WALTER THOMAS GURAL

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WALTER THOMAS GURAL On Friday, February 28, 2003, Walter Gural, beloved husband of the late Marian Gural, passed away at the age of 74 years. He is survived by his daughter Janice, son Ritchie, brother Nick Gural and his sister Nellie ONeil. He was predeceased by his wife Marian; and his parents, Michael and Ludwika Gural. It is very difficult to find the words that are fitting to pay an honest tribute to a man like Walter. Although living life is complex, in many respects, his was simple. When he started working for Bristol Aerospace at the young age of 16, he was known on the plant floor as Junior. It was ironic that at age 65, Junior had spent 49 years, all of his working life, with the same company. At age 29, he married the love of his life, Marian, on July 20, 1957. The marriage lasted for an exceptional 44 years. If there was ever a man who was an owner of a broken heart, it was Walter, when suddenly on September 16, 2001, Marian was taken from him. He missed Marian, and loved her so very, very much. The simple truth is that he really did die from a broken heart. He became a father for the first time on December 3, 1959 with the birth of his first child Ritchie. The simple truth was that in many ways, his son is a different man than he was. Education, interests, outlook on life, his aspirations and dreams were not a carbon copy of his. You could easily tell at a glance and by talking with Rich, that the honesty, trustworthiness, his fairness with dealing with people either individually or professionally, his values of just plain human decency are a living testament to the man that Walter was. On June 11, 1964, he became a father for the second time with the birth of his daughter Janice. Janice was Daddys Girl. Her personality, her interests, her sense of humour, and even in her smile you could see and feel the connection between the two. They spent quality time together during the summer of 2002, taking in baseball games with the Goldeyes and even taking a bus trip down south for a little gaming. Janices commitment to her father in the twilight of his days was beyond words. He was a very fortunate man indeed. Deep appreciation is extended to the staff of the MICU at the Health Sciences Centre by the family. The Messenger of Misery once again visited our house this past Friday, and no words again can express the loss of what we held so dear. Walter, if he were writing these words, would agree with Marian that the most important things in life are health, happiness, and especially love. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., with Rev. Fr. Taras Kowch officiating. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2003