Wally was born on June 28, 1928, in Borodino, Bessarabia (then part of Russia, now Ukraine). At just two years old, he could not grasp the courage and determination his parents, Dan and Olga, displayed in leaving their families and post-revolution Russia. Together with his older siblings, Art and Irma, they sought a better life in Alberta, Canada.
The family’s early years were challenging as they moved between small Alberta towns, working hard for modest means. With no support programs for new Canadians at the time, families, neighbors, and communities relied on one another for assistance. During the war years, all able Canadians were expected to contribute to the workforce. Wally completed the ninth grade, and when his parents and younger siblings—Paul and Frieda—left the Hanna area, he followed them to Chilliwack.
Wally embraced hard work and explored many careers. After less than two years at Buckerfields, he transitioned to construction as an apprentice with Atkins Bros, earning 60 cents per hour—nearly 50% of the carpenter wage of $1.25 he’d set his sights on. Following a layoff a year later, he left the Fraser Valley for Vancouver, where his brother Paul and Irma’s husband, Vic Henry, helped him find opportunities. He soon added “trimmer at a Port Moody planing mill” to his resume.
During this time, he found a new reason to visit his parents on weekends—Clara Kautz. They married on June 28, 1952, just a day before his 24th birthday.
The couple settled in Vancouver, where Clara worked, and three years later, Wally shifted from the mill to a career in real estate.
Motivated to reclaim his weekends, Wally joined Norval Industries, a window manufacturing company, not anticipating that his career would last 19 years. When the company purchased a woodworking shop in Kamloops, he applied, and in 1967, the couple relocated to Thompson Country. Within two years, he became the manager, making Kamloops their home.
Wally and Clara shared a strong bond and embraced hard work together. With just a handful of skilled tradespeople, they built the houses they lived in—two in Westsyde and one in Dallas.
They were beloved surrogates to many nieces and nephews and were popular visitors during family trips to the Coast.
In 1997, Wally and Clara transitioned from their Westsyde home to condominium living at Cottonwood Manor. Wally served for many years on the Board of Directors, where his helpful nature shone through. He offered maintenance repairs at no cost, accepting only small tokens to offset the cost of materials. He used the shared workshop to build items for neighbors and generously donated the proceeds to the North Shore Community Centre.
The couple cherished countless camping and fishing trips in their motorhome throughout Canada and Washington State. They often ventured far from home, enjoying regional casinos or traveling to and from Reno, Nevada.
A memorable six-week adventure to Alaska and a journey to the Maritimes made Wally “proud to be Canadian.” Closer to home, their visit to the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) was equally inspiring.
Clara’s health declined, and she passed away on March 2, 2015, after 63 years of marriage. Though Wally missed his beloved partner dearly, he continued to live at Cottonwood Manor, remaining active and finding purpose in helping others. On nice days, he enjoyed visiting the local casino. Wally lived independently until the end, recently making Overlander Extended Care his final home.
Wally was the man we all aspire to be. He worked hard, served others, and was grateful for his country and community. His warm smile, optimistic outlook, and hearty laugh reflected his generous spirit. He required little for himself but appreciated good humor, country music, and a fine glass of wine.
Wally leaves behind his brother Paul Mayer; sisters Anne Ford and Frieda Corradini (Elmar); brother-in-law Ed (Lynne); Clara’s nieces Coleen and Shelley; along with 20 nieces and nephews from the Mayer family descent, and dozens of great and great-great-nieces and nephews. He joins those who preceded him: parents Olga and Daniel Mayer, wife Clara, brother Art, and sister Irma.
He will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature.
Rest easy now.
We love you and will miss you.
The Mayer & Kautz families.
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