Tribute Wall
Friday
13
January
Wally’s Happy Hour
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday, January 13, 2023
Charlotte Street Arts Centre
732 Charlotte Street
Fredericton , New Brunswick, Canada
Donations
For those who wish donations may be made to Hospice Fredericton
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Diana J Richmond KC posted a condolence
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Heather and Laura, I'm so sorry to hear this news. Walter was such a great man. He was always so supportive of me and my studies. I remember he gave me his old pool cue when I graduated from FHS (or was it Mt.A) with a story behind it. He was very supportive of my law career and I always felt like he was watching over me like a 2nd dad. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him You were very lucky to have him as your husband/father for the years that you did. I can't imagine the pain you are going through right now, but please know that I am thinking about you and that I will be raising a glass to Walter from YYC on the night of your happy hour. From my days babysitting Laura to when I moved out West, he always treated me with respect and always had great advice laced with humour. He and Heather are some of my favourites. Diana J. Richmond KC
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Jayne Chase posted a condolence
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Heather and Family, So sorry to hear of Walters passing. My deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. Jayne Chase
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Ken Streatch posted a condolence
Thursday, November 17, 2022
I am so sorry to get word of Walter's passing, I value the years Walter represented our company.
Ken Streatch
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Bruce and Sue Judah posted a condolence
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Shocked to note Walter’s passing, but somewhat relieved at the tone of his words in the obit he left for us. Of course, Heather, I was immediately reminded of the help you extended to a newly arrived Landed Immigrant in 1976-77! In so many ways...including your advice that a raincoat would not do in Fredericton’s winter. As always, I accepted your advice – in due course- and bought a FarWest winter coat – which I wore today in fact! Peace and love, dear Heather. Walter is at peace in the mystery of the next life and I hope that you will find such peace and love in the many fond memories you must have of your dear husband – an outstanding lawyer of humanity and quick wit.
Blessings,
Bruce [Judah].
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Fran Calder posted a condolence
Monday, November 14, 2022
Sorry to hear of Walter's passing. I only worked for him for two years but he was a good man and a good boss who said things they way they were. My condolences to his family. He always gave me his parking space during the cold winters of Fredericton. He will be missed.
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James LeMesurier posted a condolence
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Heather, Laura and family - Holly and I were so sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. We enjoyed close to a quarter century at Woodman’s Point and very much enjoyed his company on the beach and socializing at the.various cottages. While we had little contact on legal matters, I knew him as a respected colleague. He will certainly be missed. Please accept our sincere condolences. Jamie LeMesurier
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Barbara I. posted a condolence
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Heather and Family
So sorry to hear of Walter's passing. I first met Walter when I joined Hanson, Hashey and Scott back in 1979 straight out of Business School. He was always a great deal of fun and we were a great group! Over the years I would run into him from time to time and he never changed. Always one of my favourite people with a great sense of humour. He will be missed! As soon as I read the obituary, I was sure he had written it himself. It was so Walter! Barbara Isenor
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Beth and Gary Lawson posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
To All the Vail family. We were saddened to hear about Burch’s passing. We moved to Fredericton early in our marriage and lived in a flat owned by Butch’s parents. We were warmly received by the Vail family. We have wonderful memories of their hospitality at Woodman’s Point where we gathered with his brother Chip and his family. Butch was a capable lawyer as well as a wonderful and proud father and grandfather including to his “special sons” . Butch had a wonderful and mischievous sense of humour (perhaps something he got from his father Kip?) as was evident in his obituary. He will be missed by many but leaves behind many happy memories for all those who knew him. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Gary and Beth Lawson
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Rick Perkins uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
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Butch and I were childhood friends with shared memories of school, the choir at the Cathedral, scouts, and the occasional girlfriend. I remember going to Butch's house and going up the back stairs to his 3 floor bedroom. He had a great car collection or was that Chips'. Butch was always reading a page a day from the dictionary or encyclopedia. We lost touch after high school and I moved away, but I have recounted many times my memories of Butch and our friends' adventures. I'm sure Butch became a great guy and a loyal friend to all. God Bless Butch
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Christina Hatt posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Walter will be missed by so, so many. Condolences to his family.
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Pat Lynch posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
To Heather and Family,
We were very sorry to hear about Walter. You have had an awful lot to cope with lately and we hope you will find some measure of comfort among family and friends at this most difficult time.
Most sincerely,
Pam & Pat
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Daryl Branscombe posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Walter Vail. Wally and I go back a long ways. When I had my office in Phoenix Square, Walter came to visit me one day on a legal matter. He asked me what I was working on. I said I am trying to build a Hospice in the City and I am stretched to the limit as I was coordinating the construction and chairing the Capital Campaign. He sat down and wrote me a cheque for $5,000. He said I hope this helps and then he left. That was Wally-the quiet doer. He was one of the first donors to Hospice House. Therefore, it is only fitting that Hospice House was his final resting place.
