March 19, 2021
Thomas Walterhouse, a resident of Vernon since 1969, passed away on March 19, 2021 at the age of 93.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Pearl Walterhouse, their 5 children Marge (Bob) Crerar, Leon (Stacey) Walterhouse, Rose (Orval) Hayes, Christine Walterhouse, Denise Walterhouse (Darren Seymour), 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, 1 sister, Margaret (Peggy) Bolduc, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom loved his family and friends with all his heart. He believed in the strength of family bonds and treated his friends as family.
Tom loved everyone as everyone loved him. He was a man of many trades, but the profession he enjoyed most was carpentry. He was always eager to build houses or do renovations for others. He was known to lend a helping hand if anything needed fixed.
During retirement, he spent hours in his shop, happily whistling off a tune, doing woodwork, and crafting little gadgets and birdhouses for others.
Tom had an infectious smile. He was always very cordial and welcoming to the guests and visitors who popped in over the years. His home was a place filled with laughter, song and dance. Tom was jovial and liked to crack jokes, believing that laughter was the best medicine.
His children and grandchildren thoroughly loved all of the riddles, proverbs, songs and old sayings that he rattled off in the spur of the moment. Tom was musically inclined, self-taught on the guitar, fiddle and mouth organ. He could whip off a toe-tapping tune and he set the love of music into his children's hearts. Tom loved watching sports, in particular Hockey Night in Canada. He was interested in politics and regularly watched the CPAC channel. Tom enjoyed having philosophical discussions about life and was intrigued by the intelligence of nature.
Tom, dad, grandpa, and great-papa, we love you, adore you and honour you. Your unconditional love and support will always be remembered and cherished.
You have shown us unyielding strength and wisdom. We will miss you dearly, our rock of life. May you rest in peace. You are with us always.
Love you forever