Obituary of Art Walger

Art  Walger

(November 30, 1934 - May 24, 2019)

Art  Walger of Bittern Lake, Alberta, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the age of 84 years.

Art, born November 30, 1934, to Alexander and Helen Walger, came to the south Bittern Lake area at the age of one and lived his life’s calling of farming and raising his family in the area.  On May 4, 1957 he married Hazel Johnson who was his dedicated partner for over 55 years until her passing on December 22, 2012; and to this union four children were born.

He attended school at the Roseland school west of Bittern Lake and then the South Bittern Lake school at the original site of the Village of Rosenroll which had relocated to form the current Village of Bittern Lake.

He enjoyed serving on the Village of Bittern Lake Council as a Counselor and as Deputy Mayor with Mayor A.J. Martin, Treasurer George Butcher and Councilor Gordon Hagstrom.  He was pleased that the Village was able to pave its roads, install street lighting and construct a municipal wastewater system while being debt free.  He also volunteered with the Bittern Lake community hall and the assisted with the original playground.

Art was an industrious farmer who believed in hard yet productive work and honest sweat.  He was an exceptionally hard worker, persistent and optimistic….such as “we will get rain” or “it will work out”.  He lived and enjoyed farming the land to grow crops as well as ranching where he cared for livestock; especially his herd of beef cattle.   The land was highly regarded for the cycle of life, farming and the continuity of the family.  To have dirt on one’s hands and face was a reward.  

He also expressed his craft and joy of working the land in non-stop care of expansive lawns, hedges, flower beds and his vegetable garden up to the end of his life.  He stayed true to his calling where he planted flowers only days before passing.   Spring was the time of renewal starting with calving season and then the big push of seeding the crops in May.   He married in May and passed away on May 24, 2019.  Some of his last words to family were instructions to leave his side at the hospital and go home to seed the crop.
Art had an inviting smile, a welcoming and kind personality and was a story teller.  He could talk with neighbours for hours unless it was seeding or harvest.  When the work was done, however, there was catch up visiting time.  He was also a genuine jokester which over the years his family experienced especially his nephews, nieces, children and grand-children.

Left to cherish his memory are children Debra (Ron), Robbie, and Ricky (Karen); six grandchildren Jaron and Derrick Wensley; Janessa and Lenay Walger; and Kaylyn and Graham Walger along with five great-grandchildren. 

A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., June 3, 2019 from the Camrose United Church, with Rev. Mary Ann Pastuck officiating.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Art's memory may be made to the Camrose United Church, or to the charity of one's choice.