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WALTER (WALLY) F. KLASSEN
Date of Passing: Sep 19, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWALTER (WALLY) F. KLASSEN
The family of Walter F. Klassen of St. Catharines, Ontario, is saddened to announce his passing on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 92.
Wally is survived by his son, Randy; daughter, Michelle (Scott); grandchildren, Ryan (April), Danielle (Brad), Taylor (Michelle), Michael, and Matthew; great-grandchildren, Kaedon, Colton, and Ciara; as well as his siblings, John (Joyce) and Sara. Predeceased by his wife, Dean Kathryn; parents, Frank and Annie; and brothers, Adolf (Yosh) and Menno (Fish).
Wally was born in Winkler, Manitoba, to Frank and Annie Klassen. He grew up in Beamsville, Ontario. Wally began his long airline career with Transair Airlines in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His career took him around the world and throughout Canada. He retired from Air Canada Airlines at an early age and started a second career in the vacation travel industry with P.S. Holidays/Signature Vacations. Finally retiring and moving back to St. Catharines to enjoy longtime friends and warmer winters.
Wally was a very personable individual who made many long-term friends wherever he went including the airline industry. He loved to gamble, and his work took him to Las Vegas with tour groups and gambling junkets, playing cards and the ponies. He brought that interest back to Winnipeg were he and several of his airline friends owned and raced horses. He loved betting on sports, especially the NFL and baseball. His favorite line was, “Why watch a game if you can’t have money on it!” He loved the Blue Jays and watched diligently. Fishing was a pastime of his; every year he would plan several trips up to Plummers Lodge, Great Bear, and Great Slave Lakes with his buddies, Henry, Kurt, Marcel, and Jim. Chummy and his father, Warren Plummer, would take Dad on the float plane up to another isolated area to fish. Lots of great memories were made!
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Tufford Manor and Marotta Family Hospital for the wonderful care given to Wally.
In keeping with Wally’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tranquility Burial & Cremation Services (Niagara) Inc. Dad will be interred with his late wife, Dean Kathryn, back in Winnipeg. The family will have a private service at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2026
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Wally was a sweet, kind man who will be remembered by many who worked at the Winnipeg Airport for his signature professional P.A.'s. Remembering fun times in Kentucky, California and Alaska. - Posted by: Edith P Henchey (Friend) on: Sep 27, 2026
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It was always a pleasure to work with Wally back in the Transair days and to socialize, many laughs and good memories. - Posted by: Maureen Petrakos (Friend and co-worker) on: Sep 26, 2026
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What a gentleman, Wally treated everyone as if they were important, their jobs, their camaraderie with people, his advice was heeded. My condolences to his family. Lost touch when I left the company. I am glad I met Wally. - Posted by: Gloria Ivory (Lewicki) (Co worker at Transair) on: Sep 26, 2026
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Wonderful man, always in good spirits. Never a bad word about anyone with a great sense off humour. RIP WALLY. TZ was the best days. - Posted by: Daniel Tucker (Friend, coworker) on: Sep 26, 2026
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Rest easy my old friend till we meet again and re kindle the old memories we had in our younger days - Posted by: Bob bileski (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2026