WALTER SKOMOROH

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WALTER SKOMOROH June 14, 1931 - June 11, 2003 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, gigi, brother and uncle, Walter Skomoroh. Dad died suddenly, doing what he loved to do - working in his yard. Dad will be forever loved and sadly missed by his wife and soul-mate of 41 years, Marcia; his sons, Walter (Annette) and Darren (Tracey), and his grandchildren, Cassandra (five), Claire (four and one half), and Jack (two). Dad is also survived by his brothers, Fred and Nick Skomoroh; sister Toni Kohut, and stepbrothers, Fred and Wally Skrabek, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his parents, John and Katherine; step-mother Tekla; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Yvonne Todd and infant son Kennedy; brothers, Mike, Harry, George, and sister-in-law Pauline. Dad grew up in Hamerlik, MB and left the family farm at a young age to work a variety of jobs before becoming a plumber, his life-long vocation. For 30 years he worked in the private construction sector as a member of Local 254. He then worked for the City of Winnipeg for 13 years, before retiring in 1996. Dad had an enormous network of friends, several of whom he bonded with through many years of involvement in sports. In the 1980s, he managed the Transcona Nationals Football Team, and for the last 25 years, he actively volunteered with the Transcona Railers Hockey Organization. Dad also became dear friends with his neighbours and co-workers, as his warmth, sincerity, and integrity won him respect from all those whom he knew. Above all, Dad was a devoted family man. For 41 years he was Moms best friend. Inseparable, they were often seen together walking and having coffee at the mall, shopping (Dad became accustomed to this!) and volunteering with Hockey Manitoba. They enjoyed travelling across the border together to visit friends and family and to take in professional sporting events. After 41 years, Dads eyes still sparkled when he looked at Mom! From early morning hockey practices when they were little, to building decks when they were grown, Dad was always there for his boys. They were number one on his list of priorities, and he was always ready to help however he could, not because he wanted recognition, but because thats what dads do. Dad loved to golf and especially enjoyed playing with his boys in the annual "Skomoroh Open" which, fittingly, he won last year. Most recently Dad was proudly anticipating watching Walter play slo-pitch and seeing Darren complete the Manitoba Marathon. Dad also easily earned himself the role of second father to his daughters-in-law as he warmly welcomed them into his family. As Gigi to Cassandra, Claire and Jack, Dad shone! From day one of Cassandras life, Dad showed compassion and great love, only wishing he had had the power to ease her pain. He was her protector and her biggest fan. With Claire, Gigi had a special bond, he was the first visitor to elicit a smile from her as a baby, and he has been her star ever since. Gardening was always a pleasure for Dad, but it became more of a passion as he looked forward to Claire seeing his new flowers and garden ornaments. Dad was eager to see Claire graduate from nursery school the evening he passed away. Jack loved Gigi too, often dragging him away from his coffee to play with him in the living room. He loved when Dad swung him high in the air over and over, evoking hysterical giggles every time. As in all his other roles, Dad as a brother and an uncle was loved and respected, and he will be remembered as kind-hearted and welcoming. We are all honoured to have had you in our lives, Dad, Thank you for demonstrating truly unselfish love. A memorial service celebrating Dads life will take place on Monday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Honorary Pallbearers: Norm Kowalchuk, Mike Rychlicki, Joe Kochan, Martin Todd, John Labaty, Gary Skomoroh, Harry Malenki, Bert Berry and Ed and Don Skomoroh. Thank you to the police officers, fire fighters and paramedics who demonstrated compassion and sensitivity during a very difficult time. We could not have asked for better service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walters memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102 - 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6. Vichnaya Pamyat! CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2003