Walter De Craemer
De Craemer, Walter Gentil of Aylmer passed away suddenly in the acute stroke unit with his family by his side at London Health Sciences Centre – University Hospital on March 12, 2026. He was 93 years old. Walter met the love of his life in 1955, Dorothy(Taelman), married her on June 27, 1957, and together for almost 69 years, they built a life and family on their tobacco farm. Loving father of Debbie Hoyer (Bernie) and Diane De Craemer (Mike). Proud grandfather of Devon (Loren) and Brian (Sarah), and great-grandfather of Athena and Danika. He is also survived by his brothers Wilfried in Belgium and Roger (Kathy) in Brownsville, sister-in-law Erna of Aylmer, several cousins in Belgium and California and three nieces. Predeceased by his brother-in-law Julien Taelman.
Walter was born in Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium on December 29, 1932, the son of the late Urbain and Yvonne (Tavernier) De Craemer. As a young man he worked alongside his father in the family butcher shop before enlisting in the military. In 1955 he came to Canada, working on several farms before establishing his own life in tobacco farming, first in the Tillsonburg area and later near Aylmer.
Walter and Dorothy bought the Conservation Line farm from Dorothy’s parents and remained closely connected to the land he loved growing tobacco, corn, soybeans and wheat. Even in his later years he kept busy on the farm. At the age of 83 he planted five acres of hazelnuts as a “retirement” project, hoping it would become a crop enjoyed by future generations. He continued working the land, often seen on his tractor or walking through the hazelnut orchard with his dog, Rusty. Walter also enjoyed deer hunting with a muzzle loader for many years with the “Springwater Sharpshooters.”
Walter and Dorothy enjoyed many winters at their home in Jensen Beach, Florida, where they spent nearly 20 years. They also made several trips back to Belgium and loved travelling together, visiting places such as Hawaii, California, Costa Rica, Argentina, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, Portugal and even enjoying a Caribbean cruise.
A hardworking and devoted farmer, Walter built a life centered on family and the land. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he loved hearing about their lives and watching them grow. He will be deeply missed, but the many stories and memories he leaves behind will continue to be shared for years to come.
Visitation will be held at the H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 2-4:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at the Our Lady of Sorrows R.C. Church on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation- Rehabilitation Unit or the London Health Science Foundation -Acute Stroke Unit would be appreciated. Share memories or condolences at kebbelfuneralhome.com