Walter Phillips Tyrrell
January 31st, 2023
Walter Phillips Tyrrell was born on August 5, 1926, in Blackfalds, Alberta.
Dad joined the RCMP in 1951 and was posted to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. A series of transfers and promotions followed, during which time he obtained a private pilots license, and in 1971 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant of a specialized section in Vancouver. After retiring from the Force in 1976, dad worked in insurance fraud at ICBC until retiring in 1985.
Between 1981 and 1991, dad was involved with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and became the commander of 692 and 655 Air Cadet Squadrons in Richmond.
Dad logged more than 20,000 volunteer hours with the Richmond RCMP and with the City of Richmond at the South Arm Community Police Station.
Dad passed away peacefully at Minoru Residence at the age of 96 on January 31, 2023
Dad was predeceased by his wife Joan, son David, sisters Jean and Frances.
Survived by his daughters Janet and Sharon (Stuart), grandchildren Dawn, Katherine, Carolyn, Steven, Heather, Thomas and Lindsay, great-grandchildren Mya, Kai, Ava, Lily, Mark, Jack, Peter and Cobe. Dad is also survived by brother-in-law Iver (Doris) and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial to be held on April 8 in Richmond at the South Arm Community Centre Hall from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff and caregivers of Minoru Residence for their excellent care of dad.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Richmond General Hospital Foundation: Minoru Residence.
Messages:
Walter was a proud and devoted member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was a current member of Branch 291 in Richmond BC with 69 years of service. I always had the pleasure of chatting with Walter when He came into the Branch. He was a very knowledgeable man and always had the time of day for anyone who talked to him. We will certainly miss his comradery in the Canteen. Soldier on Walter.
We are so sorry to hear of Walters passing; We always enjoyed visiting with Walter; there was never a dull moment. RIP Walter.
I am sorry for your heartfelt loss of you Dad, and Grandpa. Uncle Walter was one of a kind. He always made time for a visit when my parents were in town and always had room and great hospitality when I needed a place to stay. I will remember Uncle Walter most for the fish and chip dinners we all shared and he was so happy to introduce us to. Rest in peace Uncle Walter.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I have known Walt for many years. We both had a love of aviation. I learned flying at the Regina Flying Club when I was an Academic Instructor at Depot. He will be missed. Dan
Very sad news. My condolences to Walter's family. He was a fine gentleman and friend. I have many good memories and conversations with Walter while he was involved with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the BC Provincial Committee. He always had time for everybody. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Walter.
As brief as I can be, I got to know Walter and wife Joan (who sadly predeceased him) in 1999 shortly after moving to West Chelsea townhouse complex in December 1998. Walter always went out of his way to talk to, know and help people. Before long, we hit it off like opposite ends two magnets!! Walter enjoyed the simple things in life. Boy, did we have fun!! Flying kites at Gary Point Park, sitting by the river at various points on long warm summer days observing activities on the river, watching people going by, driving through Richmond looking out for all those mega mansions wondering who owned them. Fresh coffee was always ready in Walter's kitchen right across from me where we often got together on countless occasions watching numerous movies on my laptop. Our conversations were sometimes enhanced by the authentic bottle of Jameson, Hennessy, Courvoisier or even an Australian Tawny. Walter was truly a Jack of all trades, MASTER OF ALL!! You name it, cars, furnaces, hot water tanks, clogged drains, electricals, pools, fixing a myriad of things around the townhouse complex and even airplanes!! To that, and on behalf the townhouse complex, a great big thank you, Walter, for lending a trained and sturdy hand!! Above all, Walter had no chip on his shoulder, always with a disarming smile and at the ready to lend a hand. Your job on this side, Walter, a thousand times very very very WELL DONE!! Time to rest. Fly, Walter Fly, till we meet again. You will be missed!! Freddy
I spent several years alongside Walter at 655 Air Cadet Sqn in Richmond. He was a delight to work with and we shared many laughs. His positive influence on both the cadets and staff, his humble demeanor, and his caring/organized ways, leave a legacy that will be remembered by many for years to come. RIP...you will be missed. Kerri
Walter was brother to my mother Jean Tyrrell. In the last decades he used to talk to my mother and sisters and me once by phone to Australia. He had a kind manner with people and remembered little details for the next conversation. He had a way of making a contact with you. Underneath was a smart man. If we could all do as well. Thanks, Uncle Walter.