Vernice Walker

Vernice Walker

(nee Meyers) aged 89 years, February 18th, 1928 to June 30th, 2017. Vernice passed away peacefully at the Kamsack Hospital after a 4 month battle with cancer. She spent the last months surrounded by her family and friends.
Vernice was born at the family homestead 3 miles northwest of Midale, Saskatchewan, to Edvwin and Elizabeth Meyers. After completing public school in Midale, she enrolled in the International Bible College in Moose Jaw, Sk. While on a summer posting, working as a nanny and teaching bible classes in Kamsack, she met Harvey Walker and a romance developed. Harvey enrolled in the college to be near her and within a year the two were engaged. When Vernice took a job in London, Ontario, the following summer, Harvey bought his first car and drove across the country to claim his bride.
The couple were married in London on November 1st, 1947 and took up residence on a farm west of Kamsack. Over the following decades, they lived in three different locations and raised 6 children. With 23 years between the oldest and youngest child, they spent much of their lifetime raising children. A stay-at-home mother and farm wife, Vernice was nurse and doctor, gardener and vet, caregiver and counsellor.
In 1976, once the older children had left home and the youngest was in school, Vernice started working at the Kamsack Library. She worked there for 19 years and was honoured with a Librarian of the Year Award. She also worked at the Eaglestone Lodge, doing a little of everything, and helped Glen Boychuk with his catering business.
Vernice and Harvey moved to town in 1981 which started a whole new phase of life. She had more time for organizations, hobbies, and her beloved yard. Over the years she belonged to many organizations including the United Church Women's League, Legion Auxiliary, Nursing Home Auxiliary, Bible Study Group, and Kamsack Horticulture Society. She taught sewing - from basics to tailoring — with the 4H Club, developed the Great Books reading and discussion group with Steven Ruten, and served as vice president of the Kamsack Seniors Harmony Center. She also worked as a volunteer driver, raised money for the palliative care room, and took palliative care training.
Needless to say she was never home.
Vernice enjoyed learning and relished a challenge. Over the years she tried her hand at many hobbies including crafts, knitting and reading. One of her lifetime hobbies was sewing for herself, family and others. Her expertise included sewing grad gowns, wedding dresses, and costumes. She also made countless quilts for family, and for fundraisers and Quilts for Missions. Her greatest passion was gardening. The passion showed in her beautiful yard and in the awards she won year after year from the horticultural society.
Vernice is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Walter Harvey Walker, daughter Betty Jean and brothers Donald, Arnold, Irvine and Leslie Meyers.
She is survived by her three sons, Stewart (Irene) of Kamsack, Mervin (Paul Smith) of Burlington, Ontario and Dale (Corina) of Winnipeg; three daughters, Merle (Wayne) White of Ottawa, Sharon (Randy) Jones of Martensville and Penny (Wayne) Bugera of Foam Lake; her sisters Lillian Heibein of Weyburn and Marlene Laliberti of Grande Prairie, Alberta. She also leaves 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Prayers were held on Monday, July 3, 2017 from the chapel of Andrychuk Funeral Home.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 from Westminster United Church.
Interment followed at Riverview Cemetery.
If friends so desire donation’s in Vernice’s memory may be made to the Kamsack and District Nursing Home Auxiliary.

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