February 23, 1929 - June 13, 2018
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our very dear father, Milton Waechter. Dad was born on a farm in Heisler, Alberta on February 23rd,1929.
He was the 2nd of eight children born to Eugene and Elizabeth Waechter. After spending several years on a farm in St. Lina, Alberta, the Waechter family moved to Abbotsford, BC. As a young adult, dad set out to northern BC to gain employment as a faller and a fisherman. He was falling in Prince Rupert when he met our mother, Kathleen Danes. The couple moved to Sointula, BC in 1959 and had three children, Cheryl, Martin and Shane. These were some of the happiest times in our dad's life. Dad was a first class faller and proud of it. He fell timber for various logging companies in Port McNeil, BC until he retired at the age of 65. Dad was an avid outdoors-man and he regularly traveled to northern BC to hunt moose. During the years he lived in Sointula, he produced huge gardens and raised livestock that fed the family every year. He built the family home in Sointula and his carpentry skills were second to none. He was the hardest worker I have ever met. His hands were never idle.
After our dad's relationship with our mother ended he met Dawn Bryden in 1985. The two moved to Coombs, BC and bought the "Quite Suddenly" farm where they raised cattle and other livestock together. Our father loved animals and that was a passion that he and retired veterinarian, Dawn Bryden shared. They lived together in Coombs until Dawn's death in 2006. With the help of his son Shane, dad continued to live on the farm until the day he died. The family is forever grateful to Shane for the care and love he extended to our father in the final years.
Dad was predeceased by his partner, Dawn Bryden; his parents, Elizabeth and Eugene Waechter; his siblings, Mervin Waechter and Georgina Gropp; his nephew, Bruce Waechter; and two brothers-in-law, Lloyd Gropp and Randy Rickwood. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Aro (Genevieve Robinson), and his sons, Martin Waechter, and Shane Waechter (Maggie St. Onge).
He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Graham Aro (Dan Dan), Veronica Rose Waechter, Linnea Waechter and great granddaughter, Schala Tao Aro. In addition, dad is survived by his brothers, Alvin Waechter (Terry), Roland Waechter (Molly), Dennis Waechter (Pam); his sisters, Celine Zender (John) and Marie Rickwood/Fenton (Val); sister-in-law, Margaret Waechter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friends, his dogs Toady (Pug) and Oscar (German Shepherd).
We will all remember Dad and miss him forever. He taught us so many things and we will treasure his memory. A funeral mass will be held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, 887 Wembley Road, Parksville, BC on Saturday July 28th at 2 pm. A reception will follow at his sister Marie's home in Nanaimo, BC.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca
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