Obituary of Walter Alvin Detweiler
Butch, as he was known to everyone who knew him, passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital, Freeport Campus, Kitchener, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the age of 96. As he always said, “I am ready to go if I can no longer ride my lawn tractor or drive a car.” And so it happened exactly as he would have wanted, after a fall that would have taken that ability away.
Butch was the loving husband of Eleanor (nee Cowan) for 67 years. The two were very rarely seen apart and shared a special love right up until his last breath, where his sweetie was right there by his side. He was the older brother to William (Jessie), loving father to Debra-Jean (Rod) and Karen (Rich), cherished gramps/grandpa to Amy, Chad, Kyle, Jenna and Kevin (Adriena). And the beloved great gramps to Ayla, Ashton, Beckett and Finnegan. He was predeceased by his parents Elmina (nee Nickel) and Alvin Detweiler and his brother Elroy.
Butch left the family farm at age 27 to come to the big city of Waterloo. Here he started work at Clemmer Industries in 1956. He started by putting lawn mowers together. He then graduated to welding, testing tanks and spent 16 years driving truck. His final role at Clemmers was as foreman over trucks, shipping/receiving and snow removal of the yard. He retired from Clemmers in 1991. As the owner, Arnie Meyers, said upon his retirement, “I need more men like him.”
As a dad, there were many lessons taught. His work ethic was unlike any other’s - you always work before you play. Being dependable was a must - you always do what you say you will and you best be on time too! Taking pride in things - always return things better than how you borrowed them. And most of all, be a strong individual - of course his family often referred to this as being stubborn!
To his grandkids, he will be remembered as always being a tease! He was always up to something, trying to push your buttons and get under your skin. This did not end with the grandkids, it continued with his great grandchildren as well. Using nicknames instead of their own names, taking their toys, most of the time wearing them on his head! These mischievous antics can now be seen in the great grandkids (their eyes tell you before it begins!). His love of the Price is Right was also something that carried on into the fourth generation. Watching with Gramps, hearing him shout at the contestants, helped to make the show even more entertaining! All of the grandchildren and great grandchildren inherited his quick wit. Even at 96, he was so quick with his responses that no one could compete!
We are all left with a sadness in our hearts as we have lost our true love, brother, dad, gramps/grandpa, great gramps and friend. But we will all carry on his memory through stories, lessons he has taught us and the sayings we will all never forget! “Good, good, good!” was something he would often say and I know that everyone who knew him and loved him would agree - he lived a “good, good, good” life and touched those who loved him deeply.
Butch’s family would love to give special thanks to all of the staff at Grand River and Freeport Hospitals. The care he received and the support the family felt while he was in palliative care has touched our hearts greatly.
Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens, Breslau.
Condolences for the family and donations to GRH Foundation - Freeport Hospital or a charity of your choice may be arranged at www.erbgood.com.