WALTER STEVE CHERKAS -

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WALTER STEVE CHERKAS 1938 - 2003 Wally Cherkas, devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather passed away suddenly on March 8, 2003 while vacationing in sunny Mexico surrounded by his wife Carol, brother-in-law Butch and dear friends, Ken and Carol Danwich. Wally was born in Winnipeg on March 20, 1938, the eldest son of Steve and Nellie Cherkas. His passion for sports spanned his entire lifetime, from his glory days playing basketball and football at Tec Voc High School, cheering on the Bombers at the stadium and then playing armchair quarterback at the Lake. Wally and Carol married on April 30, 1966 and raised two wonderful children together. Although their marriage was not perfect, they were perfect for each other and spent 36 fun filled years together. Wally was the constant entertainer, always ready to perform. From his days performing with The Rythyms playing his accordian, his Rodney Dangerfield impersonations, vacationing down south, or just sitting on his deck sharing stories with friends, Wally loved to be the centre of attention. The door to the cabin was always open, (whether they were home or not), and was a popular gathering place for family and friends alike. Although a commercial artist by profession, dedicating his entire career to McMahons, Wally wore several hats. For many years he and Carol hosted sales incentive trips for McMahons. He enjoyed making deals at "The Store" at Lester Beach and was president of the Christmas Cheer Board. Wally was predeceased by his father, Steve Cherkas (1996) and mother Nellie Cherkas (2002). He leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Carol; son Grant and daughter-in-law Brenda, special girl and granddaughter Elisabeth Claire Cherkas of Kincardine, ON; daughter Jennifer Cherkas of Winnipeg, MB; sister Nina (Jack) Chernoff and nephews, Egan and Kevin of Kamloops, BC and sister Teena (Ron) Reilkoff of Portage la Prairie, MB; nieces, Treena and Bruce, Telyn and Dryden of Cold Lake, AB; niece Trisha and Rodger, Cole and Riley of Kamloops, BC; nephew Ronnie Jr. and Thea; mother-in-law Olga Petrowski; brother-in-law Frank Petrowski and nephew Christopher; sister-in-law Kathy (Brian), all of Winnipeg, MB. Wally would have been 65 on March 20. A memorial service will be held at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Ave. at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. Flowers are graciously declined. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2003