Walter Whyte

January 19, 1936 – June 6, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our husband, father and grandfather Walter Whyte.

Walter was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Mary Wojtowich. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 54 years, Lesia, daughters Kathy Brown (Neil), Chris Jawa (Mark), Carol Sawchuk (Wally) and his grandchildren: Daryl and Russell Brown (fiancée Megan Stuart), Rick and Alex Jawa, Samantha and Stacy Sawchuk.

Dad retired in 1991 from CNR (Transcona Shops) as a journeyman machinist after 38 years of service. He also enjoyed a long and adventurous career with Naval Reserves at HMCS Chippawa which sparked his love of travel. At the time of his retirement from the reserves he was a Chief Petty Officer and held the additional distinction of being Chief of the Band which enabled him to share his passion for music. There were very few family car trips to the lake that didn’t include a boisterous round of “What shall we do with a drunken sailor” with dad leading the way. Work weekends at the cabin, driving the boat water skiing with the girls, playing HOLA with the neighbours or a quiet bonfire were all part of the many years at Red Rock Lake.

After family it was hunting and fishing in the Whiteshell with his longtime fishing buddies Lorne and Mike or of stalking the big buck with Bud and finally bagging his antelope and caribou with Al.

After retirement Mom and Dad spent 21 years wintering in Mesa Arizona where they further enriched their lives with new activities and still a wider circle of friends. From volunteering on Friday’s for Taco Salad day, working in the Wood Shop or being the sound man for chapel, Dad was a fixture at the Valle Del Oro Resort and loved every minute of it.

Dad passed on many skills and passions to his grandchildren, each of them carrying with them the love of many of the hobbies that made Dad the man he was. From hunting to fishing, traveling to music, the conversations started by grandpa telling the grandkids his tales and in recent years with the grandkids sharing similar tales of their adventures, all to the delight of dad.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Boniface and Concordia Hospitals and Winnipeg Fire and Rescue for the exceptional support, skills and compassion provided while dad was in their care. A special thank you to Brian and June Croxford for all their help and comfort for Mom during this difficult time.

Dad’s gone fishing!

The service for Walter will be Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation or Concordia Hospital Foundation.

Our dad was born on January 19, 1936, the only child to Mary and Anthony Wojtowich. There are very few here today that new Dad as Walter Wojtowich. The change of name to Whyte occurred as a result of a lay off from the C.N.R. in the early 60’s. Dad, looking for work to support his young family, was offered a sales job with a life insurance company on the condition he changed his last name to something his clients could remember. The job didn’t last long, but our new name did. When Dad returned back to the Transcona Shops he returned as Walter Whyte.

Dad enjoyed sharing stories. From his childhood days, Dad spoke of special trips with Baba and Gigi to City Park by trolley bus, boat trips to Lockport and trips to the farm in Sundance Alberta.

As a teenager Dad wanted to join HMCS Chippawa as a sea cadet, and trying to convince his mother that he would not be shipped out to a war was a challenge. With Dad’s reassurance Baba gave permission when she heard that he would get a free uniform and the opportunity to make some extra cash while training on the west coast during summer months. So that next summer Dad packed up his kit bag and headed off to the coast. While away he would write home excited about all of his adventures. It was one particular day that Dad was called off the parade deck. “Wojtowich, you have a visitor”. He couldn’t believe his eyes. It was his mother. After Baba read Dad’s last letter, she got on the first train to the coast. Dad thought he was being funny. In his last letter he told Baba that he had been shot but everything is alright.

Dad and Mom were high school sweethearts and Tec Voc was their stomping ground. Together they went to sock hops, football games and participated in annual operettas such as Pirates of Penzance.

On October 4, 1958 Dad & Mom were married in typical Ukrainian fashion. 500 family and friends helped celebrate the beginning of their new life together. Daughters Kathy, Chris and Carol arrived within the first 5 years and the family was complete with the exception of a couple of dogs, a cat, some fish and one hamster.

