WALTER (WLADYSLAW) LEWY -

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WALTER (WLADYSLAW) LEWY 1923 - 2005 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Walter Lewy on January 12, 2005. Walter was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years Doris; daughters, Dorian (Lionel Guerard) and Karen (Jim McEachern); grandchildren, Laurie (Jim DeGroot), Jennifer and Hudson; great-grandchildren, Paul, Kalyn, Jamie and Brennan; and friends and relatives in Canada, the United States, England, Poland, and Belarus. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings. Walter will no doubt be guided on his new journey by his beloved son George who went ahead to clear the tracks in 1998. Walter was an extremely loyal, generous and proud man whose character was shaped by his early life of sacrifice and hardship. Born June 16, 1923 in Horodyscze, Poland, he was the eldest of five children. Walter's life changed dramatically in 1940 when Russia invaded his country. Along with millions of other Poles, his family was shipped to a detention camp near Archangel, Siberia. Those who survived the trip were faced with the grim reality of enduring the Arctic cold. At just 17 years of age, Walter took on the challenge of trying to keep his family alive. After amnesty was declared in 1941, Walter went on to serve with honour in the 2nd Polish Corps, 4th Polish Armoured Regiment (Scorpion) and the British 8th Army. He was awarded the medal for bravery in the field for his role in the battle at Monte Cassino. Walter came to Canada in 1947 with only a few dollars in his pocket. He married Doris in 1953 and in the ensuing years - through sheer hard work and determination - made a comfortable and happy home. Walter had an incredible work ethic, often going from his job as a section man with the CNR to part-time evening work to spending weekends building the cottage at Jessica Lake. He loved the cottage, perhaps because he had such an affinity for nature and especially animals. After his retirement from the CNR, he spent as much time as possible at the lake. Walter had many friends and was a longtime member of Royal Canadian Legion, Polish Canadian Branch 246; the I.O.F; the CNR Pensioners Association and St. John Cantius Church. Walter would do anything for his loved ones. He enjoyed a good card game, and was an avid stamp and coin collector. He was a strong man with a big heart and an indomitable spirit. Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 20 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John Cantius Church, 846 Burrows with Fr. H. Uczniak officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Cross Tsunami Relief effort or a charity of your choice. Niech Spoczywa w Pokoju CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2005