Walter James Crocker

October 7, 1932 - January 28, 2026

On January 28, 2026, Walter "Wally" James Crocker graduated to his heavenly home with the Lord. Despite macular degeneration and osteoarthritis he lived his older days the way he lived his younger years... full of wit, words of wisdom, a smile coupled with a whistle or a song and a daily walk. By God's grace, he escaped the inevitable wheelchair and seniors home when two falls and a serious infection proved to be too great of a battle to fight. 

He was born to parents, Marie Unruh and Peter Crocker on October 7, 1932, in Flowing Well, Saskatchewan. After moving to British Columbia when he was 4 yrs old, he lived in various places throughout the Lower Mainland with his 9 siblings until he set off to hitch hike Europe in his early 20's.

Upon his return he settled in Toronto, Ontario where he met his future bride Lorena Cottle and graduated from Eastern Pentecostal Bible College. Shortly after the birth of their son, Jeffrey Walter, they moved West where his family lived. After living for a brief stint in Vancouver, Forest Grove and Canim Lake he and his growing family, including daughters Wendy "Laura" and Karen Lynn, settled in 100 Mile House for 9 years before moving to the 108 Ranch where they lived for the next 19 yrs. 

It was during these years that "Wally" worked as a custodian at the Junior High, 100 Mile Elementary and Peter Skene Ogden where he become more than a custodian but a well loved father figure to thousands of students over his 30 year career.  One student described him as a "PSO Legend remembered for his smile and chit chat with everyone. Definitely a great one." When not cleaning or chatting he was in the gym shooting hoops with the students or joining in a doubles tennis match with the teachers. 

 Wally loved the great outdoors and spent  time hunting, fishing with his brothers or camping, cross country and downhill skiing and playing tennis with his family. He was most proud of completing the Cariboo Cross Country Marathon!  

He continued to love travel and after retiring and moving to Abbotsford he travelled with his wife to England, across Canada to Newfoundland, Hawaii, Jamaica and Palm Springs in between spending time with his 6 grandchildren: Olivia, Katy (Benjamin) Kevin, Owen (Kassy) Troy, and Tyler. Telling stories and singing with his great grandchildren Mateo, Theodora, Cecilia and Abigail brought him great joy in his final days.  

Without question, his greatest love was the Lord who he gave his heart to when he was 8 years old at summer camp. He was always actively involved in the church he attended and was the hands and feet of Jesus to all he met. With failing eyesight, he only ever listened to one book, The Bible, with the last book "Revelations" on repeat. 

He is predeceased by 8 of his siblings and their spouses Ruth (Art Niessen) Bob, Bill, Edward, (Gene Hawkins) Edith (Don Osborne), Norm, Richard (Rachel), and Charlotte and son-in-law John Humphrey. He is survived by his one remaining sister Irma Hawkins, inlaws Grace Crocker, Grace Marie Crocker, Dan Friesen, Joan Dillabaugh, his children Jeff and Melanie Crocker, Laura and Terry Weatherly, Karen Humphrey, grandchildren, multiple nieces and nephews and new and long time friends. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 63 years, Lorena. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 February 28 at South Delta Baptist Church B.C. 1988 56th Street Tsawwassen B.C. All are welcome.