It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Floyd Pritchett Sr. announce his peaceful passing on March 21, 2023.
Walter was born in Forsyth, Georgia on July 11, 1939.
He started his working career in the US Air Force. He spent several years at Miller Ridge in Manitoba as a radio communications officer. There he met the love of his life, Madeline Rose Ancel. They were married in Beausejour, Manitoba on February 21, 1960. Shortly after he was transferred to Wichita Falls, Texas. Walt Jr. and Joe were born in Wichita Falls, Texas and Carla was born in Forsyth, Georgia. After his discharge from the Air Force he worked for the Georgia Police Force, then at the Georgia State Correctional Centre as a guard, then as a security guard during the construction of the coal burning plant- Georgia Power.
In July 1976, Walter and Madeline decided to return with their family to Steinbach, Manitoba to start a new life. He was taking his bride back home. He started working with his brother-in -laws, The Ancel Brothers. Later on he worked at Loewen Chev olds, Hiebert Equipment and Birch Auto Supply.
His love of fishing and the outdoors pulled Dad and Madeline to Totem Lodge. They managed Caribou Lodge and they brought life to Wiley Point Lodge.
When Madeline's health started to fade, they returned to Manitoba. After Madeline passed away in 2000, he returned to Lake of the Woods and moved to Kenora, Ontario. He contributed his community life with him working at Canadian Tire and Lake of the Woods Headquarters. As you entered these locations, you would be greeted with his deep voice and his southern accent. He enjoyed sharing many a story.
While in Kenora he met Gloria Holmstrom. They married in Grand Forks in July 2013. Together they enjoyed many winters in sunny Florida.
He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and the people they became and their accomplishments.
He is survived by his second wife Gloria; his son, Walt Jr(Nicola), grandson Mason(Erica), great grandson Theon, and grandson Kaleb, son, Joe (Rhonda), step-grandson Matthew (Marina), children Remington and Isabella, and step-grandson Dustin, daughter Carla, grandson Bronson(Elizabeth), grandchildren Peyton, Silas and Sloane and granddaughter Naomi. Gloria's daughter Candy Holmstrom and son Carson.
He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings.
Thank you to the medical team in the Emergency Room and the 3" floor at the Lake of the Woods Hospital. The care and compassion shown to us by Dr. Cano and Char Melillo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society
A celebration of life for Walter will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Kenora, Ontario. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Walter will be laid to rest in Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Pritchett family.
