I was just speaking of our gentle & patient shop teacher Wally B for the first time in decades last month - though I had no idea he had passed.  I realized I owed him three things:

1. An apology for being more chaos-causing in his class than almost anyone else despite being one of maybe five academic-track "grade 13" kids in his electricity classes. I can't imagine anyone with more patience & genuine care for the future of the often-troubled kids he taught 

2. Gratitude for the ability, after four years of his classes in 1979-82 and no other training, to totally rewire my own home & get it through inspection. It was no small feat. One for which Wally deserved all credit 

3. Gratitude also for showing me how someone who has a lot of career options, should behave & help those with fewer. Wally didn't need to help me that much, but he did draw on the kids who "got it" faster to show the others.  Just like a workplace. Or, rather, a good workplace.  Respect was fostered in his class among kids who'd have snubbed each other on the street. Lifetime friendships were made. Many people succeeded that might not have 

My fondest condolences to Wally's family.  I am sure he knows the good he did, but everyone should  There is likely no life better than one devoted to practical teaching. Wally was the best, one I remember more fondly than any others in primary or secondary or two great universities.

And Wally I really was joking on "learn nothing" day. It got a huge laugh because it WAS a joke. One on us troublemakers, as it turned out. If I had really learned nothing, my house would already be ashes.

It isn't, and that's because of you and your patience . 
Godspeed, sensei.

Today I was reading an article online and the writer was talking of a favourite high school teacher. That got me to thinking of who had an influence on me. Mr Bartkiw (remembered fondly to many of my school chums and I, simply as Wally B.)

I am saddened for your recent loss. Condolences to the family.

I lost my father in July of 2018. I mention him not for the loss but because he was the one who urged me to take technical classes in high school. I leaned heavily towards business subjects. I'm glad he pushed me to take the shop classes. I learned quite a bit.

I remember Mr. Bartkiw fondly for making the classes interesting and fun for learning.

Simcoe alum, 1977-1982.

Sad to just learn today (Dec 20) of the passing of my colleague, Walter. It was always a pleasure to meet occasionally  Noreen and Walt over the past few years since our retirements. I can still see him at Simcoe, pointing stick in hand, rousting the tech kids out of the halls and into classes. A well-liked disciplinarian to be sure. 
Losing his brother and then losing Walter -  a double hard time.  My thoughts are with you, Noreen and family. 
Robert Barnim      

Dear Noreen, Marianne, and John,

So sorry to hear of your loss.  Dad, Mom and I remember Walter (a.k.a. 'Mr. Bartkiw' for me!) well and with great fondness.  Wishing you lots of smiles and laughs thinking of him and your shared times together as a family.  Take care.

Dear Noreen and family, 
Vasyl and I are so deeply saddened to hear the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather.  Noreen although no words can really help ease the loss know that you and your wonderful family are in our every thought and prayer. May you rest in eternal peace Walter. Never to be forgotten. And may his loved ones know that he was loved and respected by many.  Зі святими у покой ... де нема ні недуги, ні журби ... Вічная Пам'ять. 

Aunt Noreen, Marianne, and John,  I am so sorry for your loss.  I have great memories of Uncle Wally growing up and remember what a kind gentleman he was.  All of your support for our family at difficult times has been appreciated and his absence will be felt by all of us.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers and hopefully your memories of him will provide some comfort in the days ahead.   Don, Sarah, James & Adam

Marianne, John and Mrs.Bartkiw...so sorry for your loss...that picture is exactly how I remember him💕  sincerest condolences, may he rest in peace.
Sheri Allan


My sincere condolences to the entire Bartkiw family.  I knew Walt as a colleague at Beamsville S.S. and was always impressed with his warm, caring and professional attitude towards both students and staff.  His class, charm and intellect always shone through.  Later, I was able to interact with Walt at Lakeport S.S. as vice-principal to his two wonderful children.  During this time, the traits and attitudes that I knew from our time together at B.D.S.S we’re still on full display but  were augmented with the intense pride and expectations he had for John and Marianne.  He was a wonderful teacher, father and human being.  I feel honoured to have known such a “renaissance man”.  I hope he will always be held close in your memories and your hearts.

My condolences on the passing of Walter. I have fond memories of him from his days as a secondary school teacher. I also remember when I was working seasonal retail around this time of year in the early 1980s, "Wally" would frequent my shop, even though there were probably better venues. He was a very patient, caring man. 

Dear Noreen and family
I am so sorry to hear about Walt.
Please know that you and  your family are in my thoughts and prayers .
Always enjoyed seeing you and Walt (you know where) and comparing our gains and losses !
So very sorry
Audrey

OBITUARY

Walter Volodymyr Bartkiw

13 February, 1930 – 7 December, 2018

Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel

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