Tribute

Surrounded by his loving family, Frederick Walter (Wally) Lockhart passed away peacefully on November 20th, 2024 at Good Samaritan Village By The Station care home in Penticton, BC. He was 93 years old. Born in Edmonton, Alberta on March 19th, 1931, Wally was the only child of Frederick Robert Lockhart and Louisa Isabella (née Alexander). Wally was a man of great strength, wisdom and integrity who cherished every moment with his loved ones. Always a gentleman who was kind and fun, Wally led a full and rewarding life.

After earning his RIA designation,  Wally embarked on a stellar 35-year career at Mobil Oil. His strong work ethic, attention to detail and loyalty to others made him a valuable employee and many of the colleagues he worked with over the years became lifelong family friends. Although Wally was raised in Edmonton, his employment at Mobil led to transfers to Olds, Dartmouth Nova Scotia and Calgary – where he spent the majority of his life. An excellent mentor, Wally was a role model to many (including his children) with an emphasis on hard work, commitment and integrity.

Wally was a deep and critical thinker. He spent countless hours studying the stars, doing puzzles and tracking everything from his car’s gas efficiency to the scoring trends of his favorite sports team. An avid collector of coins, stamps and sports cards, he was meticulous in his record keeping and organization. Although Wally didn’t grow up in the “computer age”, he was a quick study and became very proficient at creating spreadsheets to help him stay on top of all his collectibles!  Those who knew Wally appreciated his intelligence and quick wit which led to many legendary “Wallyisms” over the course of his lifetime. These quips will live on forever and have brought countless laughs, head shakes and smiles over the years to those that knew him. Among Wally’s many interests were sports, both as spectator and participant. Although he did eventually warm up to the Flames and Stampeders, his true allegiance was to the Oilers and the Eskimos – many a hockey and football game led to a divided Lockhart house. Wally played baseball well into adulthood and then volunteered countless hours coaching little league softball in Varsity Acres. From time to time the Varsity Community Association would try to move Wally to another team, but the team always rallied so they could “keep him to themselves.”

At a dance in 1953, Wally spied a “woman who lit up a room” named Mary. They married in 1956 and went on to have five children, Barbara (Lori Chaki-Farrington), Ellen (Bill Fleet), Michelle (Jeffrey Vanzwol), James (deceased in 1964), and Wayne (Janelle née Brooks). Wally and Mary Aurelia (née Stack) were married for 52 years until her sudden passing in 2008. The Lockhart home was one of love and stability. There were always lots of laughs, card games, camping trips and family dinners. Besides his children, Wally also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

For the last several years Wally has lived at Good Samaritan Village By The Station in Penticton where he received exceptional care. Their dedication to ensuring that Wally and our family were cared for with respect and dignity in his final years was unsurpassed and the family is truly thankful.

Wally is gone but not forgotten, and his legacy certainly lives on in his children and grandchildren. A family graveside service will be held in Oliver, BC at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer Society of Canada or Good Samaritan Village By The Station.

Donations:
Alzheimer Society of Canada
20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 1600
Toronto, ON M4R 1K8
https://alzheimer.ca/en

The Good Samaritan Society
℅ Fund Development
8861 75 St. NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6C 4G8
https://gss.org/donate/