Dad and Mom loved the outdoors. Growing up, our home away from home was the Whiteshell. We spent many happy years at White Lake and made life long friends. From tiny babies to our teenage years, there was the big green canvas tent, the orange and green tent trailer, the big old trailer and finally the travel trailer that was used for our family trip to the Rockies. Camping with babies was a challenge, especially with cloth diapers. Dad was a man who always thought out of the box. He made sure that Mom would not have to bring home soiled diapers back to the city. Every Sunday Dad could be seen out on the lake in his fishing boat doing figure 8's. Behind him was a trail of cloth diapers tied together getting a good rinse. Throughout the years at White Lake, Dad could be counted on to help anyone in need. As a first aid responder, he was often called to set broken limbs, pull fishing lures from someone's head and saving the life of a drowning man.

Our next move was to Red Rock Lake. Dad purchased 3 lots. Did he discuss this huge purchase with Mom? Nope, after hearing he had spent $700 per lot, Mom made him sell the other 2. Dad chose which one was to be ours then he offered long time White Lake friends the Guelch's and Patson's a piece of the action. For the next few years all of us cleared the lot, moved many boulders and of course celebrated a job well done every Sunday afternoon. Dad was very proud of his cabin.

Dad and Mom proudly walked each of their daughters down the aisle. Our husbands Neil, Mark and Wally were the sons he never had. Watching the four of them bonding in the garage with rumsies and cokesies, working out at the lake or going fishing, a good time was had by all.

There were many celebrations in the White House even if we didn't have anything in particular to celebrate, Dad would find a reason to get together. One most memorable time was when Dad decided to call in the family for a bbq on a very cold January day. Dad and his son in laws went out to the garage with rum and cokes in hand and a full tray of chicken. Problem #1 were the rum and cokes. The guys continually were coming into the kitchen for refills and finally decided to take the bottle out with them. Eventually Mom stuck her head out the side door and yelled "Wally what's taking so long?" Problem #2 You would think one of the guys would open the bbq lid to see how the chicken was doing. But no, they just kept touching the lid to the bbq. Lid is still cold, no heat detected, chicken must not be done yet. Finally the boys came in quite happy and feeling no pain. The chicken pieces resembled something you would use to start a fire. Each piece resembled a charcoal briquette! Mom called the colonel and KFC was on its way. That became Dad's first Annual Chicken Burn which continued for many years.

To celebrate Dad's 50th birthday he wanted to go to a Red Lobster. At that time, Winnipeg didn't have a Red Lobster, but that didn't stop Dad. He was so excited to tell us that he chose the Red Lobster in Orlando and we all should pack our bags for Disney World! We all had a great time and of course in true Wally fashion, a particular memorable moment was made on the flight home. Excited about purchasing a duty free bottle, Dad asked what did everyone buy and in return we wanted to know about Dad's purchase. He proudly announced that he purchased some sort of fine Scottish liqueur call chevis regal. Neil quickly told him that he purchased a bottle of scotch. The entire plane broke into laughter when Dad loudly replied "Scotch? I hate scotch!"

Dad and Mom were blessed with 6 grandchildren. Each one of them will carry on Dad's legacy. From music, to travel, from railway to the Navy, he will always be a part of you. Daryl, Russell, Rick, Alex, Samantha and Stacy I want you to know how much joy you brought to grandpa. He never stopped talking about you. He was so very proud of you.

Dad and Mom spent 21 years of their retirement in Mesa, Arizona and again made many new friends. Dad was proud of the Arizona Room that he designed. Lots of room for friends to enjoy happy hour and enough room for ma to host her weekly stitch and bitch while dad and his friends went out for their weekly breakfast.

Dad loved life. He was a big man with a very big heart. We will miss him dearly.

Kathy

Hi, I'm Chris or to many of you I'm "The Middle One"

Walter, Wally, Dad, Pops, Grandpa and Poppy. He answered to them all. I want to share some things with you today that are pure Wally Whyte.

