Wally Gorgopa

It is with Loving Memory, we share this relatively short eulogy describing moments in a long life. A life lived with integrity, humility, and unfailing commitment to his loved ones. Born on August 30th, 1926, in Ponoka, Alberta and known for the great majority of his long life, as "Wally" Gorgopa – the son of Oleg Gorgopa and Galya Antonovna (Dobkevich) Gorgopa.

Wally’s parents, and his father’s parents, Ukrainian/Russian immigrants, arrived to Canada from Harbin, Manchuria, in 1924. Wally's ancestry dates back over generations of high ranking Russian Imperial Army Officers.

Wally grew up in Alberta and, as a young man, expressed interest in the military by joining the Air Cadets in Calgary. On the 20th of October, 1944, at Newmarket, Ontario, Wally enlisted in the Canadian Infantry Corps. He was shown to have served in Canada, and was discharged from the service under Routine Order to return to civilian life on 'demobilization' - 12th of October 1945.

Meanwhile, in 1941, Wally's father joined the RCAF as a service policeman. Then, in 1945, his father was recruited by British Military Intelligence and flown to London, never to be seen again until 1960. Wally was now faced with important life decisions. His Father had left home and family, and being the eldest son, Wally was left with the responsibility of watching over his Mother and siblings.

He made the decision to join the RCMP, shortly after the war ended in 1947, and served in the RCMP for 26 years, from February 1947, to his discharge to pension in February 1974. His original training took place in Regina and shortly after, he met his lovely wife, Violet, in Saskatoon. Wally found himself stationed in numerous small Saskatchewan towns, followed by a period of time in both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

A short time later, Wally was sent to Vancouver, BC. His RMCP policing duties then changed to going undercover for the RCMP Drug Squad in the 1950’s. His daughter, Lynda, recalls many days where he dressed up for the part – unshaven and looking disheveled in his clothing – and headed off for work, frequently involving stressful assignments, in dangerous territory.

In 1966, Wally was stationed in Burnaby, and eventually to the Surrey-Cloverdale detachment, where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. Wally retired from the RCMP, after a long and successful career, in 1974.

Since policing was part of his nature, Wally obtained a temporary job as a Golf Course Martial, but pushing golfers along and going after golf-ball-stealing geese had its limitations! As his final career, Wally joined the BC Securities Commission and worked as Chief Investigator for a period of 7 years.

Even in retirement, Wally remained busy and committed to supporting and nurturing his family ties, being a second dad to his beloved granddaughter Terra, and also spending lots of quality family time with his great-granddaughters Isabelle and Jessica. Besides family time, Wally also enjoyed golf, manicuring his lawn, gardening, and watching the birds and wildlife that visited his yard. His compassion and commitment were instrumental in caring for his wife, Vi, in the final chapter of her life.

Wally is pre-deceased by his loving wife, Violet Gorgopa; his sister Marina McMahon (husband Bob; San Diego, CA), and brother Victor Gorgopa (wife Elaine; Richmond BC).

Wally is survived by his loving daughters Jude Gorgopa-Salvoni (Adrian), and Lynda (Gary); granddaughter Terra McKenzie (Jason Wick), and great-granddaughters Isabelle Wick (Noah) and Jessica Wick (Sean). Wally had a long-standing connection with his only nephew, Peter Gorgopa (Alexis) who regularly kept Wally company in his final years.

Wally will be remembered by all his extended family as a kind, thoughtful, supportive and caring provider and caretaker for generations to come. We will all miss his smile, his dry sense of humor and his genuine interest in all, with always an open ear and heart to hear the stories and concerns of his loved ones.

He was a brave man, who navigated the shadow side of humanity in his chosen careers and had the strength and audacity to hold the Grim Reaper at bay for almost 100 years. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all who enjoyed his company over his long and colourful life!