WALTER ENNS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WALTER ENNS February 5, 1952 January 15, 2017 With great sadness, we announce the passing of Walter Enns on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg. Walter was born in Winnipeg and spent the first ten years of his life on the family farm in the Newton Siding area, one of five children. After the untimely death of his father, the family moved to Arnaud, where Walter enjoyed much sporting activity, but also studied hard at school, gaining bursaries enabling him to go to the University of Winnipeg, for which he was always grateful. From there he moved on to the University of Toronto, where he gained his M.A. and seemed to be destined for an academic career. In pursuit of funds to help finance further study, Walter and his friend, Bruce Hanke, moved to Rocainville, Saskatchewan, to work for Ernie Symons, formulator and owner of 'Symons' Super Mix'. From this point, Walter's career path changed. He began to realize the value of a natural approach to health and healing and, after taking a number of courses, Walter became a part-time alternative health practitioner and consultant, working out of his own apartment. The rest of his working time he worked for Ernie and, when Ernie died in 1989, Walter bought the company from his estate. Walter moved himself and the manufacturing of Symons' Super Mix to Winnipeg, and set about developing the company. For 20 years or so, he visited health food stores across Canada, promoting the product and giving free health advice to customers. Walter continued to see clients in his natural health practice in Winnipeg and helped many, many people with their health issues, large and small. Walter loved socializing, relating well to people of all ages. He enjoyed experiencing the history, food and art of different cultures through his travels in Europe, South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America. He also loved what Manitoba had to offer, including the beautiful plant-life and the opportunities for winter and summer sports, and the richness of Winnipeg's cultural life. Over the past eight years, Walter had been spending increasingly more time in England, becoming 'semi-retired' but still helping people with his product and with health advice. When in Winnipeg, he took time to maintain his friendships here and to make his Mom's later years as enjoyable as possible. On March 21, 2016, Walter had a cardiac arrest in England, which left him severely disabled and very weak. However, it soon became clear that, whatever his physical challenges, his sunny personality and humour were still intact. In July, he came home to Manitoba and, in these 'bonus' months that we had with him, Walter found ways to communicate to his friends how much he appreciated them. Walter was predeceased by both parents. He is survived by his partner, Pauline; his siblings Gerald (Ruth), Laura (Eric), Lorna and Marianne (Marvin); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. We would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge for the kind and cheerful care they showed for Walter, and for all the wonderful people who visited him and enriched his life these past months. A celebration of Walter's life will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. at Westminster United Church, 745 Westminster Avenue, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walter's memory to The University of Winnipeg Foundation, 901 491 Portage Ave., Wpg., MB, R3B 2E4 designated to the Lindor Reynolds Youth-in-Care Tuition Waiver Bursary.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2017