Walter Kerry Corbett (aka Dear, Dad, Grampa, Poppa, Papa, Mr. Corbett and Mr. C) born April 18, 1939, in Princeton, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020, at his home in New Westminster at the age of 81 after a very short battle with an inoperable brain tumor, glioblastoma IV. He was where he wanted to be, at home watching TV with his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of over 60 years and surrounded by his family in photos.
Kerry, as he was known, is Survived by his wife Margaret Ann, his 3 children Mary-Ann (Tom), Danny (Jodie) Bill (Kelly); 9 Grandchildren Mandy (Mike), Niki (Nick), Ben (Christina), Kristi (Naythan), Kayleigh (Seamy), Stephanie, Nick, Jaxon (Catherine), Parker (Sabrina); 9 Great grandchildren Xander, Lucas, Isabella, Levi, Hudson, Aleigha, Cillian, Yasmin, Stella; his siblings D’Arcy (Nikkie), Gaylene (Glenn) and an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his brother Raymond, Father Walter, Mother Florence, Stepfather Orlando, Stepmother Helen, and Great-Grandson Joshua.
Moving out of the family home at the age of 16, Kerry went on to graduate from Lester Pearson High School in New Westminster and put himself through university where he completed both his Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees at UBC. Kerry spent 35 years in New Westminster as a teacher, principal and was the first District Principal within the province, before retiring in the summer of 1994. He was very involved in the community of New Westminster where he served as president of the New Westminster Teachers Association, president of the New Westminster Minor Hockey Association and was involved with the Hyack Festival Association to name but a few. He took pride in working in the church he attended where has was an Elder for the better part of 5 decades, and volunteering in the community sports and activities his family took part in. When not directly involved, and when he was able to, he enjoyed watching not only his own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren but the children of family friends in their many activities and encouraged them and helped them any way he could. Family meant everything to Kerry and he never hesitated for a moment to show it or talk about it. He always had an ear to listen to you, he always had advice to give. Anytime there was a helping hand needed he was there, and he always did it with a smile.
He was a man that very much wore his heart on his sleeve. He will truly be missed by all who have been touched by his loving and nurturing way.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kerry’s honour to Ratanak International. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.