WALTER WILLIAM DANYLUK

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WALTER WILLIAM DANYLUK With the greatest sorrow, the family announces the death of Walter William Danyluk at the St. Boniface General Hospital on Wednesday, October 15, 2003. Left to mourn his passing are his wife and lifelong partner Norma of Winnipeg; son Bruce (Marianne) of Oakbank; daughter Susan (Eric) Clay of Victoria, daughter Shelagh (Bob) Corless of Medicine Hat/Kitimat; and grandchildren, Angie and Kate-lyn of Winnipeg, Annan and Scott Harley of Vancouver and Lindsay Clay of Victoria. Walter is survived by his sister Helen Olzewski of Medicine Hat and Nell Hunter of Moose Jaw and their families. He was predeceased by his parents John and Anna; brother Stanley; and sister Margaret. Walter was born in Kenora on May 11, 1923. He was raised in Rennie and received his early education in Rennie and Whitemouth. His first job was manning the fire tower in Rennie, which was an early indication of Walters lifelong interest in forestry and natural resources. In 1941, Walter joined the RCAF and was trained as a Flying Officer at various Commonwealth Air Training Plan facilities in Western Canada. After completing his training and arriving in Britain, Walter piloted Lancaster bombers on night-bombing missions into Germany. Walter received a commendation for flying a damaged and burning Lancaster back to a base in England, after ordering his aircrew to bail out. Shortly after VE-Day, Walter and his aircrew, along with other bomber aircrews, were given the opportunity to take their aircraft on a sightseeing tour anywhere they wished for an entire day - by nightfall, Walter and his crew had seen most of Europe from the air. Over the years, Walter continued relationships with members of his flight crew in Canada and in England. After the war, Walter returned home and married Norma Elaine Ans of Whitemouth. Walter and Norma moved to Vancouver where Walter began his study of Forestry at the University of British Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) degree from UBC in 1950. After graduation, Walter returned to Manitoba and began what was to become a distinguished career in the provincial civil service. He started as a Forest Fire Control Specialist in the Department of Mines and Natural Resources and then was Forester in Charge of the Whiteshell Provincial Forest, working out of Rennie. In 1962, Walter and family moved to East Lansing, Michigan where Walter undertook post-graduate studies at Michigan State University, receiving a Master of Science degree in Resource Development from MSU in 1963. Walter returned to Manitoba and was appointed Chief of the Parks Division of the Forestry Branch, responsible for the planning and management of recreation construction work in Manitobas forest reserves and recreation areas. Towards the end of his five years in this position, Walter was involved in laying the groundwork and preparing the legislation for the creation of a provincial park system. When the provincial government formally established the provincial parks system in Manitoba, Walter was appointed Director of the newly-formed Parks Branch, a position he held for ten years. Walter was responsible for establishing and managing a park system comprised of nine provincial parks, 30 recreational areas and numerous highway rest areas. During Walters time as Director of Parks, family holidays were frequently spent in provincial parks, often in parks where construction was not yet complete and the park was not open to the public. On several occasions, these "holidays"/inspection tours resulted in getting stuck and having to have the family vehicle hauled out of the sand or mud by bulldozer! Also during this period, Walter toured a number of parks in the southern U.S. with an international group of parks practitioners, including representatives from Logan, Utah, who kindled Walters interest in landscape architecture. In 1973, Walter was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and was directly responsible for the Parks, Tourism and Historical Resources branches of the Department. During his five years in this position, Walter was involved in the creation and development of Birds Hill Provincial Park and Hecla Island Provincial Park. Walter left the provincial civil service in 1978. During his time with the civil service, Walter worked with many outstanding individuals and formed many valued friendships that continued after his retirement. His work in Manitoba was honoured at a retirement party organized by Parks Branch staff at Birds Hill Park. Walters retirement opened a new and exciting chapter of his life. Walter and Norma moved to Logan, Utah where Walter undertook post-graduate studies in Landscape Architecture. After completing his studies in 1980, they moved to Canmore, Alberta where Walter worked for four years as Project Manager for the Alberta Parks Branch, supervising construction work in Kananaskis Country provincial park. In 1971, Walter and Norma purchased property in the Rural Municipality of Springfield which over the years became the focal point and joy of their lives. Together they created a unique vertical-log home and planted thousands of trees on the property. They have also valued the friendships of neighbours over the years. "The Farm" will remain in the family for Norma and other family members to enjoy. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Emergency, B5 and the MICU of Saint Boniface Hospital for their conscientious care of both Walter and his family. At Walters request, no funeral will be held. Cremation has taken place at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walters memory to the St. Boniface Hospital & Research Foundation (Room D1003, 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, 237-2067) or to another charity of ones choosing. Walter earned the respect of everyone who knew him. The family has been privileged to also know and love him as husband, father and grandfather. A few months ago, Walter received an e-mail from one of his grandchildren which said "Grandad ... in a lot of ways I continue to think youre really a fine example of what a man should be."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2003