WALLATOR, Wilfred

1943 – 2025

Wilfred ‘Wilf’ Trevor Wallator passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Creston, British Columbia, at the age of 82 years. Wilfred was born in Calgary, Alberta, on October 30, 1943, Wilf’s passion for hot rods, racing, and the emerging car culture began early. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Charlie, Wilf was introduced to the car scene. This passion led to a lifetime of vehicles, beginning with his first car, a 1934 Ford, and famously continuing with a 1946 Oldsmobile—a car he constantly modified because, in his words, “who wants a car that runs all the time?” In the late ’60s and early ’70s, he was a regular presence at the racetrack, particularly Calgary’s Circle 8 Speedway, driving both modified and stock cars. Wilf was a highly skilled mechanic, welder, and fabricator who approached every project with creativity and artistry. Over the years, he restored and built countless vans, trucks, and cars. His final project, completed at age 81, was a hot rod version of the 1967 Chevy C10 CST, a truck originally purchased new by his father. Following his passion, Wilf and his family moved to Red Deer in 1972 to run an auto wrecker. He later co-founded and managed Speedmaster Automotive before working at Nova in Joffre for 13 years. In the mid-1990s, he successfully started Metal Works Manufacturing in Delburne, a business he was immensely proud of. Wilf found great joy with his wife, Diane Abtosway, sharing a love for classic cars, including their restored 1966 Plymouth Belvedere, which they took to shows across B.C. and Alberta. Beyond cars, they enjoyed adventures, exploring and travelling, spending their winters in Yuma, Arizona, and exploring small towns in B.C. and Idaho during the summer. In retirement, while living in Delburne, Wilf was involved with helping establish the local golf course and serving as President for several years. He and Diane moved to Creston in 2021, where they volunteered at Gleaners and joined the local car club. Wilf also enjoyed hockey with the Silver Selects right up to age 78 and golf when he could. Wilf was predeceased by his parents, Trevor and Inez Wallator, and his wife, Pat. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Diane Abtosway; his sons, Rob and Gary (Cindy), and their mother, Laurie Jahnke; and his cherished grandchildren, Cooper, Chase, and Jorja Wallator and their Mother, Andea Ansley. He also leaves behind his brother, Charlie (Carol) Wallator, and the family he gained through Diane: Chris and Naomi Mitchell, and their daughter, Hope, as well as Pat’s children and their spouses. The family would like to thank the Cranbrook Oncology Centre, the Creston Home Care Network, and all the doctors and nurses at Creston Hospital for their friendship and grace. Wilf’s family is planning a Celebration of Life in Creston and Red Deer for late Spring 2026. Details will be shared closer to the dates. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

• Date : 2025-11-23
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com