Mr. Walter Richard Montgomery of Carstairs, Alberta passed away at the Didsbury and District Health Services on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the age of 91 years.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan. Walter was raised on a small family farm. In his early twenties, he moved to Edmonton and began his lifelong career as an ironworker. Known to many as “Mitts,” he earned the nickname for wearing mitts instead of gloves while working.
He met the love of his life, Judy, in Innisfail, and the two were married in 1963. Shortly after, they settled in Calgary, where they built a life together and raised their four children in the community of Montgomery. He was well known among family, friends, and neighbours for the special nicknames he had for almost everyone he met. He spent many summers outdoors with his family, cherishing time spent camping and fishing.
During retirement, he and Judy moved to Rosedale, where they spent many happy years together. As their family grew and many grandchildren entered their lives, they later moved to Carstairs to be closer to family.
Retirement never slowed him down. He spent many years caring for his cows near Drumheller and continued to enjoy camping trips with family and friends. He found joy in gardening, walking his adored dogs, and carving diamond willow. In his later years, he also enjoyed weekly shopping trips, took great pride in maintaining his yard and home, and was especially proud of still being strong enough to shovel snow into his nineties.
Walter will be remembered for his strength and deep love for his family. His hardworking nature, generosity, and deep appreciation for the outdoors and animals will live on through his family, as he passed these values down to those he loved throughout his life. His presence, stories, original phrases, and nicknames will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Judy; his children, Darlene (Dale), Dan (Kathy), Shelly (Hank), and Wayne; and his grandchildren, Shelby, Caden, Hannah, Blake, and Reece. He also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members, including nieces who held a special place in his heart.
A Celebration of Walters Life will be held at a later date with immediate family.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Didsbury), 1413 – 21 Avenue, Didsbury, Alberta 403.335.4773.

• Date : 2026-05-27
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Didsbury) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.507.8610