Walter Joseph Grochmal

He left the family farm in St. Michael, Alberta, to participate in the war. He was too young to join the Navy, so he joined the Merchant Marines. This gave him the opportunity to travel the world which led him to meeting Tove Erhardsen in Aarhus, Denmark. After the war, he invited Tove to Canada to marry him. He went back to school and earned his electrician's ticket. His working career had him moving from Calgary to Vancouver, then to Regina, Thunder Bay, and finally, Fort McMurray. After he retired, he took on some consulting work which had him in Perth, Australia, until he finally retired in Vernon, BC, in 1979. Walter was a problem solver, often boasting that "I can fix anything except a broken heart, and sometimes I can fix that too."

Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 75 years, Tove Grochmal, and children Roger (Sandra), Dennis (Susan), John (Annette), and Barbara. He was predeceased by his son Charles. He had six grandchildren, Michael, Thomas, Joey, Danny, Robert and Sarah, and 15 great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held in Kelowna. Anyone who would like to remember Walter can make a donation to the charity of their choice.