Wilfred "Wil" Walters

He will be remembered by most as “Walmart Wil”, the man who gave out happy face stickers to local children during his 18 years as a Greeter at the South-end Walmart in Regina, SK, he retired after 22 years. He was such an energetic, passionate and unique character that no one was ambivalent about him - people either loved him or not. He died in his sleep of heart failure at age 74.

Wilfred was predeceased by his parents Wilfred Sr. and Kay Walters. He is survived by his sister Hazel (Gord) Kelly and his brother Jim (Carol) Walters, extended family and cousins.

In his first marriage was born a daughter Diana and son Jon. Next married to Deborah, he had 3 children Michael, Tashia and Angelo. Next partnering with Lu some 32 years ago, he became a stepdad to her son Don. We were glad that all of his children (except a U.S. resident) were at his bedside in the final weeks of his life. Wil only had 2 regrets, that he was not closer and more involved in his children's lives beyond financial support and that he had not accepted the offer to become the lead singer for The Guess Who.

Wil had an exceptionally powerful and melodious voice. He simply loved to inspire and compose songs and sing his heart out in bands during his youth, playing rhythm guitar in a unique and skillful way. This was always a joyous passion in his life and he surrounded himself in guitars, amps and sound systems. He was known for singing 'Oh Canada' during public events and the first to play it powerfully on guitar.

The SaskTel Walters and Robinson families were famous for their get-togethers most every weekend at Regina Beach, SK with cousins and neighbours. Wil had worked at SaskTel for 12 years on the “Trouble Desk” long before mobile phones. After that he moved for a few years to B.C., then supported his family mostly as a delivery driver in Regina. Within a few months of the opening of Walmart in Canada, Wil became the Southland and then the Grasslands Greeter. Over 18 years in this position, he became a well-known, respected and beloved Regina local celebrity. Everyone knew him due to his insistence that no one would enter nor leave the store without being greeted or thanked for shopping. He saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in loss prevention by his uncanny psychic awareness. There were dozens of tv spots and personal interviews, mentions in newspaper columns by local writers, guest performances, plaques and statues, trips to Toronto AGM's and onstage performances, and being given the once-only-awarded “Presidents Choice for Exemplary Service”. He was the annual Santa Clause growing a thick white beard, once worked 31 days straight on midnights, was sought out by motivational speakers, trusted by parents and teachers who'd make him a Treasure Hunt “find” ... he retired at age 69 when his final position was outsourced.

Wil promptly found a new passion with his next-door neighbour and buddy Don. Wil learned carpentry and together they made a unique yard to showcase dozens of Lu's flowerbeds and many very useful buildings. Being very creative, they developed skills and comradery. His friend Jim kept up the health of the vehicles and they had long conversations about spirituality. Wil became reclusive in his retirement and spent his days seeking to make Lu happy. Their shared passion for metaphysics, quantum physics, healing tools and yardwork was fun. He will be missed greatly here on earth by many, especially his family and will be welcomed Home to Spirit after a life well lived.

Thank you to the Emergency, 3D and 3A staff at the Pasqua Hospital. A private gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.