Walter BELECKI

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BELECKI: Walter. December 5, 1912 - November 3, 2009. Peacefully on November 3, 2009 Walter passed away at St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 96. He was pre-deceased by Amelia, his beloved wife of over 61 years; his parents Konstanty (John) and Mary; his sisters Anne and Adele and brothers Frank, Joe and Bill. He leaves to mourn his passing his children Blaine (Dinie), Gary (Samantha) and Barbara (Geoffrey); his grandchildren Shawn (Annie), Jennifer (Arfan) and Brent (Keri); and great- grandchildren Brynn, Brook, Reegan, Bo, Eve and Tayton. Walter was born and educated in Brandon. He had an active boyhood, enjoying many outdoor activities and participating in a variety of sports. After some part-time jobs, Walter began full-time employment as a nurse at the Brandon Mental Hospital in 1937 and spent the remainder of his work life there. He retired in 1977 from his last position as Bursar. Walter met Amelia while working at the Hospital and they were married in 1940. They had three children whom they raised and nurtured with loving care and took enormous pride in. Walter continued his love of sports throughout his adult life, coaching baseball and participating in his greatest passion, curling, into his eighties. When he was no longer able to participate, he enjoyed watching televised games from the comfort of his easy chair and was delighted when the St. Louis Cardinals (the team of his hero Stan Musial) recently won the World Series. Walter was a man of abiding faith and was an active member of St. Augustine's Church in Brandon for many years. Latterly, he attended Holy Rosary Church in Winnipeg where he especially enjoyed the ministry of Father Sam Argenziano. Walter and Amelia moved to Winnipeg in 1992 to be closer to their daughter Barbara. He was soon a fixture in the Osborne Village area where he made his rounds with his trademark white cap and bow tie. He loved spending summer days on his apartment balcony, admiring his red and white geraniums and begonias (to match his proudly displayed Canadian flag) and nurturing his tomato plants. God blessed Walter with an exceptionally long and healthy life. He lived independently with extraordinary mobility right up to his hospitalization. His vitality, charm and wit were an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He was an exemplary father, loyal friend and true gentleman. Walter will be greatly missed. The family extends its thanks to Drs. McDiarmid and Thille and the respective staffs of 5B and 4E at St. Boniface Hospital for their compassionate care. They are also grateful for the help received from his home care workers Sylvia and Peggy; and Wilmot Estate building managers Marilyn and Rick. Donations can be made in Walter's memory to the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation. A private family service was held on Friday, November 6, followed by interment at Brandon Cemetery.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 07, 2009