Walter Frederick Tutschek

Obviously I am very happy that for that day as well ...

Growing up I don’t believe my father had any real concrete expectations regarding myself as to the person I would grow up into ... I say that as there were never heard or felt any real expectations placed upon me.

Sure he suggested that I learn an instrument ... some instrument ... any instrument and good grades in school. There were some attempts at the Piano and trumpet and when those attempts failed it wasn’t too big a deal. I can thank my sisters for having brought the music into the household.

I realized now the patience and appreciation one must to come home after a long day of work to hear repetitive off pitch squeals of attempts of music I can’t do it.

The Laisse Fair method of growing up “the hands off” approach if you will could have been wrought with peril. Must have been some divine intervention that ensured non large problem were encountered brining me to my adulthood. Maybe it is a sign of the times etc. but I don’t think you can use that approach today and we are seemingly more aware of our children happenings a least I hope so.

I knew that the freedom to grow in the direction of my choosing would always be supported. I knew even if he disapproved I wouldn’t know about it .... just continued support.

The environment he grew up in war torn “Sudeten Land” was “authoritative by nature” meaning you don’t speak until spoken to. You just had to ask dad some questions and the conversation was on its way and he had a lot of experiences and stories to share ... it was like a new person was able to emerge. He had a great personality and sense of humour. This was quite evident in the Walter we knew during his working years and the Walter we knew in his retirement years. Physically he lost his nervous cough that would arise in stressful situations. His lighter side became very apparent and he and my mother enjoyed their golden years.

We can say Dad lived his dreams and beyond. Growing up in the humble beginnings of rural Poland/Germany I don’t know large one could have really dreamed about life. I believe having a farm and family living in peace was a lofty goal for him. He has mentioned on several occasions that his life was beyond way way beyond what he could have imagined or possibly dreamed when growing up.

Although most of my learning from him was learning by example, a couple of particular phrases he used to mention in German or Polish. I’ll translate to English for the next generation here today. Dad said you must Learn to Love Learning and Learn to Love Work.

My father was well read and continued trying to learn every day. He at age 89 decided to learn this computer and internet stuff and get on line. He continued this right up until his passing reading Der Spiegel and other European views of the news that provide a more objective view of the news. He well understood from his background the media could be manipulated and spun into propaganda to cause disastrous effects. Don’t believe everything you read!

Additionally important was the Learn to Love Work phrase. Given the time and the area he was living in Lenin’s mantra, ‘To everyone according to their needs, from everyone according their abilities’ really meant for all the workers ‘nie rabotayet nie kushayet’ — don’t work, don’t eat —It became apparent to Dad early in Life that life is work all types of work, for employment, studying for grades, working around the yard, owning and maintaining a house, cooking dinner or chores it is all work. The philosophy is that if you don’t love work you would be miserable as you always have to work so you might as well learn to love it. I can remember numerous times Dad signing and truly been happy while working with a hammer or a shovel in his hand ... he loved to work.

He was a father who was organized and loved to walk (what we called marching). I think he missed a lot of the military life, the structure, organization, efficiency but certainly not the war. We were not rich by any means but we always had enough and certainly were rich in love, security and stability ... what more could one really ask for in your formative nurturing years and then beyond.

It has been said the final lesson that your father will teach you will be with their death and I believe that there is a lot of truth in this. This week trying to jot down some notes causes one to really review not only his life but your own life, the similarities, the differences and I’m sure this consideration and reflection will continue long after his passing.

My wife, my children and I will miss him dearly.

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Walter Frederick Tutschek was born in the small village of Zezulin, Poland on November 28, 1918. He was the fourth son of Wilhelm and Therese Tutschek. Another son and 3 daughters joined the family in the years to come. Walter's father was a Baptist minister serving German Baptist churches in the province of Wolhynia, Poland. His childhood years were spent reading, playing games, signing, learning musical instruments, and studying the stars. The church community was central to his life. Walter played sports such as volleyball and swimming. Education was important and Walter went through public school as well as university, eventually completing engineering studies. The 2nd World War broke out during Walter's years in Poland and so this German family returned to the land of their ancestors. in 1941 Walter was conscripted to the Navy. After a few years of active service Walter was captured and served many years in Allied Prisoner of War camps. He spent several years in Tunis, Africa and France, at one point escaping and being recaptured. Finally the war was over and after 5 long years Walter was reunited with his family.

In May of 1949 Walter and his mother left their homeland and immigrated to Canada to join his siblings here. After spending some time in the Prairie Provinces with relatives, they settled in Vancouver.

Walter began working for the Canadian National Railroad, making use of his engineering training. He faithfully worked for CN until his retirement in 1986 and enjoyed his career and the many friends he made over the thirty five years.

In 1952 Ruth and Walter were married and moved to Prince Rupert, BC. After a few short years, Walter and Ruth were able to return to Vancouver, where they lived until their retirement. Walter was committed to his wife and family. He enjoyed spending time with his children, Karen, Janet and Martin and extended family. He worked hard at keeping the extended family connected and would often take family vacations to visit his siblings. A highlight of these years was spending time at Green Bay Camp in Kelowna and family vacations to California. Walter and Ruth also enjoyed time with their many friends, often having them into their home. His mother, Theresa, was always within the thoughtful care, as looked out for her affairs and interest until her death.

Deeply committed to the Jesus Christ, Walter was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church, singing in the choir, attending weekly prayer meetings, acting as deacon and board member. He was a founding board memeber of the Evergreen Baptist Home. Walter was faithful to God and a role model to his family of dedication, trust and contentedness for God's provision. He spent time daily in the Bible and in prayer.

Walter's life can best be summed up in his own words:

"Reflecting on the early days, I was reminded of a family saying "We never perceive the hand of God [more] strong upon us than when we look at the past years of our life". Yes the Lord has cared for me, protected me and gave me what I needed. The wonderful thing is when the Lord gave, it was not just to get by; it was the very, very best. This is the way I feel about Ruth, my life partner for almost 59 years. This is the way I think about our children, Karen, Janet and Martin. They are a gift from God, along with their spouses and their children and [great] grandchildren. This is the way I feel about my career of 35 years. This is how I feel about my spiritual home, Bethany Baptist Church. My life has been a wonderful journey, after all, I know the Way, I know the Goal and I know the Destination."

Walter is survived by his wife Ruth; children, Karen and Steve Berg, Janet and Hal Neff, Martin and Barb Tutschek; grandchildren Mark (Heidi) Berg, Andrea (Gord) Dickson, Melissa (Nathan) Toews, Samantha Colby Redekop; Brandom, Jordan and Benjamin Neffl Amanda and Alex Tutschek; great grandchildren, Mason and Lexie Bergl Ben, Jude and Nash Dickson, and Natalie and Josh Toews; brother Bruno and sister Gerry Prill along with many extended family and friends.

On September 14, 2010 Walter suffered a heart attack followed by a debilitating head injury a few weeks later. Despite 9 months of physical challenges, Walter exercised and continued to improve. On June 21 Walter unexpectedly passed away and peacefully entered into the presence of his Heavening father and Lord Jesus Christ.