Walter Harold VanGrootheest

Walter Harold VanGrootheest passed away peacefully at home with his wife Rose at his side in the early afternoon of March 23, 2024, at the age of 62. Walter was born on December 19, 1961 in Orangeville, Ontario to Walter and Tina (Wildeboer) VanGrootheest. He was the second youngest of 7 children. He moved with his family in 1967 to Smithers, BC and they settled near Seymour Lake.
Like all the other boys in the family, Walter began his working career as an employee of Walter’s Welding working for his dad. Shortly after graduation he decided to move into a different trade and became a Heavy Duty Mechanic.
In 1985, Walter’s mom passed away from cancer and sometime later his dad was remarried to Dorothy, a widow from his church. He always missed his mom, but he treasured Dorothy very much.
On July 8, 1988 he married Rosalie Groen and together they developed their property on Cote Road where they both lived until he passed away. They were blessed with two children, Wally (Walter) in 1990 and Kelsey in 1992.
In 1994, Walter was diagnosed with MS. At home, he raised his children, cooked, baked, did wood working projects, raised chickens and read countless books. As his body got weaker, he slowly lost his ability to do many things. He spent many years in a wheelchair but was able to get out each day picking up his kids from school and frequenting Tim Hortons. Walter was able to serve time on the school board and orchestrated all the volunteer labour for the renovation of the new Smithers Canadian Reformed church building in 2006.
Although his sickness took away physical strength, his mind was still very sharp and his memory incredible. Over the years he settled many disputes and solved many problems. He renovated his home multiple times in his mind before two boards were nailed together. Then he watched from a lawn chair across the yard as it was done.
Eventually Walter was house bound, living his days in his chair and required much help for everyday needs. Walter endured his illness and health struggles with much patience. In 2020 he was diagnosed with Leukemia. In all things he declared, “Thy will be done.” The Lord graciously sustained him day by day. All who knew Walter were blessed by his quiet strength and his great sense of humor. He never wanted attention and was never one to complain.
Through it all, Walter was lovingly cared for and supported by his dear wife Rose.
Walter attended both of his children’s weddings and was blessed with 5 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. They were a special joy for him, a real gift in his later years. His grandkids never saw his condition, just simply loved him as he was, and their visits always brightened his day.
Walter will be dearly missed by his wife Rose, his son Wally (Kaitlyn), their children Nadia, Emma, Lynae, Amy and Titus and daughter Kelsey (Cory) and their children Camilla and Travis.
He will be missed by his siblings Gerry, Ann (Ralph), Sonja (Albert), Ron (Dawn), and Sharon (Dale), by his wife’s family, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Dorothy, sister Belinda, and sisters in law Judith and Tolliena.
We will deeply miss our husband, father, and grandfather, but we are comforted in our loss knowing that Walter is freed from his suffering and is now living at peace with the Lord. We would like to thank all who helped care for him, whether friends, church family and especially his wonderful Home Care workers who were like his second family.
 

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