With heavy hearts the family of Mr. Wallace (Wally) Lehr, beloved husband of Mrs. Ruth Lehr, announce his peaceful passing while surrounded by family at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Friday, November 18, 2011, at the age of 82 years. Wally was born in Medicine Hat on February 22, 1929, a son to proud parents, Reinhold and Olga Lehr. He was raised on the family farm southeast of Dunmore and attended Schneider School and Feldman Lake School. In his younger years, Wally learned the value of a hard days work on the farm tending to the horses, harvesting and stooking with an old time thrashing machine. His life work spanned from being a welder to preparing fancy meats and lastly, working for School District # 76 as a custodian. While there, he received his first year Steam Engineering certification. Wally was hard-working, determined and honest and these traits were evident in all he did. On July 26, 1947, he married the love of his life, Ruth Schmidt, and celebrated a remarkable 64 years of marriage. Wally enjoyed the company of his wife and spending time with family and friends. The birth of his first born, grandson, Michael, was a time he fondly recollected on. He supported his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved watching any sports they played... especially hockey. He was the kind of grandpa that anyone would want to have! Wally also spent leisure time watching western movies, woodworking, gardening, playing cards and working on cars. He also liked to travel and enjoyed his first plane ride to Hawaii and experienced the wonder of Disneyland. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Royal Canadian Legion and an active member of AA for nearly 30 years. He devoted much time going to AA round-ups and received many volunteer service recognitions. Wally was a proud family man and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Wally will be cherished in the hearts of his dear wife, Ruth; daughter, Gloria Welford; grandson, Mike (Michele) Welford and their children, Evan and Eric; granddaughter, Michelle (Art) Sexsmith and Michelle’s children, Sheldon Fischer (Sabrina), Shawn Fischer (Amanda), Stephanie Fischer (Jessica) and their father, Stewart Fischer; three sisters-in-law, Rosa Lehr, Frieda Lehr and Emma Wutzke as well as a brother-in-law, Stan Sharpe. Wally was predeceased by his parents, Reinhold and Olga Lehr; brothers, Lawrence and Ken Lehr; sister, Esther (Albert) Schlenker and his son-in-law, Mike Welford Sr. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 13th Street S.W., on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Wally’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Loren Hosfield officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Wally’s name may be made directly to the Palliative Care Society, 640 Prof. Bldg., 640 - 3rd Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0H5.