WAUTERS, Eugene

WAUTERS EUGENE PHILIP WAUTERS, beloved husband of Virginia Wauters, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by family, on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the age of 86 years.
Besides Virginia, his loving wife and partner of 62 years, Eugene is survived by his children and grandchildren: Karen (Thomas) Larissa, Ginny, Moritz, Selina; Cheryl (Yuey) Trevor, Justin; Susan, Daniel, Dawson; Gerrad (Sandra) Bailey; Linda, Mary (Clayton), Eric; Philip (Mona) Brody, Emily, Sadie; his brother Terry (Judy), sister Lorraine (George) and families; cousin Marc (Georgette) and their families in Belgium. Eugene was predeceased by his parents Philemon and Celina Wauters, his brothers and sister in laws Ettienne (Dorothy), Jerrald (Bert) and nephew Greg.
He was born at St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta, on June 28th, 1936. Eugene grew up, raised a family and farmed in the County of Lethbridge.
Eugene attended McLean, Crystal Lake, Hardieville, and McNally schools. At an early age, Eugene showed an interest in mechanics, livestock and working the farmland. After graduation, he was employed by Canadian Pacific Railways as a crew clerk, fireman and later, a written engineer. He resigned from CP Rail in 1958 and started renting 80 acres of the family farm, as well as driving truck for CP Merchandise Services. It was during this time he met Virginia.
The two were married on November 12, 1960. In the spring of 1961, they purchased a farm of their own, which became the homestead where they raised their family and pursued their dreams of farming. In 1964, he resigned from CPMS to focus on farming. In 1967, he started a cattle herd with ten head from his dad to expand their farming operation.
Eugene always had a fondness for Ford vehicles and Allis-Chalmers tractors; the only exception to this was his ’56 black Dodge car.
Eugene was incredibly proud of all his children and grandchildren. They all learned at an early age to drive tractor, change pipes, and feed cattle. Eugene firmly believed in hard work and never leaving a job unfinished. He passed these traits along with the love of the land and animals to his family.
Eugene strongly believed that contributing back to the community was important. He made many lasting friendships through all of the various boards and community organizations that he served on; Sunnyside School and Community Association, Broxburn and Coaldale Sugar Beet Growers, East Lethbridge Mutual Telephone Company, Southern Alberta Co-operative Ltd., Knights of Columbus, Camp Columbus Waterton, Alberta Association of Municipal District & Counties and Lethbridge County Councillor and later, Reeve.
There were few things that Eugene loved more than a good scotch, good company and shootin’ the sh . He is loved and will be missed by many.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Frank Peta officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Philip Van Tinh Lee celebrating.
Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Eugene’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Mass, Eugene will be laid to rest in Royal View Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com