MR. WALTER JOHN KIRKMAN of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of Muriel Kirkman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at the age of 81 years.

Walter was born in Magrath, Alberta on June 22, 1928 to parents Blodwin and Walter Kirkman. He lived in Kimball, Alberta where he went to school until he was 17 years old. In 1945 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. Walter owned and operated Wayne Bus Sales for 40 years until his retirement in 1982. Walter loved to travel, fish, and play golf, he was a member of the Henderson Lake Golf Course for 20 years and a member of the Country Club for 25 years. He will be dearly remembered by his sense of humor, his ability to be incredibly sociable, and his deep love for his family.

Besides his loving wife Muriel, Walter is survived by his daughters Gail (Neil) Foster of Lethbridge, Diane (Phil) Hewko of Lethbridge; sons Terry (Jane) Kirkman of Calgary, Doug (Gail) Kirkman of Taber; grandchildren Michael (Lauren) Kirkman, Wendy (Sheldon) Pittman, Paul (Kyra) Kirkman, Janice Kirkman, Andrew (Lisa) Foster, David Foster, Rob Foster, Bryn Hewko, Doug Hewko, Megan Hewko, Jason (Joleen) Kirkman, Tara Kirkman; sister Mary (Ron) Crowther; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Walter was predeceased by his parents Blodwin and Walter Kirkman.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 12:00pm and 1:00pm, on Monday, January 18, 2010, at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Monday, January 18, 2010, at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4th St., S., Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D, 12A St., N., Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 2J1, or to the Alzheimer Society, #402, 740 - 4 Ave., S., Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0N9.