NEILSON, Walter Edwin Born September 11, 1915, passed away January 6, 2009. Survived by his loving wife, Eileen; son, David; and grandsons Scott and Troy. Born in Burnaby, later moving with his family to Calgary, his schooling complete, his first job was with Smith Corona Business Machines, having out done the dozens of applicants by showing up on his bicycle prepared to deliver machines in the -0 degree weather. Introduced to the miracles of amateur radio by his uncle Frank, a logical choice to further that interest was the landlocked R.C.N.V.R. He joined in 1937 and spent most of any holidays on the parade square. He was sent to the West Coast at the outbreak of WW2, drafted to the R.C.N. proper and the Good Ship “HMCS Miramichi. ” P.O. Tel. Neilson was tasked with setting up wireless stations at various choice locations such as Bella Coola, Ucluelet, Prince Rupert, and his all time favourite, a little rock in Upper Johnstone Strait, “Yorke Island. ” Married to his beloved Eileen in 1942, then shipped off to signal schools in Halifax and St. Hyacinthe. At wars end he returned to Victoria to work for the business machines division of Dockyard and later to the Provincial Government Repair Division in 1947, retiring as foreman in 1976. During
this time he built the family home on Admirals Road, raised son David, and spent his Golden Years travelling the world, visiting the property at Sulpherous Lake, gardening and maintaining an active interest in amateur radio. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their patience and caring understanding during Dad’s declining weeks. No service by request, but hoist a tot, and remember him in each your own way . . . VE7FDV Silent Key, 73s and 88s to all . . . the old sailor has crossed the bar. 520395
Published in the Victoria Times-Colonist from 1/8/2009 – 1/9/2009
Neilson, Walter Edwin
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