Walter J. Cunningham

Walter was born April 1 1932 in Victoria BC. He died in his home amongst family December 30 2022 in Victoria.

Walter shared endless adventures on land and sea while growing up with his brothers and sister in Esquimalt. Whether it was floating on a log far out into the Esquimalt lagoon or sleeping in the forest of Saxe Point Park on a stormy night Walter embraced the thrills of being part of his community. He would run with his friends playing soccer and murder ball. He would run to school. He would run to the trolley car where he would give the conductor two pop bottles and get a ride. Walter would work for the neighbours for a day stacking firewood or doing yardwork and earn .25 cents. That was enough to buy some boiled shrimp and go to the theatre for the day. Walter confessed he sometimes would throw the shrimp heads from the balcony down to the heads of the girls below. He and his pals would erupt in laughter.

Walter carried his thirst for adventure into the military. He served post WW2 in the army and air force. He loved to share his stories of seeing the people and places of Europe. Danger was also close by as he was grazed by a bullet, and just about fell down into the drive sprocket of a Sherman tank.

Later Walter returned to Victoria and met his wife Norma. They grew a family of Kathleen, Rhonda, and Mike.

Walter loved his family and had a blast with his grandkids. He relished every opportunity to share his stories, tell a joke, or offer some sage life advice to someone that needed some direction. Walter also enjoyed listening to the adventures of his loved ones. He appreciated hearing about someone’s day at work, shopping or trip to the fishing hole. His attention was always felt.

Walter Cunningham was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many people at the time of his death. He is deeply missed but will never be forgotten. Walter had a living faith in Jesus Christ and is now enjoying his great reward.

John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.