Eric Hubert Walters, born April 30th, 1932 in Llandeilo, Wales passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday May 18, 2014 at Mt. Ida Mews.
Eric is predeceased by his, wife, Martha “Mati” (2007) and two of his sons David (2003) and Richard (2009). He is survived by his sons Glyn (Meghan), Gwilym (Tara) and Alun, and by five grandchildren, Ethan, Gavin, Laurel, Mati and Alice.
Eric graduated from the University of Wales in Aberystwyth in 1954. He began his teaching career in England where he met his future wife Mati. Together they immigrated to Canada and married upon arrival in Vancouver in December of 1958. After teaching stops in Prince Rupert, Port Alberni and one year back in Epping England, Eric and Mati settled in Salmon Arm in the fall of 1964 where they started their family and Eric began teaching at Salmon Arm Senior Secondary in Mathematics and Physics. After obtaining his Masters Degree he began his career in education administration as the Vice Principal at Eagle River Secondary in Sicamous and was later promoted to Principal. Eric stayed at Eagle River until 1984 at which point he moved to the School District #83 Office as first District Principal and then as Director of Student Support Services. Eric stayed on at the School District until 1989 at which point he moved on to teaching Mathematics at the Okanagan College campuses in Salmon Arm and Vernon. Eric retired from his teaching career in 1994.
Growing up in Wales Eric was active in sports including cricket and his much loved rugby. He instilled his love of sports in his five sons. Their backyard in Salmon Arm, known as “The Patch” in winter months was often the sight of epic soccer, football, rugby, baseball and hockey games where Eric was frequently in the thick of things.
The dedication Eric showed to his family and teaching career carried over onto the soccer pitch. He was instrumental in the development of Salmon Arm Minor Soccer, as well as the organization of the Shuswap Men’s Soccer League and the long running August Long Weekend Soccer Tournament. His sons carried on his love of sport and also became actively involved in the participation and organization of soccer in Salmon Arm. Eric was honored in 2011 as a local sports hero by Sport BC and just recently there was an announcement that one of the soccer fields in Salmon Arm will be named “Walters Field”.
Eric Walters was dedicated to his students, community and most of all his family. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held on June 14, 2014 at 1:00pm at the 5th Avenue Seniors’ Centre (170 5th Ave, SE, Salmon Arm, BC). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a community organization of choice.
On line condolences may be sent to Eric’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm, BC.