WALLACE HILDEBRAND February 10, 1928 – September 1, 2015 On Tuesday, September 1, 2015, Wally took his last breath on earth so that he could cast his line in the peaceful waters of the trout lakes in the sky. Wallace (Wally) was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Emmanuel and Lydia (Stickel) Hildebrand on February 10, 1928. He spent his childhood on the sunny streets of that small town before moving with his family to the Wetaskiwin area in his teens. His family started to farm just north of town but an accident to his mother led to a move into Wetaskiwin. In 1952 he knew he was lucky to marry lovely Lorraine (Johns). Wally was a tinkerer, interested in anything with a motor, and worked for Pahal Motors in Wetaskiwin until 1956 when he was lured to the Bonnie Glen Gas Plant. He was a licensed mechanic at the facility for 25 years. Wally and Lorraine built a home on Silver Beach at Pigeon Lake, and raised their family, worked with neighbours to build their community and made life long friends there. In 1979 the warmth of the Okanagan Valley called to Wally so he and Lorraine moved to the shores of Lake Okanagan in Westbank. For 35 years Wally and Lorraine welcomed family and friends to their beautiful home on the lake, volunteered for many church and community enterprises, and enjoyed the idyllic seasons of the valley. Wally was a great fisherman, a constant gardener, enjoyed country music and traveling, especially camping and loved anything with wheels. We lost count of the number of vehicles he possessed in his lifetime however we all knew where his true love lay; he sold his car when he married to buy a bed! He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a true friend. He will be missed. Wally is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine; children Judy and Ron Wiebe of Kamloops, Noreen and Don Odell of Red Deer, Karen Hildebrand and Dieter Sander of Kelowna, and Dale Hildebrand and Doreen Saunderson of Calgary; grandchildren Kristy Davies and Marcus Eriksson of Vancouver, Jason Davies and Sarah Rosenthal of North Vancouver and Sandra Davies and Paul Henderson of Campbell River, Andrea and Steve Swainson of Sylvan Lake, Erin Odell and Matt Morris of Red Deer; great-grandchildren Mio Eriksson, and Anne, Spencer, and William Swainson; sisters Gladys McConnell, Esther Dahms and Francis Steves and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Harry, son Rodney and great-grandson Stephen Jr. At Wally’s request there will be no service. His remains will be interred with his son Rodney in Wetaskiwin. His family wishes to thank his caregivers of the past years for their care and compassion. If so desired, donations may be made in Wally’s memory to Parkinson Society Canada. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC. 250-762-2299