Walter P. Seidel

Walter went to be with the Lord on December 9, 2022, at the age of 97.

Walter was born to Maria and Friedrich Seidel in Rosen Germany on January 21, 1925. He grew up in Germany and joined the German Navy as a teenager during the Second World War.

It was during this time that he began his barber training which would become his main career focus in the future. After surviving the war and spending 5 years of unwelcomed time in a prison of war camp in Russia, Walter immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1954.

He met and married Sophie, his wife of 64 years in 1955. The family prospered in Winnipeg, where Walter opened a Barbershop at Polo Park Mall. His barbershop ran for many years and was quite successful. Walter had a very outgoing personality, so he quickly became well connected in Winnipeg with many friends and contacts. He also owned an apartment block where he rented suites.

His only daughter Alissa joined their lives when she was born in 1964. She was their pride and joy. Walter and Sophie were very social and had many friends and gatherings where they celebrated life and the life they built in Canada.

Once he sold his barbershop, Walter went into commercial real estate and was very successful. He retired in 1980 at the early age of 55 and moved to Kelowna, BC. He bought himself a hobby ranch and owned property in Vernon, BC where he was a commercial landlord.

Walter had many friendships he built in Kelowna and he and Sophie resumed their tradition of celebrating life and enjoyed travel. Their nights together at the German club in Kelowna were epic! Dancing, friends and fun.

In 2019, Walter lost his wife Sophie who passed on to be with Jesus at the age of 86. Shortly thereafter Walter moved from assisted living into long-term care.

Walter was blessed with Alexander, Tiana and Jessica as his Grandchildren. He also had the blessing of Great Grandchildren Madison, Ella and Bennett.

His eyes always lit up when seeing Tiana, Alex and Jessica and in his later years he became a very gentle soul with a great sense of humour. He loved to tell anyone who would listen that his Grandson Alex was a Doctor, and his Granddaughter Tiana was a Registered Nurse, he was very proud of them.

He enjoyed a very close relationship with his family.

At Cottonwoods and following Three Links Manor he was known for his winks and thumbs ups to the caregivers and nurses there.

He lived his life as a healthy, busy man and lived to an impressive age of 97. Unfortunately, he came down with pneumonia and at his advanced age was not able to overcome his illness.

Walter will be missed by Daughter Alissa Monaghan (Gary), Grandchildren Alex Monaghan, Tiana Schwab (Daniel), Jessica Baynton (Andrew), Great Grandchildren, Madison, Ella, and Bennett Baynton.

He is also survived by Sister Elly Sears (Gerald). His predeceased are Brothers, Erich and Heinz Seidel and Sister Margaret Folger.

Our family would like to acknowledge the kind and compassionate care that Walter received by Dr. Luigi Pavan and staff at Capri Medical. We also would like to thank and acknowledge the staff in the Emergency Department at Kelowna General Hospital. He also had incredible care from the staff and Three Links Manor. We will be forever grateful.

Condolences received by the family will be shared at a private family gathering to celebrate the life of Walter. He was loved very much and will be truly missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com for the Seidel family.