WALTER JOSEPH DIDUCK

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WALTER JOSEPH DIDUCK With family in his thoughts and prayers, Wally passed away quietly on Wednesday, May 19, 2004, and began a new journey with his Creator. Forever in his support and love remain his wife Nellie; his children, Robert and Barbara and son-in-law Kevin of Canmore, AB. As well, his special granddaughter Enya who he loved so much and spent precious time with the last few months. Our dad, husband and grandfather was predeceased by his father Hnat in 1977 and his mother Pauline in 1989. Born and raised in the north-end of Winnipeg, Wally took up what turned out to be his life-long love of the violin as a youth. He graduated from Isaac Newton High School and went on to the Bornoff School of Music in Winnipeg. He went on to master his instrument at the Royal Conservatory School of Music at the University of Toronto. Dads music career led him to many parts of North and South America, including the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico and the 1978 Pan-American Games in Edmonton. He also did work for the CBC which included shows such as Red River Jamboree, Sesame Street and My Kind of Country. Although his working life also included employment as a tailor, his inner peace came from playing and making his violin sing at stage productions, theatres and hotels throughout the city. In 1993 we were very proud to see Dad be part of Rod Stewarts Unplugged Tour. Although schooled in many styles, Dad shared that his true musical love was that of country music, where he met and played with the likes of Anne Murray, Buck Owens, Hank Snow, Kenny Rogers and Ray St. Germain. He also shared a great love of musicals performing at the Rainbow Stage and the Manitoba Theatre Center in productions of "Fiddler on the Roof", "The Sound of Music", "West Side Story" and "Chicago". His illness and time took away his gift, however his love for the sounds of strings always brought a tear to his heart. His talent was well respected by his peers. "The Great Spirit has called you home dear father, we will miss you and your smile. We love you just as you loved us. Play softly amongst the angels in heaven for all to hear." The family would like to give sincere and special thanks to Dr. T. Babick and Dr. B. Gorski for their patience, kindness and visits over the years. You gave our family precious time. Your dedication will not be forgotten. Special thanks to all the nurses on Level 3 Concordia Hospital, especially Suzanne and Pat. As well, thanks to all the home care workers who provided support and care over the last months. Your concern and love is appreciated. Walters pallbearers will be Ray and Donald VanKooten, Peter and Alex Derewianchuk, son-in-law Kevin and son Robert. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray St. Germain, Steve Derewianchuk, Paul Pododworny and Bob Jackson. Music performed by Mr. Kaz Siwik. Panakhyda (prayers) will be held on Monday, May 24 at 8:00 p.m. at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. at Stella Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m., also at the Cathedral with Rev. Fr. Mikhail Kouts officiating. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, with a private family gathering to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral for maintenance as per Dads request. "This to the end, that our great blessings may never spoil us. That we shall forever live in thankful contemplation to Him who presides over us all." "VICHNAYA PAMYAT" KNYSH FUNERAL CHAPEL 1020 MAIN STREET 582-0973

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2004