place (Box 388, Hythe, AB, T0H 2C0).