Loved and respected by all who knew him, Walter was indeed an “old world gentleman.”
He was truly loyal, and appreciated that quality in others. Walter was born to John and Mary (Bachinski) on Oct 12, 1932 in rural Saskatchewan, close to the village of Sheho. Along with his only sibling Orest, they farmed the land, having close ties to extended family, church, and community. After graduation, he moved West for work, and eventually settled on Vancouver Island where relatives Kay and Metro Ostapovich resided. His sweetheart Shirley Haw followed shortly after, and they returned to Sheho, Saskatchewan to marry on November 2, 1955. Returning to Vancouver Island, they began their lives together on the Saanich Peninsula. Walter began working for Butler Brothers, and had many different jobs there over the next 15 years.
Walter and Shirley were soon blessed with four children, a son and three daughters, Wendy, Kelly, Janice, and Karen. He was a strict father, raising his family with a firm, controlled temper (mostly). Walter had a high moral fibre, and he set that example for his children as well. Seeing their little house busting at the seams, Walter built their family home, with a little help from Metro and Paddy in 1969, on East Saanich Road where they resided for the next fifty years. There was an open-door policy at their home to their friends and family, including the Bolsters, Guenthers, Haws, Hills, McGaughtys, Monychs, Ostapovichs, Saxelbys, Townsends, and Watlings. There were many family gatherings and parties with friends.
Around 1970, Walter began working for Michell Excavating just across the street and remained there for 24 years until his retirement. Some said he was so skilled, that he could butter a piece of bread with his backhoe bucket! He was very much a handyman, and creative when it came to fixing things and solving problems. He went back and forth so many times to his shed, he walked a path into the lawn where the grass could not grow!
The children grew up, married, and later brought grandchildren to add to the joyful noise ringing in the rafters. As you likely know, the Monych’s are a loud bunch! Although his parenting was firm with his own kids, to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, a total marshmallow! He so enjoyed participating in their lives, be it watching their sports, concerts, dance or whatever they were into. He made them feel important and special. He had a unique and special relationship with each of his children, the same could be said for his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren.
Over the years there were many family trips to Saskatchewan, and a vacation in Disney Land. Later in life, Walter and Shirley's travels included cruising the Mediterranean, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera. They even flew down under to Australia. Walter and Shirley also accompanied their dear friends and travels partners Dave and Sharon on numerous boating adventures, trips to California, and twice to Hawaii. They even had the courage to try parasailing! They also fell in love with Gabriola Island after spending many weekends helping the Guenthers renovate their cottage, playing cards, and enjoying extended happy hours. In 1993, they purchased their friend Sid's cabin on Gabriola Island which they named Kim Tah, Cree for 'Happy Memories'. True to the cabin’s name, family and friends have enjoyed and experienced this simple paradise. Walter once claimed it was the best decision they could have possibly made. Countless memories revolve around that special place.
Around mid-life, Walter felt the pull of his Saskatchewan roots, and began returning to help his brother Orest with harvest, further cementing their deep bond. He loved spending time with his sister-in-law Mary, and all his cousins who were like siblings to him. He dearly loved his brother-in-law Larry, wife Mildred, his niece Sheila, and nephews Kevin, Brian, Stacy, as well as their families.
Walter lived by the Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," his word was his bond, and he was honest to a fault! Walter was reserved at first, but to those close to him he had a surprising sense of humour. He was quirky, had many funny gestures, always ready for a quip, and laughed easily at other’s jokes. He enjoyed the comedy classics, Red Skelton, Benny Hill and Carol Burnett, and could laugh himself silly! He even spent some time as Bingo caller at their Senior's Center in Brentwood, always searching for a good joke to tell at just the right moment.
Walter built his Legacy with the help of his soul mate Shirley. He wrote her letters everyday as he made his way West as a young man seeking his fortune! Nearly epic is their love story of challenge, triumph, joys, tears, hardship, prosperity and everything in between. Their love and dedication to each other and their family is admirable and inspiring. They both loved to dance, and were very good at it. Walter even won a limbo contest once! Maybe that's why he had back problems later...
Walter never complained, and he bore his illness with courage and dignity. It is with sad but grateful hearts that we say, "see you later." His Spirit rose with the dawn on Aug 5, 2020. He has blessed us in more ways than we can measure. If you are reading this, he touched your life in some way, and you touched his.
We would be appreciative of any stories you would like to share about him below.
Things Walter loved
Classic country and fiddle music, horses, the cabin, a good joke, dancing, Rye and water at happy hour, throwing a good party, being at a good party, eating chicken feet, Black Eyed Susan flowers, 'samiches', (especially crab!) hard work, a good card game, tinkering/building, number puzzle books, Sunday brunch, coffee and early morning Solitaire, but most of all, his family - his pride and joy!
Walter was predeceased by his parents John and Mary, his brother Orest, Sister-in-law Mildred, and numerous Aunts and Uncles. He was the eldest patriarch of the Monych/Bachinsky family.
Left with his memory are Shirley, Wendy Wagemaker (Rick), Kelly (Jamie), Janice Lee (Gord), Karen Cameron (Ian). Grandchildren Melissa (Lee) Bourdon (Marc), Brandon Wagemaker (Maria), Megan Lee, Samantha Lee, Travis Wagemaker, and Krystal Monych. Honorary Grandchildren Gordon and Heather Monych. Great grandchildren Everly Bourdon (4 yrs), Brody Bourdon (1yr), Raiden Wagemaker (3 1/2 mon). These little people were the light of his life! Also remembered by Sister-in-law Mary Monych, Brother-in-law Larry Haw, his niece, nephews, cousins and friends.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr R. Liebscher, the nurses at Victoria Hospice and SPH Palliative Care. In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in memory of Walter Monych to www.SPHF.ca toward the purchase of a medical air mattress for the comfort of the dying.
In little Everly's words when she found out that her Papa had passed away, she looked sad for a moment then said "Don't worry Mommy. He's going to grow up again, he will be a baby! That's what I think."
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