Obituary of Walter Alexander Jarvin

JARVIN: Walter Alexander Jarvin. Passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Health Centre on February 28, 2016 in his 91st year. Walter was born on April 2, 1925 to Alec and Sophia Jarvin in Brandon, Manitoba. Walter grew up and attended school in Brandon. He had two older brothers, Ed (deceased) and Clem and one younger sister, Lavinia (Lovie). His father, Alec, worked for CN Rail where his older brothers also eventually found their careers as a wire chief and telecommunications technician. While In Grade 11, Walter joined the Canadian Pacific Railway. When the war effort was asking for enlistees, Walter followed his brothers to service but chose the Royal Canadian Air Force. Walter met the love of his life, Millie Tarnowski, after the war and convinced her to marry him by promising her father he would build her a house. That original house still stands at the corner of First and Lorne. Millie and Walter got married at St. Augustine's Church on 30 September 1950. This past September, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Son Kenneth was born in 1955. During his tenure with CP Rail, Walter became a locomotive engineer and was very involved in the United Transportation Union. He held many positions such as President, Treasurer, Local Chairperson, Legislative Rep, Convention Delegate and a member of the General Committee of Adjustment. He was also a member of the International Board of Appeals, Senior Vice Chairman and Secretary Treasurer of the International Brotherhood - Western lines. Walter always placed the well being of his union brothers as his prime consideration. Walter, Millie and Kenn enjoyed numerous long car journeys throughout the US and Mexico, and their mighty Mercury Park Lane had its wheels dipped in the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. Walter retired in 1985 after 42 years with CP Rail. He then assisted wife Millie with her business, Jarvin Lighting. After the close of the store, Walter and Millie travelled to exotic locales such as Guatamala and Belize. He was also an avid fisherman and greatly enjoyed trips near and not so near with close railroad buddies such as Herbie Gudz. At 71 years of age, Walter built a magnificent home on Hanbury Place (North Hill) and along with Millie, initially developed the area now known as Sir Winston Churchill Park. He was so proud of this accomplishment and the enjoyment it brought the area residents. Walter and Millie continued grooming and maintaining the park for many years with flowers and seating until the City of Brandon took over maintenance and later developed Hanbury Hill. Walter is survived by his loving wife Millie and son Kenneth (Wendy); brother Clem and wife Jacquie Jarvin, and sister Lavinia Curran. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Edward Jarvin. A service to celebrate Walter's life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, Friday, March 4, 2016. Donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3.