April 6, 2020
On April 6, 2020, our happy-go-lucky Wally passed away and out of our lives, but not out of our memories. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cheryl (Comfort), his son Denis (Karla McKie) and four grandchildren, Jordi and Erik Otting and Drayson and Taylor Randall. He is also survived by his brothers Karl and Donavon, nephews Evan and Steven Comfort, Greg (Janis) McCoy, Megan and Conner and many other members of the family too numerous to mention.
He was predeceased by his parents, Hans and Sally Otting and his brother Barry Jay Otting.
Wally believed in working hard, playing even harder and, above all else, having fun throughout his life. He was the 'cool' dad to many of Denis' friends. He was born in Hanna, Alberta, raised in Armstrong, BC, moving between Armstrong and Hanna before moving to Welland, Ontario in 1964. He met and married Cheryl there in 1965, working in various manufacturing and labouring jobs until he found his niche job in construction. He worked for Pitts McNamara constructing the Town Line Tunnel in Welland which would eventually have the Welland Canal relocated over it.
He loved the construction work and all the large equipment so when the job ended in 1973, he cast his lot for moving back to BC where he was hired on as an equipment operator at the Granisle Copper mine in north central BC. The family moved out to Granisle and spent 8 years there before moving down to the Elk Valley when he was hired on as a shovel operator at the Shell Line Creek mine. Above all else, Wally loved his job, had fun with his crew mates and rarely came home with a scowl.
Wally's hobbies were his guns & shooting, his motorcycle, his quad and camping. His passion was fearlessly driving fast, whether it be his snowmobiles, motorcycles or various muscle cars.........he was always about horsepower. He would often take his rifles up to the gun range and shoot targets. He also enjoyed trap shooting and met many new and interesting people at the trap events and always offered praise and tips to new and young shooters. He was very proud that his son and daughter-in-law and his grandson would join him at the shoots, 3 generations with the same interests. He also enjoyed reloading shells in the gun room with his grandson and the Hornady Handbook was his bible.
Wally's life was ended by the cancer that had taken over his body. He was forever thanking his caregivers for looking after him and never complained of the pain that only the drugs could dull.
The family is hoping to hold a Celebration of Life in the fall after the virus has perhaps run its course. Notifications will be made at that time. In the meantime, hold your glass high and make a toast to Wally or for those that partake, smoke a joint and always stand up for the underdog.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Angel Flight East Kootenay Society would be appreciated.
Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.