Walter Heiydt

Walter Heiydt, age 99, of Ernfold passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Herbert & District Integrated Health Care Facility, Herbert, SK.

Walter Heiydt was born on August 25,1924 to Fred & Christina Heiydt on the homestead at Ernfold, SK. Walter had eight siblings Matilda, John, Emma Lydia, Anna Eva, Baby Christina (who is buried on the homestead), and Freida. Walter was the last of his siblings to pass. 

Walter went to Sunflower school, which was two miles west of the farm, and received his grade 10 by correspondence.

He loved playing ball, his positions were first base and short stop — right in the action.

Walter met and married Phyllis Legrand on October 11, 1946. They were sweethearts for a while before that and had a lot of the same interests. Phyllis, the most important person in his life, passed away October 19, 2007 after being married for 61 years. Walter missed her so until the day he passed.

Walter spent his life ranching close to where he was born, raising Aberdeen Black angus cattle with Phylis by his side. He still owned some to this day. He loved the pastures and all the bounty of nature and caring for the cattle he raised.

Walter loved his friends, neighbors, family, and nieces and nephews. Playing cards and crokinole with friends and adding some shenanigans along the way always brought laughter to the evenings spent together. He greatly enjoyed gathering with others and discussing ranching and life. Walter’s life was always around nature, the land, and his animals — a passion which he held till the end.

Walter & Phyllis, as did most, started from scratch, building everything they had on their own. Working together and loving every minute of it.

He loved storytelling and current affairs — with a twinkle in his eyes he would love to challenge your point of view.

Walter was a kind and humble man who treated others with respect and kindness. His sense of humor, a jokester at times, storytelling, and a rancher care giver added laughter and love to life.

He will be dearly missed by his nephews and niece’s, neighbors, and friends alike, but especially by Greg, who was such a big part of both Walter & Phyllis’ life. Being there for him especially for the last twenty-plus years. Greg — you never failed to call to hear Walter’s voice and make Walter feel loved and cared for.

We all can imagine Walter & Phyllis on the range atop a horse looking over the land they loved and cared for all their lives.    

The Funeral Service for Walter Heiydt was held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm from the Community Hall, Chaplin, SK with Donovan Epp officiating. The eulogy was given by Greg Van Lossen. The tribute was given by Barry Fjaagesund. A poem was read by Theresa Glass. The service card is available to view below. 

The Private Interment Service was held following the Funeral Service from Ernfold Cemetery, Ernfold, SK with Gerald Smith, Ken Bakus, Murray Packet, Barry Haidt, Ward Bakus, and Todd Gerbrant serving as Pallbearers. The Honorary Pallbearers were Gordan & Irene McKay, Lorraine Gerbrandt, Ken & Ruth Bakus, Barry & Terri Fjaagesund, Lee Fjaagesund, Bev Graham, Bev Van Loosen, and Leah & Mike Warner.

In memory of Walter Heiydt, donations made to the Cemetery Association of Ernfold or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter Heiydt, please visit our floral store.