Obituary of Walter McNary

Walter Leroy McNary of Camrose, formerly of Bittern Lake, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the age of 90 years. Walter, born January 4, 1927 in Camrose, Alberta to Elmer and Edith McNary, pioneers of the Bittern Lake District where they lived and farmed under homestead conditions. Walter had one sister Dorothy McNary. Walter graduated from Vermillion School of Agriculture and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Alberta. After graduation, Walter married Myrtle Bond who has been the light of his life for sixty-six years. Walter had an illustrious career has held many positions with the Alberta Government including Assistant District Agriculturist, District Agriculturist, Regional Director in the Peace River Country and Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Agricultural Development. Walter played roles in developing many programs such as the Surface Rights Board, Co-operative Activities Branch, Ag. Service Boards and Ag. Societies and represented Alberta at several national meetings. Throughout his working career and afterwards he also spent many years operating the family farm in Bittern Lake. In his later years, Walter was instrumental in developing McNary Hills Estates on a portion of the family land, where he was close to the large family he adored. He was always coming up with one invention and or idea. Walter was also very community involved and found time to volunteer on numerous Boards and Committees. Left to cherish his memories are his wife Myrtle; children W. George, Rick, Charles (Franca), David (Kathyrn), Ian (Valerie), Stuart (Connie), Greg (Mimmo), and Kathy (Rob) Gibson; twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-two great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Edith McNary; and sister Dorothy McNary. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2017 from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Jacques Vaillancourt officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Rosenroll Cemetery, Bittern Lake. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Rosenroll Cemetery Fund, Primates World Relief Fund Anglican Church, or to the Battle River Community Foundation.