1. Dad was a skilful negotiator.

You don't want to be on the other end of the deal when he's working a price on anything. I recall vividly the time when my dad accompanied Mark and I to a waterbed store just before our wedding. Mom and Dad were buying us our bedroom suite as a wedding gift. We walked into a store on Portage Ave and a bright eyed young salesman was the first to approach us. My first thought was "No, not you. You have no idea what you're getting into ..... he'll eat you alive!" The salesman walked through the entire stock, assisted us with our selection and then proceeded to up-sell us. He then turned his attention to Dad who was making the purchase. It was like watching a train wreck unfold in slow motion....we were going Nooooooooo! Dad knew exactly what Mark and I wanted and proceeded to work the guy over like a prize fighter in the ring with a green sparring partner. Mark and I had to leave as the carnage was unbearable to watch. When we returned 30 minutes later, the deal was done. Not only a new waterbed but the top of the line bladder, a set of sheets and a satin comforter at a price that certainly wiped out any chance at a commission or even retaining his job!

2. Wally's used car lot warranty.

Dad's wheeling and dealings were legendary on the block. There was a different used car, boat or trailer in our driveway or on the front lawn with a for sale sign attached on a regular basis. Living on a busy street, there was no shortage of people stopping by to inquire about the item. The shortest turn around was a baby blue late 60's Volkswagen Beetle. Arrived in the driveway one night and was sold the next afternoon. No test drive, just a cash deal. The gentleman asked what the warranty period is on the car and Dad's reply was "to the end of the driveway" I'm sure that vehicle would never have passed a safety as it needed to be pushed down the driveway as it had no reverse, and as we came to learn as it drove away...it didn't have 2nd gear either.

3. Dad's favourite pastime was at the lake.

Sitting on the deck of his cabin with an air rifle picking off the chimney of the cabin 2 over. We thought it was funny until Mark and I bought that cabin.

4. One thing I learned was never mess with Dad's trophy heads.

If you don't know me well you need to understand that I was the one who pokes you in the ribs (in Ukrainian we call it a shtoork) and Dad.....well got as much as he gave. You may have noticed a picture of a caribou head out there mounted on a wall with a sign underneath it. When the grandkids were young, on Christmas Eve Dad would dress up in a Santa suit. We'd gather the kids downstairs and have them sing Christmas Carols to encourage Santa to make his appearance. Sure enough we'd hear the sleigh bells jingle and the "Ho Ho Ho's" would ring out. As Dad approached the top of the stairs continuing his ho ho ho's, he stopped, muttered under his breath, and continued ho ho ho'ing a little bit terser the rest of the way down. There wasn't a Santa twinkle in his eye as he came to the bottom. Instead his eyes darted around the room to see who had the nerve to put the sign under the caribou that read...I Support Gun Control. That was me. Hanging Christmas decoration of the horns of his antelope, wrapping its neck in a wool scarf and putting a cigarette in its mouth probably didn't help either.

10 Things my Dad taught me:

1. Always turn the garbage bag inside out so the CN stamp doesn't show.

2. That the CNR stamped on his tools were not his initials.

3. That a whole bunch of quarters in the Disneyland jar eventually got you to Disney World.

4. Hours of pulling nails out of old lumber got you enough material to build beautiful buildings.

5. That you will never cut the ears off a frozen deer head with a butter knife; but it'll keep a kid out of your hair for hours.

6. He taught me that chicken burns to a crisp when you're BBQing at -35 in the garage while drinking with your son-in-laws. You may never eat the dinner but its probably the best time of your life.

7. That putting dynamite into granite boulders behind the cabin is a risky idea (but effective if done correctly)

8. That a man and his daughter are not strong enough to stop a falling tree from landing on the neighbours cabin.

9. Family is everything but it isn't easy.

10. And finally he taught me that Spic and Span does not take the skunk smell out of a Siamese cat.

I was the son that Dad never had. Worked with him under the car; by his side as he was skinning a deer; and up on the roof when the TV antenna needed aligning. We fished and went partridge hunting at the lake. He handed me everything from a broken alarm clock to a VCR with a screwdriver and asked if I could fix it. I could always take it apart but could never put it back together again. He taught us to stand up for ourselves and that there was no limit to what we could achieve if we put our minds to it. You never messed with Wally's girls. He worked hard to give us the best that he could and made no excuses for the way it was done. He called it as he saw it and didn't give a damn if you agreed or not. He was a rough north end kid, a caring and loving husband, supportive dad, engaging grandfather and a crusty senior who was always looking for his discount. He lived life to the fullest with little regard for the consequences. He is and always will be Walter, Wally, Dad, Pops, Grandpa and Poppy. He is loved and we'll miss greatly. Rest in peace Dad. -

Dear Lesia & Family,

Please accept our condolences on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather, Walter. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

With sympathy & prayers,

~

Mary Ruta & Jim, Tom, Wally

Dear Lee,

We are so very sorry to learn of Wally's sudden passing. What a dreadful shock for you. Our sympathy goes out to you and your girls.

