February 19, 1939 - February 16, 2021
Wally was born to Rev. Bernhard and Helen Sawatzky in Coaldale, AB. He attended Coaldale Bible School and later the University of Alberta working as an orderly at the U of A hospital to pay for school while also helping his parents start a home church which later became Lendrum M.B. Church.
At the hospital he met and eventually married Velma Lundgren on May 30, 1964. That same year, Wally graduated with his Bachelors of Education and in 1969 completed his Masters Degree in Administration.
Wally and Velma were blessed with three children and in 1979, the family moved to Abbotsford when Wally was offered the position as Principal of MEI and became members at South Abbotsford Church. In 2000, Wally and Velma retired, moving to Pender Island where they were actively involved in the Pender Island Community Church.
In 2016, they moved to Pitt Meadows and began attending Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship in Coquitlam. Wherever they went they made many dear friends.
Wally passed away peacefully in Eagle Ridge Hospital on February 16, due to complications from Sjögren's Syndrome. He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Adeline, Myrna, Charlotte and Evelyn.
He is survived by his loving wife Velma, daughters Cheryll Rogers (Mike), Wendy Thiessen (Kevin) and son Cameron Sawatzky (Stephanie) and nine grandchildren.
Due to COVID restrictions, the family has decided to delay the Celebration of Life service.