WALTER KACZOR

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WALTER KACZOR March 26, 1905 - September 24, 2003 After a long and healthy life, Walter peacefully succumbed to the effects of a stroke suffered on August 11, 2003. Walter is survived by two sons, Richard (Lorraine) and Grant (Lorraine) grandson Stephen Kaczor (Heather) great-granddaughters, Michelle and Sarah; and grandchildren, Tiana Kaczor, James Anderson, Valerie Kaczor, Jordan Kaczor Roy and Miranda Kaczor Roy. Walter was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Stephanie, on January 4, 1997; also by brothers, Ed, Mike and Fred; and sister Jennie. Walter Kaczor is a native son, and one our city can be proud of! Few people have had the variety of experience this man has had in his 98 years of living life to the full. Born March 26, 1905, Walter attended the old McPhillips, Lord Nelson, King Edward and St. Johns Schools. In 1920, he left school and went to work at several jobs before joining CPR in 1924, where he worked for over 45 years, retiring in 1969. Walter joined the YMCA in 1924 and was part of the Leader Corps until 1932. In 1932 he won a bronze and two silver medals at the Canadian Gymnastics Championships at the Toronto Exhibition. A very active and energetic individual, Walter took a leading role in the formation and success of Winnipegs Universal Athletic Club (UAC) between 1933 and 1941. The excitement of Vaudeville influenced Walter. He started an acrobatic and boxing burlesque act in the 1930s and performed throughout Manitoba and toured the U.S. He had six different partners and performed in practically every theatre and hotel in the city. As a result of Walters training and inspiration, several UAC members and some of his partners went on to highly successful careers as stunt performers in Hollywood movies. With a drive and energy normally reserved for younger men, Walter continued to perform until age 65. A memorial service for both Walter and Stephanie will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg. A private family ash interment will take place on Monday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m. in Brookside Cemetery. Thank you to Dr. Mark Kristjanson and the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walters name to a charity of your choice. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2003