Walter Stoneman was born on August 10, 1949 in Drumheller, Alberta to parents Clarence and Marjorie Stoneman. He grew up on the farm near Morrin, learning from his dad how to care for the land and the animals. Walter was very active in sports at Morrin School, participating in volleyball, basketball, and baseball.
After graduation, Walter studied agricultural mechanics at SAIT in Calgary. Upon completion of the program, he came home to Morrin and then relocated to his new farm in the Rumsey area. The following year, on March 14, 1970, Walter married Judy Todor, his high school sweetheart. Together they became the proud parents of two children: Stacey and Darren. Supporting education, interests, and dreams of his children, and later his four grandchildren, was Walter's top priority.
Walter and Judy ran a mixed grain and cattle farm in Rumsey and Morrin, together with Walter's dad, until Clarence's passing in 1976. Later they also farmed Judy's mom's land at Two Valley View. When they began to retire from grain farming, Walter got a job at the Stettler Auction Mart where he worked until 2013.
Walter really enjoyed the social aspect of working at the Auction Mart. He loved a good visit and always had time to stop and chat.
Both in sports and service, Walter was very active in his community. Summers he played ball with the Morrin Giants and the Scollard team. In the winter, he and Judy curled in Rumsey. Darren and Walter team-roped at the Ewing Lake Roping Club. Walter was also one of the leaders of the Big Valley 4H Beef Club.
For 23 years, Walter served as Chairman of the Big Country Gas Co-op. He was also president of the Rumsey Ag Society Board. On the Special Places 2000 Committee, Walter also served as the Starland County Agricultural Representative and helped form the Tolman Badlands Ranchers Association. He was also instrumental in organizing the Rumsey S.T.A.R.S. trail ride.
Walter passed away suddenly at home on Friday, January 21, 2022 at the age of 72 years. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Judy; daughter, Stacey and grandchildren, Bee and Sean; son Darren, his wife, Karrie and grandchildren Corbyn and Blake; sister, Jane Kenney (Dewain); brother-in-law, Mike Todor (Carol); nieces Becky, Melissa and Selena; nephews, Mark and Pat; and a host of extended family, friends and neighbors.
Walter is predeceased by his parents, sister, Anna May Babcock, and mother-in-law Helen Todor.
A Memorial for Walter will be held in the spring.
For those who wish to make a donation in honour of Walter, it may be made to one of the following: Rumsey Ag Society, Box 60, Rumsey, Alberta, T0J 2Y0,
Parkinsons Association of Alberta, 120 6835 Railway St. SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 2V6
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services