WALDEMAR (WALTER) MEIER -

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WALDEMAR (WALTER) MEIER 1927 - 2010 It is with saddened hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our Father, Opa and Great-Opa during the early morning hours on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at the Selkirk General Hospital. He will lovingly be remembered by his children George (Pat), Pete (Lynn), Jan (Jim), Angie and Rosey (Gord); his grandchildren Jennifer, Jeffrey and Neil Meier, Jimmy Seekings and Drew and Lindsay Martin; and his great-grandchildren Jayce and Kiana. Dad was predeceased by the love of his life, Lisa, on April 27, 2005. Dad was born in Slawgorod, Russia on September 7, 1927. His early years were very difficult in a war torn Russia. He lost his parents at a very early age and was raised by his beloved grandparents. When he was just four years old they left Russia for China where he would reside for 14 years. He worked at various jobs all over Europe including a Transmission Assembler at Mercedes Benz as well as working on an Italian ship for two years which took him to many parts of the world. To this day he was not particularly fond of pasta after working on that ship. Mom and Dad met on a blind date in 1950 in Germany and were married in 1951. After George and Pete were born, Dad decided he wanted to provide a better life for his wife and children. He applied for visas to both Canada and the USA. The visas arrived on the same day and he chose Canada. A decision that he would never regret. He arrived in Winnipeg in 1953, secured employment and sent overseas for his wife and sons to join him. Even though upon his arrival to Canada Dad spoke limited English, he never let that deter him and always found employment to support his family. He had various careers throughout his life. In 1965 the family moved to Selkirk and Mom and Dad became the owners and caretakers of the Lord Selkirk Apartments for 11 years. Dad was a handyman and there wasn't anything he couldn't repair. Always believing you could never learn enough in your life, he chose to go back to school at the age of 46. He received his 4th class Power Engineering Certificate from Red River College. He was then employed by Union Carbide (Praxair) until his retirement. He was a very proud man who always shared exactly what was on his mind. Some thought this to be outspoken, but we knew that was just Dad's way. Underneath that somewhat Tough as Nails exterior was a man with a big heart and his love for his family was unwavering. Dad was a devoted member of the Notre Dame Catholic Church and has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 40 years. Dad was very proud to be a 4th Degree Knight. His faith was important to him. He also served as the Chairman or as a volunteer on various charity committees. Dad, you are now reunited with your beloved Lisa whom you have missed so much. We will feel your absence in our lives. To us you were Larger than Life. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Home Care Nurses and Aides as well as the Management and Staff at Woodland Courts for their exceptional care. This was his Heaven on Earth where he lived until his hospitalization in January. We would also like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at the Selkirk General Hospital and Grace Hospital for their devotion to caring for our dad during his illness. To his friends who visited him, we also wish to express our gratitude. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the Notre Dame Catholic Church, Selkirk, with Father Dado Parennas officiating. Viewing at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Active pallbearers will be Lorne Nicol, Frank Agostino, Frank Starodub, Ted Neskar, Joe Kolbuck and Enzo Prezuisi. Honorary pallbearers will be Bert Parker, Walter Budy, Emil Wagner, Joe Bosak, Joe Banash, Ted Wilgosh and the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Selkirk General Hospital Palliative Care or to a charity of one's choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 01, 2010