WALTER PETERS (PITKOWICH) 1931-2008

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WALTER PETERS (PITKOWICH) 1931-2008 On September 23, 2008 God's gentle hand reached down to call our beloved husband, father and grandfather (Gigi)'s hand to His kingdom. Remaining to forever cherish his memory, Walter leaves his loving wife of 56 years Stella. He is survived by his three children, Don (Pam), Gary (Beverly), Pat (Brian) Hardy; cherished grandchildren, Shawn (Michelle), Jennifer (Andrew), Tanya, Kyle, Stephanie (Kyle) and Katherine. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mary and infant daughter, Stephanie. Walter was born and raised in Winnipeg. He attended Strathcona School and then St. John's Tech. While playing as a musician for a radio program, he met his soon to be wife, Stella. Shortly thereafter, in November 1952, he joined the City of Winnipeg Fire Department where he was a proud member for 39 years. He loved his job and especially cooking for his men while on shift. He retired at the status of District Chief in 1991 and was well respected and admired by all members who knew him. Walter was an active member of the East Kildonan Kiwanis Club from 1971 to the present. He was President in 1978-1979 and attended several Western Canadian conventions. He attended the Monday night meetings faithfully and he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie. He always was one that could be counted on if help was needed in any project. Wally was a man of many talents and was the ultimate handyman. He built several of the homes that the family lived in as well as the family cottage in Winnipeg Beach in 1971. He gained great pleasure from doing work whether at home or the cottage and in particular for his children. He always asked why hire someone for a job when it would be no problem for him to do it himself. The cottage in Winnipeg Beach was one of Wally's prides. He loved spending time with his family there. He would happily spend all day working on some project and then sitting in the evening on the front porch or by the bonfire enjoying the special time with his children and grandchildren. Wally was extremely outgoing and no one could walk by the front of the cottage without Wally striking up a conversation. His love of music, particularly his accordion, was evident in all aspects of life. Wally was involved with several bands and orchestras over the years, as well as running a music school for many years with his wife and children. Wally loved the look of joy on people's faces when he and Stella entertained them with their playing, in particular in recent years when they entertained at senior care homes. Wally was also known to play Happy Birthday and The Old Gray Mare on his accordion at every family birthday, even on the rooftop at times. He looked forward to Wednesday music lessons with his grandchildren when he would not only teach with Stella, but also made sure the musicians were well fed. The family would like to thank the Emergency Department staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, as well as Fr. Walter Klimchuk for their care and compassion. Thank you to the Winnipeg Fire Department for their participation in the funeral services. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 26 a St. Anne's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 455 Douglas Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27 also at the Church with Fr. W. Klimchuk officiating. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu for flowers, donations may be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2008