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Jane Simser posted a condolence
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Dear Ruth and Family; My sincere condolences on your loss. The obituary for Wally was certainly quite a tribute to the man he was, and I learned much more from reading it. We only got together a few times with Nuffield Reunions, and Brian and I always enjoyed our times together. If my memory serves me right, I think that Wally was here, years ago, at our house in Mississauga, for one of our summer get-togethers. Nuffield Canada has lost 3 good scholars this winter, first Jack Rigby, then my husband, Brian Ellsworth, and now our Western Scholar, Wally Doerksen . Ruth, you, Donna and I are on our new journeys, as are our husbands. Take care
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Marcia Barkman lit a candle
Saturday, March 19, 2022
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Hi Ruth, and family, my condolences to you all, I remember as a kid going to your place, and my parents, and you guys would talk well into the night, we would fall asleep, and have to be carried to the car to go home. Marcia.
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Marlene Sobering posted a condolence
Friday, March 18, 2022
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Marlene Sobering
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Garry & Lynne Schmidt posted a condolence
Friday, March 18, 2022
To Ruth and the Doerksen bunch:
While we have lived at a distance from one another our families share a lot. It started when Kris and our daughter Gennein fell in love and we planned a wedding. What a fun time that was. The Wally & Ruth craziness and fun always included significant philosophical and theological discussions which continued in occasional times when we were able to get together. (Who could forget the Dance at the wedding with Lori, Ruth and her 2 sisters Jo and Carol) And we share two beautiful granddaughters who have told us many stories of the special times they had with Grandpa and Grandma....especially at the lake and at the farm.
More recently, when Wally and Ruth have visited Trev and Sveta in Vernon, Wally and I have met a couple of times at Tim's for coffee. We laughted one moment and the next moment were deep in theological and philosophical discussion. His knowledge and curiosity we're insatiable, yet he never took himself too seriously. His curiosity was both ideological and relational, reflecting the strong values he had in life.
So Ruth and family we grieve, laugh, ponder, and remember with you, as you spend this time together, remembering Wally in all the nuance and hilarious nuisance that was his life. May the continuing bonds of his life travel with you in the coming years.
Love,
Garry & Lynne
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Eric & Anne Froese posted a condolence
Thursday, March 17, 2022
We were so sad when our son Bob told us that Lori Mae's dad had passed on. Our most heartfelt condolences to you Ruth and your family. Keeping you all in prayer during this difficult time.
with love,
Anne & Eric Froese
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Greg Reimer posted a condolence
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Dear Ruth,
A message written in invisible ink—lemon juice—that could only be read once heated over a light bulb. Birchwood's web server would soon run out of room if all of the memories you and Wally gave were written and recorded here. The impromptu snow-day adventure sleepover (replete with obligatory snow fort), playing hella-loud music with Trevor and Danny upstairs, the care you showed me in my late teen years and early family life. Grade four (?) field trip Wally came along as a parental supervisor, although he had the most fun of everyone there. All of us boys would get a turn trying to punch him in the stomach as hard as we possibly could. He never flinched. To us kids he was just a giant of kindness who showed love and garnered respect.
Once I sat at your supper table only to hear Wally joyfully cry out, "I LOVE POTATOES," as he dug into his next helping.
If God wills, you'll see him again before I do, and for that I'm envious. Grace and peace be with you and your family, especially Trev, with whom I shared so many adventures for so many years.
I hope to see you on my next trip out there. Love, Greg Reimer.
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Julie Friesen posted a condolence
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Wally has been an encourager and the "how can I help you make that happen" presence in our lives.
From meeting in a Sunday School room where he presided over 'question hour', to providing many a chicken piece for Dinner Theatre, spaces for or selling of a vehicle and the cultivation of a deep friendship.
Wally listened. Then asked thought provoking questions. There was never a "here's the solution to your problem" attitude, as Wally seemed to understand that you had left the hardest parts unsaid. He was never shocked by word choices or definitive statements ... he kept hanging around to better understand the why.
I will miss the insistence of giant bear hugs, the carefree willingness to give free rein with the kubota, the chats around the fire and all the little things that made our friendship great.
We love you Ruth.
