Obituary of WALTER HUNNIE

WALTER HUNNIE

January 7, 1931 – October 8,2022

On Saturday, October 8, 2022 our dear dad and grandpa passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Dad lived a full life with strength of character and determination. Born to Steve and Katherine Hunnie he was the eldest child and big brother to Ruth, Ed, Joe and Les. From a young man to retirement age dad had success in all his chosen vocations. He entered the Army Corps of Engineers serving in Germany from 1951 to 1954 performing work and exercises on roads and bridges, it was a coming-of-age experience. When he returned to Canada, he had the pleasure of learning the carpentry trade along side his father, Steve and years later he found his final and rewarding career as a stationary engineer at the University of a Manitoba power house. 

Dad was a family man, ever proud of his home with wife June and children Scott, Chuck and Tracy. He married June, the love of his life in 1954. He and mom were side by side for over 60 years and their love stood the test of time. Throughout the years Dad felt very blessed as the family expanded with his children’s marriages, grandchildren arriving and later the grandchildren’s partners. 

When he and mom retired dad felt that urge to return to the country life he enjoyed as a child so they moved to rural Manitoba at Lee River and later Beausejour spending many happy years in the great outdoors. When mom passed away in 2015 dad returned home to Winnipeg. We were glad to have him close to us once again so that we could care for him in his time of need.

Dad had a great sense of humour, an inquiring mind and loved having political discussions with friends and neighbours. He was an active volunteer in Provincial campaigns in the late 60’s and remained interested in politics for many years. Throughout his life dad challenged himself with new projects and he always finished what he started. With a love for building, woodworking, welding, concrete work, gardening, landscaping, decorating and even trying his hand at oil painting, he was a natural. Dad worked hard on the two homes he built in his lifetime; one in St. Vital and the other, his retirement home near the Lee River. We had many happy visits with dad and mom in those homes and now when we drive past them the memories come flooding back.

Dad had a wonderful life, rich in experiences and love.  Everything he achieved reflected his beliefs - put your heart into it, do it well and enjoy the process. 

Left to mourn are sister Ruth, brothers Ed (Olga) and Les.  Brother-in-law Leander Raae-Nielsen ( Evelyn ). Children Scott (Barbara), Tracy, (Elaine), grandchildren Steven (Jennifer), Georgia (Matt), Laura, Hilary (Kevin) and Blake. 

Walter is predeceased by wife June Hunnie, son Chuck Hunnie , son in law Gary Alards, brother Joe Hunnie ( Sonia ), ( Lorraine Hunnie ) , ( Hans Schmitt ) , parents Kathrine and Steve Hunnie and infant brother Russell.

We love you dad/grandpa, you will be in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. A private family interment will take place at a later date.