May the good Lord strength and comfort you in your hour of need. Know that in the fullness of time, your grieving will be replaced with cherished memories of your time together. Sincerely, Daryl Branscombe
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Allan Patrick posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
WE had a summer home at Woodman's Point where the Vails summered, so I've known Walter since I was 2. Our summers at Woodman's Point were fabulous, and Walter ( Butch ) was a terrific guy. He was great with us "young kids" and he took us out on their speedboat with a 70HP Mercedes, which was very powerful in the day. Beach days were wonderful and we all cherished our sunnier there. Walter was funny, kind, caring, thoughtful, just a great guy loved by all.
In recent years I would see him at the golf club and we would almost always speak of our great summers.
We will always miss this great man
Allan Patrick
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Debbie Lamont posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Leave it to you Walter to make us all laugh despite ourselves by writing your own obituary!
I have had the pleasure of working with Walter over the past decade. Although we were technically on opposites sides of our files together, in reality, he was a mentor to me and I'm not at all sure I would have survived the transition from litigation to an in-house corporate role without him. Even in the beginning when I was utterly clueless, he never made me feel inferior to him as a lawyer, though I surely was and am. I will miss his guidance, his wit and especially his stories about the family he so adored and his cherished role as Wally to the grandkids. Thoughts are with his colleagues, his friends and especially his much-loved family.
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Mary Jo McIntosh posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Deat Laura and family
I was so sorry to hear of your father's death. Please know that I'm thinking of you with love and care.
Sincerely, Mary Jo McIntosh
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Andrew Notere posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Dear Penny, Candy, Laura and family, my sympathy on the loss of Butch,
Andrew Bruce Nutter
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Marilyn Machum posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Dear Heather,Laura and family,
I am thinking of you with great sadness but I did smile when I read Walter’s obit.
He had a catching sense of humour!
He will be missed by so many.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Marilyn
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Nancy Waite posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather, Wilfred and I are saddened to hear of Walters passing. So enjoyed our chats over the years at Friday nights at “The Rogue”. May all your wonderful memories bring peace to your heart and a smile to your face.
Nancy and Wilfred Waite
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Gerry McGilligan posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather, Laura, Penny, Candy and families my deepest sympathies and condolences on learning of Walter's passing. We met at Charlotte Street school and have been friends for sixty eight years. Rest in Peace my friend.
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Louanne T posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Dear Heather, Laura and families. I am heartbroken of hearing of the passing of Walter. I greatly respected Walter, enjoyed his humor and definitely I appreciated his spot on honesty. I began working at Hanson, Gilbert, Hashey in 1970. When Walter joined the firm, it was such a pleasure to be around him. I remember how many of us worked long and hard hours, but payday, we headed to THE “Cosmo” to enjoy watching you and Walter DISCO DANCE! When you and little Princess Laura popped in the office, Walter would be beaming. You and Walter’s family treated me with such kindness as I rented on the top floor of his grandmother’s house on York Street. My love and sincere condolences to you. Louanne Tracy
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Linda Batt posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Laura, I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Thinking of you. Linda Batt
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Anne Caverhill posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather and Laura and family, Tom and I are so sorry. Please accept our condolences.
But, I’ve never smiled quite so much reading an obituary. THAT, was Walter. And he could always make you smile.
Our heartfelt sympathy, Anne Caverhill
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Ronda Rostin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
To Heather Laura and family, my heart goes out to you all. I am just so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you. Love Ronda and Patrick
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Linda Bridges posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather, Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Walter was always very kind to me when I was part of the family and I'll always remember his friendly smiles. Prayers for God to comfort you all.
Linda Bridges
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Peter Patrick posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
So sorry to hear about Butch. I had not seen him for many years but my fond memories of enjoying my (our) youth at Woodmans Point are vivid and I remember Butch as a kind, gentle person. I want to convey my deepest condolences to the Vail family
Stay strong!
Peter Patrick
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Libby Cavanagh posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Dear Heather, Laura and your family. I was Walter's secretary for 13 years having recently arrived in Fredericton from England back in the 1970s and knowing very little about the legal profession. Walter was my mentor and guide, helping me so much with day to day legal issues and laughing and joking along the way. I vividly remember that he bought a fake mouse from a local joke store, and let it loose around my desk - I nearly fell off my chair in fright, only to turn and see Walter in his office, laughing fit to burst with the scare he'd given me. After I left Fredericton and moved to Halifax, he would always come and see me in the office to chat. He was a dedicated and excellent lawyer, a marvellous family man and always ready with a laugh and jokes. Cheers to you Walter, may you always be remembered and loved. My condolences to you all, you are lucky to have had such a kind, caring and fun-loving guy in your lives. Kind regards, Libby
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Allan Marshall posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather, Laura and family. My sincere condolences on Walter’s passing. We all knew it was imminent but it is still hard. I want to thank you for the opportunity to visit with Walter in hospice. Told Walter I was proud to have had him as a friend and solicitor from 1977 until his retirement in June. His pain is over and hopefully is off to new adventures. Allan Marshall
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David DeLong posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
I have many great memories of my time spent with the Vail household during my teenage years.It seemed that every time Chip and I found trouble,Butch was always there to help bail us out!!My deepest condolences for your family’s loss,You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Karen and Terry Haines posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Laura and Heather. We wish you comfort and strength during this time of loss. Many hugs to you and your family.
