Waldimar Jerry Kanwischer

March 25, 1932 – March 15, 2026

Wally (known as “Waldie” by his parents, Reinhold and Sinaida, when he was on his very best behaviour - and “Waldimar Jerry” when he most definitely was not) peacefully entered heaven and ran into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, March 15, 2026 - just ten days shy of his 94th birthday.

Wally is survived by his loving, faithful, musical, funny, hospitable, nurturing wife Freda of 67 years - along with their equally exceptional children: multi-talented Mark (wife Clara), gentle Grant (wife Ana, children Kim, Philip, Adam, and Emelie), golden child Darren (wife Cindy, children Kristen and Kayla), and favorite Daddy’s girl Allison (husband Brad, children Justin and Lindsey), plus a plethora of family and friends who brought him great joy.

Born in Calgary, Wally spent 35 years as an accountant with Texaco Oil (later acquired by Imperial Oil), where his skills with a pencil, ledger, and adding machine were nothing short of legendary. That is until computers arrived on the scene and early retirement became an attractive offer!

With more time on his hands, Wally focused on many activities - perfecting his golf game (always convinced a performance breakthrough was just one tip away), developing Olympic-level curling skills, playing chess at a pace requiring deep patience from opponents, faithfully attending weekly men’s Bible studies, working out three times a week at Darren’s fitness club, and eating out as both a hobby and a calling.

Wally and Freda loved taking family camping trips together and embraced travels to Hawaii, Brazil, Europe, the Holy Land, and several cruises. One of their greatest highlights was treating the whole family to vacations in Mexico (twice!) where laughter was plentiful and precious memories were made.

When people describe Wally, words often heard are - kind, sweet and gentle soul, welcoming, friendly, contagious laugh, classy, decent, strong, buff, inspirational, genuine, faithful friend, soft-spoken, honorable, humble, and Godly man. All true!

But more than anything, Wally leaves behind a legacy of a deep and personal faith in Jesus. It was a relationship, not a religion. It was a way of daily life, not lip service. It permeated his family, his schedule, his finances and his heart. His greatest wish is that all will one day join him again in Heaven through faith in his first love… Jesus.

A celebration of Wally’s life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 @2pm at Brentview Baptist Church in Calgary where Wally and Freda are charter members.