Walter Ripley Grahame aka Red

It is with sadness that the family announce the passing of a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa at the age of 93.Walter is survived by his wife Joan (nee: Hunt) of 61 years, daughters Patti (David) and Sandy (Ken). Grandchildren: Grahame (Shannon), Laura (Mick), Stephanie (Robbie) and Jonathan. Dad was delighted by his five great-grandchildren: Sam, Drew, Alexandria, Everett and Maeve. He was also leaves behind his sister Beverly as well as nieces and nephews: Joan, Donna, Doug, Bruce and Debbie.

Walter was predeceased by his brother Alfred.

Walter was born in and a lifelong resident of Vernon.  He grew up as the third generation working on the Grahame family’s dairy farm on Okanagan Avenue.  Today this is where Grahame Park and Clarence Fulton school are located. Walter was a hard worker in the dairy and cattle industry as well as running a haying and rototilling tractor business. We will miss hearing Walter share stories of cattle trucking and logging with horses in winters. 

Walter was a unique cowboy with numerous interests and activities as he enjoyed: riding bareback broncs in the Calgary Stampede and other rodeos, winning the Buffalo riding contest in the Falkland Stampede, riding in the Happy Hoofbeat gymkhanas, trail riding with friends, fishing, snowmobiling, waterskiing, hunting and square dancing.  Dad danced into his late 80’s with his beloved wife Joan at every opportunity.

For many years Walter and Joan were snow birds in Mesa Arizona where they thoroughly enjoyed the culture including watching indigenous dancing. Walter often reminisced fondly about their road trip to Dawson City and Alaska together. Camping with children and grandchildren was a summer pastime that mom and dad loved.   

Dad, Wally Woozle, Goompa, — will always be warmly remembered and live on in our hearts and memories.   

You are LOVED and MISSED  

Join us for Walter’s drop in Celebration of Life on Thursday November 30^th at The Prestige Inn, 4411 – 32 Street, in the Vernon Salon from 1 – 5 pm.  Please use the entrance with the red awning by the restaurant.

If you would like to send a donation in Walter’s name, please select a local horse rescue/sanctuary.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: