Walter was born in Coles Island on December 22, 1943 and was the son of the late John and Gladys (Cromwell) Kierstead. When Walter began working, he started with Co-Op, later moving on to Willitt Fruit now known as Atlantic Wholesaler. Walter retired from NB Power where he worked for 25 years. He was also a proud member of AA for 23 and half years. Walter was a very kind, loving, fair, special person that treated family and friends as equals. He had a fabulous sense of humor, and loved playing practical jokes on everyone. As a very social person, he loved crowds, and attended all functions. Even one on one, he was a wonderful man, right there to help you cut and split wood without a second thought. Family was very important to Walter. He would do anything for his daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews or even the neighboring kids. They all looked up to him. Walter was an avid card player and looked forward to playing crib, whether it was at the kitchen table, or at the Legion each Thursday night. He loved to travel whether it was around the world with Eleanor, just a day trip with his brother on the four wheelers or to Fredericton to visit with his sister Faye. Walter had another important girl in his life; his "baby girl" named Maggie. Maggie came into his life at a time that he really didn't think they needed another dog. Well Miss Maggie soon changed his mind, with her big brown eyes and charming personality, and they were buddies from that day on. To his family and friends: He was the PERFECT husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor! Walter is survived by his wife Eleanor; two daughters: Darlene Hughes and her husband Tony Tabor of Riverview and Nova Lee Smith and her husband Roger of Sussex Corner; his brother, Carl and his wife Jill of Fredericton; his sister, Faye Jones of Fredericton;eight grandchildren: Andrew Parlee and Amber Young, Kelsey Monahan and Andrew Kubik, Christopher Hughes, Cassidy Hughes and Nick Duncan, Shane Smith and Chantelle Roy, Shawn Smith, William Tabor and Ryan Tabor; five great grandchildren: Brycelyn Parlee, Dallas Parlee, Miley Kubik, Emma Tabor and Bently Roy; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Walter John Kierstead of Long Creek passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on June 3, 2012 at the age of 68. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Earl Jones. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, (506-433-1176). To honor Walter's wishes, there will be no visitation. A celebration of Walter's life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on June 8, 2012 at 2:00pm. Interment will be in Coles Island Cemetery, Coles Island. Donations may be made to the memorial of the donor's choice.