Walter Beland

Walter S. Beland passed away at home on Nov. 27, 2020, with his family by his side.

He was born on Feb. 21, 1932, in Benafait, Saskatchewan, to Michael Beland and Justine Wok. He was the youngest of three children, sister Sophie and brother Ernie. He moved around a lot in his early years with his family before they settled in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He was an active member of his church, head of the youth group, in charge of the activities and dances.

He met and later married his love of 63 years, June M. Burch, on June 15, 1957, at St. Cyril Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Catherines, Ontario. In 1963 they moved to Southern California where he worked at the boat yard in Newport Beach before starting his career as a boilermaker with Atlas Tank where he worked for 20 years before retiring in 1994. He was a hardworking man who is now at peace. He moved to Kalispell with his wife in 2004 to join his son Jim and daughter Vicki who already lived here. He was always saying how he wished he was younger when he moved here because there is so much to see and do.

He loved to read, go camping, going dune bug riding in the desert, going on drives to unknown places with his son Jim, but his most memorable pleasure was listening and singing to his records. When you walked in the room while he was listening to them you would hear him singing or whistling away to the music. We will cherish those memories.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandpa/papa.

He is survived by his loving wife, June; three sons, Jim Beland and lady Lael, Ken Beland and wife Lisa, Tim Beland and wife Teresa; daughter Vicki Franklin and husband Rod Franklin; daughter-in-law Mariane Beland; seven grandkids, Brittany Ballard and husband Boyce, Brandon Beland, David Beland, Dylan Beland, Bryce Franklin, Blake Franklin and Gracie Beland; sister-in-law Marlene Sheremetta; nephews Edward Medwig and wife Minnie, Michael Medwig and wife Lucy, Tommy Beland and wife Giselle, Anthony Sheremetta; nieces Patsy Batrynchuk and husband Roy, Debbie Burch and Bruce, Deanna and Mike, Cindy Genereaux and Beverly Sheremetta; godfather to Nick Swirski and Laurie Kerling; numerous great-nieces and -nephews, extended family and friends.

He was a beautiful soul who was loved by all who knew him … he will live in our hearts always. May you rest in God’s eternal peace.

Your wings were ready but our hearts were not. Until we meet again …

A service will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Kalispell, Saturday, April 24, at 9 a.m.

We want to thank Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory for caring for the family.