Walter Harry Hagborg

Obituary

Passed on December 23, 2019

July 8, 1939 – December 23, 2019 Walter wanted me to let you know that he heard there was some need for wheelchair ramps and stairs elsewhere, so he volunteered to go. He was born July 8, 1939 and departed on December 23, 2019, in Stonewall Hospital at peace. Cancer finally won, even though he largely ignored it and lived his life on his terms. He was predeceased by his parents Harry and May Hagborg and brother-in-law Clive Campbell. Surviving to remember his impact on them are his wife Isla (57 years), son Robert (Renee), grandsons Alex (Claire), Marshall (Natalie); daughter Bonnie and granddaughter Jasper; sisters Edie (Carl) Simonson, Elaine (Larry) Gusta and sisters-in-law Lorna (Doug) McDonell and Jean Campbell as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Home was Meadows, Manitoba – first with his family and then his wife Isla after their marriage on May 5, 1962. They spent 30 years building their farm “Mallard Acres Ltd”, and he loved every moment he was on the farm. He was happy to be part of the Meadows group who rebuilt the Meadows Hall in 1972. They had two children Robert and Bonnie – a mixed curling team! Walter was extremely proud of them both and was happy to see them achieve success in their professional careers. In 1990 the decision was made to liquidate the assets and retire. Since his children had grown up and left home, he decided to join the Big Brothers of Winnipeg. During the next 15 years he mentored 2 wonderful young boys. He enjoyed every minute he spent with them and was proud to attend their high school graduations. With the arrival of two grandsons he turned his attention to them, sharing his love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting and making projects in his Woodworking Shop. The arrival of granddaughter Jasper completed the family. He enjoyed her participation in Highland Dancing and was proud of her academic success. All three of them were special to him – his wish is for them to be contributing citizens and to enjoy successful careers. In 1996 he and Isla moved to their dream retirement home in Warren. Being retired gave him the opportunity to volunteer full time as well as enjoy some travelling – he spent 25 years enjoying winter sunshine in Arizona where he quickly made new friends and was loosely called “Mr. Home Depot” because it did not take him long to gather up some tools and materials to “fix” most anything. The move to Warren included joining the Warren-and-District Lions Club. He took the Lions Motto “we serve” to heart and was pleased to be part of the Warren Park Development and felt huge satisfaction when he watched the children enjoying the playground and skate park area. The next big project was getting involved with the Heritage Site at Grosse Isle. This was his last project and he told Jim Harris that if he could have had one more summer, he would have had the station completed too. He took great pride in being part of this development. His wish was to have an Amur Maple planted in his memory at the site. To make sure this happened he planted it himself in July 2019 and had his picture taken. Walter also liked to play – hunting and fishing, camping, playing cards with friends, watching the Jets and Blue Bombers, any sport in season, curling – an 8 ender, golfing – a hole in one, and cribbage – a 29 hand. He enjoyed the Warren Golf Course and when you see the purple martins flying to the bird houses he erected on the course think of him swinging the clubs. He was recognized for his volunteering by being awarded the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal in 2012, and received recognition from the Warren and District Lions Club. These were meaningful events for him. Due to declining health Walter decided to make the move to Lions Manor in Stonewall in May 2018. This was also a happy move and he seamlessly made new friends and settled in. He felt blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family. He always enjoyed the parties and visits. Remember him kindly! Cremation has taken place. There will be no service. The family wish to invite you to join them at Meadows Hall on Friday December 27 from 2-4 pm for a come and go reception in Walter’s honor. If so desired you may make a donation to Warren and District Lions Club or charity of your choice, in his memory. We wish to thank the palliative care staff, home care nurses, the medical staff at Stonewall Hospital and all our family and friends for their compassion and care during his illness.

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