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Walter Brodie, 78, passed away peacefully November 15, 2017 at North Island Hospital - Comox Valley, with his wife by his side.

Born December 23 1938, in Guysboro County, Nova Scotia, Walter spent his youth in Nova Scotia and PEI. At the age of 18, he moved to Montreal where he met and married Sharon Burgoyne in 1962. They were blessed with a son, Dominic, in 1964.

Walter enrolled in a French school to study automatic transmissions and graduated with honours in 1967, as a Transmission Specialist - even though he did not read or write French. He worked as a marine mechanic for several years and then made the move to Vancouver where he was employed as a motorcycle mechanic for Fred Deeley Motors, and then on to Sears as Head Mechanic.

In 1969 the family moved to Benson Lake (Cominco Mines) and then on to Westmin Mines in Campbell River where Walter upgraded and became a heavy-duty mechanic. As a member of the Operating Engineers Union, Walter moved from mining to logging to road construction until his semi retirement, when he kept fit with a wood cutting business, and then opened a taxi business in Oyster River, serving the remote North Island communities.

In 1974 Walter began to dedicate time and energy to the Comox Valley Minor Hockey Assn. as Coach of a House League and an All Star team. He became Divisional Manager of an 8 team Bantam division of 13-14 year olds.

Walt was approached to take on the failing Comox Valley Lacrosse Assn, and grew the organization by canvassing for players, garnering community support, and enlisting players from the Vancouver Burrards to run a spring training program. A natural Coach and organizer, Walter took the league of 4 teams to a thriving organization with a full rostered league including an All Star team in each division. At the same time he developed a Men's Lacrosse League of 4 teams, and learned to play the game himself.

He touched a lot of lives in the Comox Valley Sports community. To quote Lee MacKenzie in an article written on Walter in 1979 - "It is his willingness to always find a little bit more to give that makes Walter Brodie special. He coaches the team, drives the bus, chairs the meetings and pounds the nails. He may also be making your child into a better human being."

While Walter was a positive influence on many young people in his community, to his family he was everything. Leader, Lover, Papa, Dad. In turn, Walter was so very proud of his son, Nic, and the life he and Alison created, his beautiful grand daughters, and of course his beloved Mrs. S.

A well known local figure of the Comox Valley and Campbell River, Walter was quick with a smile, and loved to laugh. He had many good friends who remained a comfort to him to the end.

Predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth, and a brother, Clarence. Walter is survived by 5 brothers - Jim, Ron, John, George and Eugene, sisters Nellie and Marie, wife Sharon, son Nic, daughter in law Alison, and grandchildren Sydney and Brooklyn, as well as a large extended family.

The Brodie family would like to extend their gratitude to Father Marek for his kindness, the staff of the hospital 4th floor, Cottage Medical Clinic, and Toneff's Funeral Service.

Heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Winter and Dr. Sandwith for their excellent care.

No service by request. In lieu of flowers, please sponsor a young athlete that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

"See you on the other side" Walt



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