Walter Klausbernd Ruckert

Walter died peacefully at the age of 93 on the eve of his 64th wedding anniversary. He always said that marrying Gudrun was the best decision of his life―which was obvious to those who saw how she doted on him (he loved to call it “good management”). Daughters Claudia Holland (Jeff) and Gisela Ruckert (Carl Gagnier) as well as two grandsons, Andreas Gagnier Ruckert and Stefan Gagnier Ruckert, join Gudrun in treasuring the memories of Walter’s long and colourful life.

Born Klaus-Bernd Gisbert Ernst Walter Rückert in Berlin, Germany, Walter always spoke fondly of his early years. His father died when he was two years old, so extended family played a large role in his childhood. Holidays and much of the war years were spent on his uncle’s large mixed farm near Grimmen. His formal education came to an abrupt end at age 13 when he fled boarding school as the Russian front advanced towards them (the class above him had already been conscripted to work on earthworks for the defense).

After the war, the family landed near Lübeck, Germany, but Walter saw his future elsewhere. He sent immigration applications to both Canada and Australia―and it was Australia’s loss that the Canadians answered first. The Canadian government was sponsoring immigrants to come for one-year farm contracts.

After a ten-day crossing on the Arosa Kulm in 1953, he spent a few weeks in Montreal getting his paperwork processed. The Immigration staff decided that no one needed so many first names and inadvertently relieved him of the Umlaut on his last name as well, rechristening him Walter Ruckert. (“Fine with me,” he always said.)

Walter was sent by train to a farm on Cape Breton Island, where he was put in charge of the chicken coop. It was the first of many jobs that slowly brought him westward. He learned English while delivering milk for a dairy farm in Springhill, Nova Scotia, building a mining camp in northern Ontario, logging near Flin Flon, Manitoba, working on prairie grain farms, and even raking leaves in Jasper National Park. He was always an adaptable sort.

He eventually landed in Williams Lake, BC―then a rough, muddy town with a lively complement of immigrants. Walter quickly found work at the Chilco Lake Ranch after a quick chat with the manager who happened to be in town picking up supplies. He was first hired to drive the tractor, but spent much of the next two years on horseback as a cowboy before deciding that the lumber industry (and living in town) was more to his liking.

Walter’s vibrant personality, natural curiosity, and practical outlook made him a popular friend. He was happy to help anyone who needed a hand, and was often the first call when something needed fixing. From cars to washing machines, he was able to repair almost anything―but there were no guarantees that it would look pretty!

Walter met Gudrun at a New Year’s party on January 1, 1960 at the home of his future brother-in-law, Karl Herde, whom he had originally met on the boat to Canada. They married on December 23rd of the same year. Claudia and Gisela were raised within a bubble of close German friends who became extended family. Christmases at the Ruckert house were epic.

Walter became a champion lumber grader, which eventually led to being responsible for quality control at Pinette & Therrien mill, a position where he was highly valued and enjoyed holding for many years. Steady daytime work left a lot of time for hobbies and the socializing that Walter loved. He and Gudrun loved dancing all their lives, enjoying many hours at the Elks Lodge and, later, the Halina Centre.

After winning the Top Driver trophy in 1967, Walter retired from stock car racing and bought a Lil’ Moose, the first of three much-loved campers. Walter and Gudrun’s countless trips, both with their kids while they were young and in later decades, were the cornerstone of their lifestyle.

Walter retired at age 60 and never looked back. He and Gudrun sought out long adventure travel trips (Australia, China, Africa, South America, Europe, South Asia), experiencing places that most of us only see on postcards. Then came the winters on the Baja peninsula, and later, the annual road trip to their favourite American desert hotsprings.

In 2006, Walter and Gudrun moved to Okanagan Landing in Vernon and their social circle expanded once again. They welcomed family and friends, new and old, to the large house with the beautiful view. Walter’s loud laugh and Gudrun’s baking were treasured by all who had the pleasure of knowing them.

They continued to head out to favourite lakefront camping spots with their beloved Bigfoot and a trailer loaded with an ATV and a canoe right into their nineties. As Walter said himself, he lived a full and long life with no regrets. His family is grateful for the love, the stories, the adventures, and the example he set. A life well lived.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

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