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Karen Patrick posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Walter will always be Butch to me. He was a large part of my happy, happy life at Woodman’s Point every summer. You just couldn’t find a nicer, sweeter guy. We will miss him so much & will always remember the fun we all had. Heather, Candy & Penny, I am so sorry for this very sad time in your life.
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Bruce Newman posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Although i did not know him well, I have known Walter for a very long time. A true gentleman! I had the pleasure of meeting Walter a little more than a year ago after presenting him with a painting of his home of 38 years. I am very surprised and saddened to learn of Walter's passing.
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Greg Byrne posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather, Laura and family:
I was saddened to learn of Walter's passing. He was certainly an icon in the legal profession and was well respected by his colleagues and all his friends. The photo of him hoisting one captures well his love of simple pleasures and his zest for life. I always enjoyed running into Walter over the years - loved his dry wit. No doubt he smiled as he wrote his obituary, knowing that he was giving everyone a fond memory and a final laugh. Please accept my condolences on your loss. He will be missed.
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Dianne Carlisle posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
So sad to hear of Walter's passing. He will be missed by so many, but also has given so many of us great memories to cherish and remember him by. He loved his family dearly. It was a pleasure to work at the same firm with Walter for over forty years and saw how much he gave of himself to his profession. He was one of a kind. Sending love and comfort from my heart.
Dianne Carlisle
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Diana Otteson posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Walter professionally many times over the past 35 years. He was wise, kind but firm, possessing a great sense of humour in every circumstance. His jaunty stride and ready smile were his hallmarks, and I will miss seeing him in TD Tower. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
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Marilyn Hicks posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
I am finding it difficult to come to grips with Walter’s passing. I enjoyed working at the firm of Cox & Palmer and enjoyed the support I always got from Walter. His love for you Heather, Laura and his sweet little grandchildren stood out above anything else. He was your rock. From the bottom of my heart I am sending you love and comfort. ❤️ Marilyn Hicks
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Heather Vienneau posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather, Laura and families. So sorry to hear about Walters passing. So sad, such a loss of a special Man. My deepest condolences. ❤️❤️❤️
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Fran Good posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather and Laura and family, please accept my sincere condolences .I am so sorry to read of Walter’s passing. He will be so missed by all-always a smile. Heather, so sorry as well to read of your Mom’s passing.
Fran Good
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Heather Richmond posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Dear Heather Laura and family we are so sad to hear about Walter. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time . He was such a great guy . George and Heather Richmond.
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Suzanne Thurrott posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
I'm so very sad to hear about this but in true Walter fashion, he still has the last laugh. I had the great pleasure of working with Walter in the late 90's and have nothing but fond memories - his kindness, humour and mutual respect. My sincerest condolences to his entire family and loved ones.
Suzanne Thurrott
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Larry posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Heather and family , my sincere condolences. I was very saddened to hear of Butch's passing , have been thinking about all of our past memories. Butch and I grew up together , lived around the corner from each other , went to school together and became pretty good friends back in the day. Although I hadn't seen Butch lately , he was always thoughtful , friendly and asked about family always when we did see each other .Lots of good times to remember.
Sincerely,
Larry Simmons
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Milt Thomas posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Saddened to hear of Walter’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to Heather, Laura and the extended Vail family.
Milt Thomas
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Michael Bowlin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Walter and I started practicing law in 1975 with Hanson, Gilbert & Hashey and continued our connection for the next 45 years. Walter was always held in the highest regard by his law partners and clients. His magnetic personality could dominate a room. He will be sorely missed. My sincere sympathy to Heather and family.
Mike Bowlin
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Gail Kimm posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
I'm saddened to hear of Walter's passing. He always had that wonderful smile and cheerful laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Heather and Laura. So sorry for your loss.
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Alma and Walter Bidlake posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Oh Heather, this is just so Walter. We are so so sorry.
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ElizabetMcAllister posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Heather just heard about Butch and your mum. They were both part of my early life and Mitch so sad to hear of their passing. My deepest condolences .
