Walter Eugene Draper

May 27, 2019
On May 27, 2019 Walter Eugene Draper passed away at Crest View Care Village in Creston, B.C. at the age of 93 years.
Walter was born in Lacombe, Alberta. At the age of 16 his family moved to Rossland, B.C. After graduating from Rossland High School he went into the military service. While training to be a radio operator in England, the Second World War ended. He then spent a year with the occupational forces in Germany. While there, he served with the Battalion Headquarters Company of the Canadian Scottish Regiment, 3rd Division.
After discharge from the service, he continued his education attending Victoria College, which later became the University of Victoria, and the University of British Columbia where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1950. He went to work for Cominco and then was transferred to West Kootenay Power Plant and Light. He met and married Jean Hiltz in 1954. Following the birth of their fourth child, the family moved to Creston, B.C. in 1968 where he accepted the position of Secretary - Treasurer of School District No. 86. In 1991, after leaving the School District, Walt was Secretary - Treasurer of the Erickson Improvement District and in 1996, he then retired.
Walt was a charter student for the Certified General Accountants' Associated of B.C. and he received his CGA certification in the year 1960. He was also a charter director of the East Kootenay Branch of the B.C. CGA Association.
Walt's mother was a pianist so he grew up loving music. In his early years, he was a member of the Rossland City Band. Upon retirement, Walt could be seen in attendance at practically every musical event in the Valley. He was a big supporter of the Creston Community Band, and anyone who could play the piano brought a smile to Dad's face.
Walt was also a member of the United Church of Canada since 1944 and he belonged to Trinity United Church since 1968. Over the years he served on various church boards and committees until he moved to Crest View Care Village in 2018.
Walter is predeceased by his wife Jean and daughter Mary.
He is survived by his three children Brenda (Don) Draper, Brian (Heather) Draper, and Ross (Linda) Draper; son-in-law Garry Husband; and three grandchildren Quinn Hanley, Ty Husband, and Cooper Husband.
Walt was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed.
A musical celebration will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11 am at Trinity United Church, 128 10th Avenue North, Creston, B.C.
Friends and family wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Spectrum Farms 849 Erickson Road, Creston, B.C. V0B 1G3