Julie & Dan Friesen
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Brent Wright & Luanne Anderson posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
I first met Wally in the early ‘90’s when Wally and Art Petkau came to Portage la Prairie, to put me through an orientation for the Nuffield Ag Scholarship trip that I was about to depart on. During that afternoon meeting, I was introduced to Wally’s enthusiasm for the Nuffield program. Through discussions on a wide range of topics over the following years, I came to realize that Wally had an enthusiasm for all that life had to offer. Wally always seemed to be ‘up for a challenge’. He was always thinking about how he could approach things differently, how he could solve problems whether they were his or someone else’s, and how he might be able to reach out to someone and bridge a perceived divide.
In November 2021, Wally attended the Nuffield Canada AGM in Winnipeg via ZOOM. During the introduction of the 2022 Scholars, Wally asked them to give consideration to where on their global travels, they might go, that would be outside of their comfort zone and give them a new perspective of the world.
A mutual friend, once told me, that Wally cares enough that ‘he makes a point of showing up’. That phrase described his attitude toward Nuffield and I think towards his life in general. The world could use more Wally’s.
Our sympathies to you - Ruth, to your family, and to Wally’s friends. He will be remembered, and we will miss his insight and his humor whenever members of our Nuffield family gather. With love from Brent & Luanne
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Monica Klassen posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
My condolences to Ruth, Trev, Kris and Lori Mae and your families on the passing of your husband, dad and grandpa.
My sympathies also go to Wally’s siblings Arnie and Donelda and in-laws Carol, Jake and Jo and your families.
May good memories of times and conversations shared with Wally stay with you.
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Don and Erna Sobering posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Hi Ruth and family
Sorry to hear about the loss of a loved one…..our condolences to you.
Don and Erna Sobering
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Robert loewen posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
My sympathy to the family. I don't know you personally but I knew his mom well. She was a kornelsen relative of my mom, a kind loving lady. R. Loreen.
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Blake Vince posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
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Sending condolences on behalf of the Nuffield Canada Community. Wally’s warm smile, hardy laugh and firm handshake, are only 3 of his many distinguishable traits. Wally was a stalwart of our Nuffield alumni network. He will most definitely be missed by all of us!
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Bryan Hill posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Dear Ruth,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of your dear Wally.
We fondly remember the times many years ago we would get together including a Bruce Cockburn concert and visits to the farm.
May God give you His peace in this great sorrow.
Much love
Bryan & Sandra Hill
Winnipeg
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D Joe & Leona Moder posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Ruth and family: Our thoughts and prayers being sent your way. So sorry to hear of Wally's passing. Several good memories for me in those IVCF years in the 80's when Wally served on the National IVCF Board and Steinbach Area Committee -- AND provided chickens to Pioneer Camp. I first met him over dinner with Jim Berney gathering his opinion of whether I should join the IVCF team here back in '82. I feel sure he didn't run a free-range operation out there, BUT he certainly was a "free-range" kind of guy in many of the best ways: personality, generosity, winsomeness.... Blessings -- Joe & Leona Moder.
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Gary Kennedy posted a condolence
Monday, March 14, 2022
Hi Ruth, we are so sorry to hear the news of Wally’s passing. We are sending this note from Mexico and we hope to see you at the cottage later this spring. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family……….Gary & Sue Kennedy
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Brenda Funk posted a condolence
Sunday, March 13, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss, Ruth and family. I never got to know Wally as well as I would have liked, but the times I did encounter him were always memorable. He had the most interesting way of thinking about issues, and expressing his views on them...or asking questions. I will never forget the first time I met him....when our son Dave was pastoring in Calgary, he had sent Wally with a hug for me from him, knowing he would be seeing us at some conference thing or other...I was a little puzzled at the hug from an almost total stranger, until he explained himself. He was fun, and kind, wise and compassionate....he will be sorely missed in this world of ours.
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Saturday, March 12, 2022
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Ruth posted a condolence
Friday, March 11, 2022
Our condolences to you Ruth and your family. Wally was a special person, unique and thoughtful. God be with you in these difficult times. We still remember fondly your visit to us in Virginia and the fun hotel stays!
Ruth & Ron
Saturday
19
March
Memorial Service
2:00 pm
Saturday, March 19, 2022
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162 PTH 52 W
Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
(204) 346-1030
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