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Richard Tingley, K.C. posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Our profession brought us in contact. Always polite and cheerful, his sterling ethical reputation was evident whenever our paths crossed. Sincerest sympathy on the loss of one of the better ones.
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Bob Skillen and Gisele LeBlanc posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Dear Heather and Laura, please accept our sympathies on your tremendous loss. Walter was a great human being whose always pleasant demeanour and warmth drew people to him. We will carry Walter and you in our hearts over the coming days.
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Jessica Riddell posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Dear Heather, Laura, Tom, Alice, Winnie, and Pearl,
We are so sad — for you and with you — as we grieve and celebrate such an extraordinary human. Wally/Butch was the epitome of generosity: he did so much not just for Laura and Geoff and Mikey but for all the river rat ragamuffins that went piling into his boat, or dipped into his candy stash, or went for ice cream. He is synonymous with the joyful days of summer at Woodmans Point, sitting on the beach, boating, shooting the breeze. I can hear the laughter. It won’t be the same without him, but he leaves an indelible mark and the most generous legacy. Wally loved big and he loved hard - and everyone around him felt it. We are thinking about you all as you work through the sadness and celebration, the grief and the gratitude that came with knowing and loving Walter Vail.
love Jessie & the Riddell Burns family
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Janice Brewer posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Dear Heather,
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Walter's passing. I have great memories of our days spent at the Vail homestead during our younger years. I think that the first time I heard Gordon Lightfoot on vinyl was at one of those many gatherings. There was always music.
My deepest condolences Heather to you and your family. He was a good man.
Sincerely,
Janice Brewer
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John P. Barry ONB KC posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Heather, my condolences with respect to the loss of Walter by you, your daughter and grandchildren. While he was my fellow partner and co-counsel for only the past nine years, prior to that as members of the same profession we shared common interest and values as well as sharing the most talented small contractor handy man in Gary Gaunce for our cottages on the St. John River. The professional respect in which Walter was held was both well earned and well deserved. My sympathy to you and your family. John P. Barry
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PATRICK RIDDELL posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
My heart hurts to hear this news. What joy he brought all us kids growing up! I will always remember him in his element performing the circle of death manoeuvre in his boat while I was pulled behind in his latest inflatable offering and hearing his villainous laugh over the sound of the motor. He made every summer at the point an adventure to look forward to. A generous and kind man who will be greatly missed. My love to Heather, Laura and the rest of the family at this time!
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Jim and Rhonda Musgrave posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
To Heather, Laura and family, I send love and support. I had the good fortune to know Walter from our practices with what is now Cox & Palmer, and he was a great mentor and friend, and always good with a laugh.
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Reg Savage posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
I think it was Ian Tyson who said: "I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you". Thank you Butch. God Bless.
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Susan Menzies-Nowlan posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
To Heather, Laura and family. My deepest condolences. I worked for Walter many years ago now and have always thought of him and my time at the firm with such fondness. I know, from the short time we worked together, how much his family meant to him. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you all.
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John ballem posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Our deepest sympathies go to Walters family. A finer gentleman you’ll never meet. He was my lawyer when I went into business many years ago. Always had a smile and would stop and share a few minutes with you, even if he was busy
He will be missed.
John Ballem and family
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John Sharpe, Executive Director posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
On behalf of Partners for Youth, our sincerest condolences on the sad occasion of Walter's death. He was a key supporter of our organization and provided friendship and sound counsel for three decades. Walter's kindness and generous sprit was a gift to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, he will be deeply missed. "May the rains sweep gently across your fields, may the sun warm the land, may every good seed you have planted bear fruit and may late summer find you standing in fields of plenty."
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Judith Watkins posted a condolence
Monday, November 7, 2022
Hi. I’m Judy Watkins and Walter and I were classmates at Charlotte Street School for 6 years. I remember the party Walter gave at the end of the final year. Tee Limerick was sitting in Walter’s lap and he told me they were ‘kissing cousins’. I really liked being in a class with a Vail because General Dairies delivered ice cream when we did well at the Fredericton Music Festivals. So sorry he has passed so soon. Will see him on the other side. Bye for now. Judy
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Gerald O’Brien KC Posted Nov 7, 2022 at 3:14 PM
Heather and Family
Walter was a valued partner of mine since 2008. I had the good fortune of his great legal mind as he shared his knowledge on several matters. He was a fine partner and friend. He always had time for other lawyers at all levels,associates and partners.
He often had a humorous quip.
Sincere condolences to all.
Gerald O’Brien K.C
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The family of Walter Dugald (Butch) Vail uploaded a photo
Monday, November 7, 2022
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The family of Walter Dugald (Butch) Vail uploaded a photo
Monday, November 7, 2022
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Mcadam's funeral home & Crematorium
160 York St.
Fredericton, NB
E3B 3N7
Ph: 506-458-9170
E-mail: McAdams@McAdamsFH.com