WALTER KOSTINUIK

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WALTER KOSTINUIK September 2, 1939 - March 29, 2007 It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Walter Kostinuik, our dearly beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Walter passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2007, at the Health Sciences Centre. Walter was born September 2, 1939, in Selkirk, MB, where he lived most of his life. He leaves to remember and love him, his wife of 30 years, Barbara (nee Scott); daughters, Lara (Trevor) and Alicia (Travis); grandchildren, Aurora, Roxy and Alexander; his father John; sisters, Bernice (Fred) and Shirley (Herman); sister-in-law Norma (Larry); along with seven nieces and nephews, 14 great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-nephew. Walter was predeceased by his mother Anne and sister Jeanie. Walter was a warm hearted, generous man who was always just a phone call away. In 1971 he met his wife Barbara and they married in October of 1976. Four years later in June of 1980 his first daughter Lara was born. From then he took on the role of father and caregiver when his youngest Alicia arrived in 1983, he was a veteran child care expert. Walter was the stay at home parent who managed, with the help of his farmhand and friend David Palmer to raise his family. To Walter his girls were the world. He was involved with everything the girls did from field trips to door monitor at Christmas concerts. Walter was well known for his chocolate sales for school fundraisers. Over the years, Walter had many odd jobs including Wally's Roofing, Farming and WalCat Guide Service and Bait Snack down at the docks which was one of his favourite pastimes. The Shack was where he got to do what he loved best, meeting and talking to the people and making sure they had a coffee and something to eat. In 1997 John Harbour asked Walter to help him set up a fundraiser for children with cancer. They recruited local fishermen Jim Hyslop and Bob Chick and together they founded Kids Fishing for a Cure. Through this organization they raised thousands of dollars taking children and their families fishing for a day. The fundraiser continues to this day. In 2000 he stepped into the next stage of his life being a grandfather when his oldest Lara had her first daughter Aurora. He embraced this responsibility with the same enthusiasm and pride as always. He became a babysitter, pick up driver, fundraiser and after school snack maker. In 2005 he was blessed with two new grandchildren, Roxy (Lara and Trevor) and his first grandson Alexander (Alicia and Travis). Over the years Walter has left an impression on many people. The guys at the St. Clements Municipal office will no longer have a road watcher and the coffee shops and restaurants in town have lost a loyal customer and more recently at Walmart where he searched for good deals. During his short life Walter has been a big part of his community and is going to be missed. According to his wishes, Walter will be cremated. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, April 5, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB, with Pastor Claire Speary officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Walter can be made to Kids Fishing for a Cure or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2007