~

Gary & Sandra

Dear Lee,

We were so sorry to hear of Wally's passing. Marty e-mailed us and then we saw the obituary in the paper. That was a wonderfully written story of Wally's life.

Our condolences to you and the family.

~

Marlene & Greig Mitchell

Auntie Lesia, Kathy & Neil, Chris & Mark, Carol & Wally,

I'm so sorry about the loss of Uncle Wally. I remember him as a man who commanded attention and had his own sense of humor. We wish you all strength to get you through this difficult time and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~

Jeanine, Richard, Aaron & Alexandra

Our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. We have many fond memories of our travels together and the other occasions we shared with you. May the happy memories help ease your sorrow and encourage you to go on. It's not easy and we hope we can help you through this difficult time.

Sincerely,

~

John & Marlene

Dear Lesia & Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

Love,

~

Mary Dovyak

Dear Auntie Lesia,

I know that your heart is very heavy at this time. You are a beautiful person and were a wonderful and dedicated wife. A great example to us all.

I am sorry for your pain. Gather your strength from family and friends.

We are thinking of you.

Love,

~

Karen, Jim & Sydney

Dear Lee,

We have such great lake memories of Wally. May your wonderful memories help to ease your great loss.

With our loving & heartfelt sympathy,

~

Ken & Linda Boughton xxoo

Our condolences on the loss of Wally. He loved life and all the fun things it held for him! May you all enjoy fond memories.

Sincerely,

Don & Wilma Hunnie

Randy Pankiw

Dear Lesia & family,

Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.

With sympathy,

~

Russ & Pat Horbal

We were so sorry to hear of Wally's death. We will miss his friendly company.

God bless you,

Jim & Donna

Lee,

I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Wally. Please know that my heart felt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With God's blessing and grace.

With Love,

~

Betty Taylor

We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If we can help in any way please do not hesitate to let us know or if you just want to talk, Lee, we are always here for you.

God bless you all.

~

Faye & Bud Serofin

Lesia & Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Sincerely,

Eileen Giesbrecht

Thinking of you an what you and Wally shared – the

life you made – praying that those memories help

ease your sorrow.

Love to you,

Kim Kramchynsky

We were very sorry to hear about Wally.

Our Sympathy,

Carole & George

My Dear Lee,

My most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on

Wally’s passing. Both John and I so enjoyed being

with Wally and listening to his many and most wonderful

“stories”! He was such a kind, caring and compassionate

man. Our lives were enriched knowing him.

I am so sorry,

Love and hugs,

Jane

Wally was a remarkable man and touched and affected

many people’s lives. He loved his family and was always

proud of his achievements. He always offered encouragement

and faced life head on. He will be missed especially for his

wisdom and attitude for life.

Love Pat & Marcel

Dear Lee & family

Our deepest sympathy to you and yours, See you in July.

Take care,

Don & Junie

Dear Auntie Lesia,

We are thinking of you over these days, weeks and months ahead.

May you know a great love that is wrapped around you at this time.

With Love,

Rhonda & Mike

Dear Lesia & family

Sorry about your loss. Our prayers are with you in your sorrow,

Louise & Eric Ellison

A tree has been planted in the Father Sean O’Sullivan Forest, in

Jerusalem, Israel – The Holy Land in memory of Walter Whyte.

With deepest sympathy. He was a good friend.

Marty & Brenda Schnier

Lee,

Sorry to hear of the death of Wally. Our sympathy goes out to you

and your family.

Our Sympathy,

John & Nancy Young

Dear Lee & Family

So many people will miss him, but your family the most.

Always remember the good memories. And he is in a

better place.

Love Lena