He was the cherished and much-loved husband of Florence Jucker (Hansen/Misener) for 25 wonderful years. Loving father of Richard Jucker, London, step-father to Deb Jones-Pawis, Parry Sound, Steven Misener, Toronto and Warren Misener, Kitchener, step-grandfather to Lindsay Jones-Weber (Bill), Kitchener. Pre-deceased by his parents Oskar and Maria Jucker, brother Ernst Jucker and sister Gertrude Jucker, Zurich, Switzerland, step-grandson Adam Jones, of Kitchener (2012).
Walter emigrated to Canada from Switzerland in 1952, drawn to this beautiful country by a photo of a red canoe on a sparkling blue Canadian lake. He spent several years working for British American Oil in Toronto and Air Liquide in Edmonton, travelling extensively throughout Canada. The twenty years prior to retirement were spent as an auditor for the Ontario Ministry of Labour, based in London. Walter loved the outdoors and was an avid member and former President of the Thames Valley Hiking Club. He walked solo across England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. He back-packed down into the Grand Canyon and spent a week exploring its numerous trails. He hiked on the Appalachian Trail, and completed the entire Bruce Trail. In 1989, he and Florence first met on a hike around Wildwood Lake near St. Marys.
Shortly after marrying Florence in 1990, he moved to Kitchener and retired. Following their marriage, they made many trips to Europe and these included hiking in the German, Austrian and Swiss Alps. Together, they walked 600 km along the South West Coastal Path in England, from Minehead on the Bristol Channel to Plymouth as well as, hiking in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone Park and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Walter was a member of the Swiss- Canadian Club based in Guelph and a past member of the Hubertus Club in Mannheim.
He was a longtime member of Trinity United Church and the Church’s Fellowship Club. In 1999, Walter and Florence enthusiastically co-founded the Re-Soles, a seniors’ hiking club based out of the Breithaupt Centre in Kitchener which continues to this day. Walter loved opera, operetta, ballet and symphonic music. He and Florence attended many such events here and abroad. Many friends spoke of Walter as a true gentleman, and indeed he was.
The family wishes to thank the many kind and caring friends who were so supportive during this difficult time. We are also grateful for the many caring volunteers, doctors (in particular Dr. Lana Tan) and staff of the Hospice Waterloo Region as well as the wonderful CCAC nursing and PSW staff. We could not have made this journey at home without all of you.
A Celebration of Life for Walter will take place on Sunday, March 6 at Luther Village, 139 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, Ont. The service will be in the chapel at 1 pm followed by visitation and reception in the Great Hall. Rev. Tiina Cote of Trinity United Church will officiate. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Hospice of Waterloo Region. Cards available at the venue.