DR. WALTER (VLADIMER) GRENKOW

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. WALTER (VLADIMER) GRENKOW November 15, 1918 - July 3, 2000 On July 3, 2000, Walter Sr. of 81 years gently passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Walter was fourth of nine surviving children and was born and raised on a ten acre farm to parents, Pawlo (Paul) and Petrunka (Zaborowska) who came to Canada from the Ukraine in 1908. Walters formal education began in the one room Ulster School where he also met his childhood sweetheart, Rosalia, then to Issac Newton High School, and finally into the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto. He married in 1939 and graduated in 1943 with five years of concurrent honours standing. He then served with the RCAF in Brandon (two years) and went overseas in 1945, at wars end, to Europe. He remained with the Army of occupation and then returned to Winnipeg in 1946 to establish a private dental practice. Walter served as presidents of the Canadian Legion - Branch 141, Ukrainian Canadian Veterans Association, Winnipeg Dental Association and the Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry. Walter was also a Chairperson of the Crown and Bridge Study Club, Lecturer in the Faculty of Dentistry and invited lecturer at other Canadian dental faculties across Canada. He was also on the building committee for the Holy Family Parish Church and a member of many other associations through his life. In 1939 Walter married his childhood sweetheart Rosalia and had six children whom he loved and was proud of. Walter loved to spend time with his family fishing, hunting, travelling or simply enjoying nature. Sadly in 1976 Walters best friend and wife, Rosalia, passed away. He remarried in 1980 to Claire Hutchinson. In 1989 Walter retired from his private dental practice and continued his passion for golf, which kept him a member of Niakwa Country Club for 48 years. Walter was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage and for the last ten years was a member of the Sons of Ukrainian Pioneers Club. Walter was predeceased by parents, Paul and Petrunka Grenkow; five brothers, Peter, Michael, Daniel, Joe and Paul and one sister Justina. Walter leaves to mourn brother Frank and wife Kay; brother Russ and wife Mary; sister Adelia (Elsie) Djioba; sisters-in-law, Ollie and Olga Grenkow. Also, Walter leaves behind to mourn and cherish his memories; son Walter Jr. and wife Veronica, son Paul Jr., son Richard, son Charles and fiancee Diana; daughter Darlene and husband Bill, daughter Heather and his close friend Claire Hutchinson. Walter will always be remembered and respected as a kind and loving grandfather by his 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. We will miss you always. Till we meet again. Prayers will be held Monday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. and the funeral service on Tuesday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m. both at the Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers please kindly send donations to the Cancer Society or your favourite charity. Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2000