Dr. Grettir Valdimar Kristjanson

1923 - 2018

Grettir Valdimar (Walter) Kristjanson, aged 94, passed away July 26, 2018 after a brief illness with family at his side. He left to join wife Betty the day before what would have been her 91st birthday.

Born in Winnipegosis to Icelandic parents on September 13, 1923, he was the sixth of seven children. His early years were spent on the family farm, followed by a move to Geraldton when he was 15. His first job was delivering carrier pigeons to the docks to retrieve information from the fishing boats on Lake Winnipegosis. He later worked summers prospecting and in Southern Ontario market gardens. He graduated from Queens Medical School in 1949. During his time as a student doctor, he met a young nursing student, Betty Heath, who was the love of his life. They married and spent the next 70 years together, and until the day he died he carried a photo of her as a 19-year-old nurse in his wallet.

A dedicated family doctor in Atikokan for fifty plus years, Walter was affectionately known as "Dr. K". Among his proudest accomplishments was delivering 1988 babies, plus one after retirement when he managed to turn around and safely bring into the world a little one who had decided to emerge leg first! Dr. K loved his patients and his community. At one point he worked 8 months without a day off due to the doctor shortage in Atikokan. He served as Chief of Staff at the Atikokan General Hospital for 29 years and was among the first to take on teaching young physicians in Northwestern Ontario with the Northern Ontario Medical Program. This eventually led to the current Northern Ontario Faculty of Medicine. As a family doctor, surgeon and Medical Officer of Health, there was seldom a Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas that he wasn't called out but he was always willing. Compassionate, non-judgmental and infinitely patient, he was a true humanitarian. He was thrilled when grandson Brodie chose to follow in his footsteps and become a rural family doctor as well.

In his personal time, Walter was a bird watcher, nature lover, loved fishing and enjoying time at his log cabin on Marion Lake. In his younger years, he excelled at wrestling, winning the championship while at Queens. As time marched on he followed quieter pursuits, becoming an avid gardener, photographer and an enthusiastic cribbage player. He was an accomplished artist and had good carpentry skills learned from his father. In fact he was pretty good at nearly everything he put his mind to except cooking, only getting the hang of using a microwave after his beloved Betty passed away. He was so proud of Betty's musical talent and loved to listen to her play the piano.

Walter is survived by children Gloria (Mitch Hagen), Eric (Rosemary), Stephen (Karen Pintar), Laurie Marshall (Terry), grandchildren Valerie Houston (Andrew Benson), Sylvie Houston, Paul Kristjanson (Alissa Sinclair), Allan Kristjanson, Kristjana Marshall and Brodie Marshall (Annie Grainger), brother Skuli (Florence), numerous nephews and neighbours Marilyn and Russ Dessere whom he considered family. He was predeceased by his sweetheart Betty, his parents Otto Kristjanson and Sigridur (Siggi) Kristjanson (Jonsdottir Borgfjord) as well as siblings and their spouses and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for Walter and Betty. If so desired, donations in Walter's honour may be made to his beloved Atikokan General Hospital.

Online condolences may be made through
www.nwfainc.com