WALTER OROBKO

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WALTER OROBKO Walter peacefully passed away with family at his side on January 2, 2007 at Concordia Hospital. He had enjoyed good health until a few weeks prior to his death but as he put it near the end, all the parts are wearing out . Dad was predeceased by his parents, Tony and Mary Orobko; sisters, Anne (Wilf) Martin and Stella Orobko; wife Jean (Pomanski) and his son Steven Orobko. Dad is survived by his son Anthony, wife Kathy and their children, Ryan, Adam and Melissa; son Andrew, wife Caroline and their children, Tamra and Bryce; daughter Kimberley and her husband Brian Schland; and daughter-in-law Dawn Manson. Dad is also survived by his sister Olga Karlash; and brothers, Mike Orobko (Doris Stipa), Steve (Joan) Orobko, John (Verna) Orobko, and Joe (Eleanor) Karlash. Dad was born onto the family farm at Barkfield, MB on February 15, 1921. Life was harsh for the Ukrainian homesteaders in the area, as they contended with an inhospitable terrain, governmental indifference and discrimination. Life was made more difficult for Dad and his siblings as both of his parents had passed away by the time he had reached his late teens. Dad spent his early adult years working at odd jobs in the community, until he set out as a migratory farm worker, travelling throughout Manitoba and the Mid-west United States. He eventually moved to Winnipeg where his first job was shovelling coal. He then came to find his calling as a heavy equipment operator with first Borger Industries, then Dominion Construction. In summer Dad helped to lay water and sewer lines and in winter he cleared city streets of snow. Dad and Mom met and were married by 1956. They settled in the North End where they raised their family. Dad retired in the late 1980s and settled into a simple lifestyle of his liking. He enjoyed playing the VLT's and visiting friends on his daily coffee runs. His mid afternoon debates, in both English and Ukrainian will be missed by patrons at the Lincoln Motor Hotel. He also enjoyed watching and cheering on his grandchildren whenever their sports teams were playing. The family wishes to thank Dr Babick and the nursing staff at Concordia Hospital for their compassionate care of Dad. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 9, at 2:00 p.m. at St John's Presbyterian Church, 251 Bannerman Avenue, Reverend Kevin Macdonald presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2007