Walter Wesley Jaster

Walter Wesley Jaster
1933 ~ 2016
Walter was born in Lang, Saskatchewan on May 5th, 1933. He moved to Weyburn in January 1953 and began working at the Souris Valley Hospital. It was there that he met a student nurse, Bernice Olson, at a dance, and found they had far more in common than a love of dancing. They married in 1955, June 8th would have been their 61st anniversary. When asked to write down his favourite memory, Walt wrote that it was his wedding day. Walter and Bernice had two children, Carol and Gerald. Walter had a talent for carpentry and while at the Souris Valley Hospital he earned his first class carpentry papers. He also became proficient at lock smithing and key cutting. His desire to help people led him to join the St. John Ambulance organization, through which he took many first aid courses. He proved so capable at this that he was invited to serve for two weeks at Expo'67, celebrating Canada's 100th birthday. It was a great experience and one he deeply appreciated. Walt met Hank Hartenberger at the Souris Valley Hospital and took up boxing. He invited Bernice to his first bout, which he won. Bernice wasn't thrilled about boxing and, teary-eyed, she vowed, "You won't see me here again!" Walt's love for sports got him involved in hockey at Souris Valley Hospital (playing without a helmet) and, as well, became a good catcher at softball, later, becoming an umpire. Walt was a long-time and valued Associate member of Branch #47 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He took great pride in being Sergeant-at-Arms for the Color Party. He cheerfully served as a bar steward at the Legion, which also gave him the opportunity to meet new people. As well, he and Bernice served many meals at the Legion. In 1978 Walt bought a Piper Comanche, a lovely, fast single airplane he loved to fly. Many people went with him for a little flight. Special passengers were his much-loved grandsons. A skilled pilot, he earned his night-flying endorsement and was a member of the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association. For further relaxation, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends, sharing lots of good stories and good times. Given his skill as a carpenter, it's no surprise that he built a home in Weyburn for his family. In 1974, that home was sold and they bought a farm, and there Walt built yet another home. Always energetic, he continued working while at the same time, being a good farmer. In 1995, he and Bernice became "Snow Birds", spending 16 winters in Texas. Bitten by the travel bus, they travelled to Hawaii, Mexico, Jordan, Israel, and Egypt, throughout the United States and the Maritime Provinces, as well as an Alaskan cruise. About 6 years, June 4, 2010, Walt suffered a concussion when he fell off a ladder. He never fully recovered and had to go into long-term care, with the last 4 years spent in Tatagwa View. It's not the ending any of us would have wanted, but above all what we remember is his years of hard work, his deep love for his family, friends and life, his big smile, wonderful jokes and generous heart. Walter was predeceased by his parents, Ludwig and Olga Jaster; sister, Evelyn Wagner and son, Gerald Jaster. Walter will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Bernice Jaster of Weyburn, SK; daughter, Carol (Mark) McShane of St. Stephen, N.B and their family: Peter McShane (Maggie Scott) of Airdrie, AB, Patrick (Krysten) McShane of St. Stephen, N.B., Timothy (Patricia) McShane of St. Stephen, N.B. and Mark McShane of Portland, Maine, U.S.A. 11 great grandchildren; sisters, Elfreda Truelove & Marlene (Gary) Clews as well as nieces, nephews and friends. A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday June 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Honourary Pallbearers were Mark McShane Jr., Peter McShane, Patrick McShane, Timothy McShane, Mark Gregory and Barry MacTaggart. Donations in memory of Walt may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Tatagwa View, Wheatland Senior Centre or Royal Canadian Legion.

Arrangements entrusted to
Fletcher Funeral Chapel
Weyburn, Saskatchewan
306-842-5432