November 7, 2023
We are sad to announce that our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Walter H. Sussel died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and daughters on November 7th, 2023.
Walter leaves behind his devoted wife of 69 years, Beryl, and daughters Robyn (Kosta), Lori (John-Charles), Lynne (Doug), and Terri (Len) and his grandchildren Mina, Ethan, Ari and Lucas. He will also be mourned by his sister Hannah Damtoft and her family.
Walter had an eventful life that included his family’s harrowing escape from Nazi Germany followed by an adjustment to a new life as part of a farm family in Chilliwack. As a young adult he attended UBC where he received a degree in Bacteriology, supporting himself as a photographer for The Ubyssey and the Vancouver Sun.
During his time at UBC, he met and married the love of his life, Beryl Lucas. Shortly afterward, he went off to serve Canada in the Korean War, spending a difficult year away from his new bride.
They talked of it often and on their 25th wedding anniversary, Walter gave Beryl two dozen red roses plus one yellow rose for the year they spent apart.
After Korea, they were never apart again. Walter went on to obtain a degree in Dentistry from the University of Alberta in 1961 and returned to Chilliwack to open his dental practice, and together with Beryl, raise their four daughters.
In addition to being an avid photographer, fisherman, and skier, Walter was a tireless community volunteer with the Kinsmen Club, the Chilliwack “Y”, the Rotary Club, and the Probus Club among many others.
After he retired from dentistry, he traveled the world with Beryl, skied well into his 80’s and remained ceaselessly curious about everything around him, including the careers and lives of his children and grandchildren. Rest in peace, Opa, we’ll take it from here. May his memory be a blessing.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in the weeks to come. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the St. Paul’s Foundation (https://helpstpauls.com)
Condolences can be left at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/chilliwack-bc/walter-sussel-11531203

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