Walter Reuben Chesley, a resident of Quesnel for over 53 years, passed away peacefully at the Quesnel Hospice House September 14, 2009 at the age of 70, after a sudden and courageous battle with cancer.
Walter was born on September 29, 1938 in Shipman, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth of five sons born to Arthur LeRoy and Eunice Chesley. Walter’s early years were spent in and around Shipman, Prince Albert, and Molonosa, Saskatchewan. He later moved to Quesnel in 1956.
On his first day in Quesnel Walter met Pat Trueman. They were married in Quesnel at St. Andrews United Church on June 16, 1962 and were happily married for 47 years.
Walter worked as a pile driver operator with Peter Kiewit. He helped drive all the piling on the Old Cottonwood River bridge, as well as the bridge in Nelson, BC. He worked for many years as Parts Manager for the Ford Dealership in Quesnel and left in 1976 to begin working for West Fraser Mills. There he started in clean up and gradually worked his way up to a Millwright, Maintenance Superintendent, Mill Superintendent, and at the time of his retirement he was Superintendent of Special Projects. Walter retired from West Fraser Mills in November 2001. He enjoyed many retired days travelling, golfing and tinkering away in his workshop.
Walter’s funeral service was held at Clayton’s Funeral Home, Monday, September 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Teri Meyer officiating. Interment was at the Quesnel & District Municipal Cemetery. A eulogy of Walter’s life was given by his youngest brother, Bruce Chesley. Pall Bearers were Mike Chesley, Mark Chesley, Shane Hollowell, Brandon Chesley, Jordan Chesley, Kyle Chesley, Troy Chesley and Shawn Hollowell. Honorary Pall Bearer was Jeffrey Shane Walter Hollowell.
Walter is survived and remember by:
His wife Pat.
His children: Mike (Joyce) Chesley, Mark (Audrey) Chesley and Susanne (Shane) Hollowell.
His grandchildren: Brandon, Jordan, Kyle, Troy, Shawn, Breeanne, Shaylene and Jeff.
His brother: Herb (Irene), Ken (Edna), Don (Claire), and Bruce (Pat).
Brother-in-law Bill (Lis) Trueman.
Harley (his beloved little Dog).