WALTER KEKISH

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WALTER KEKISH Our beloved Walter Kekish went home to The Lord on February 24, 2005. He was blessed to have his loving wife Jean by his side at the time of his passing as well as family who gathered in love and support for them both. Walter was a special man. He was born in the Lac du Bonnet area on June 8, 1922 to parents of Ukraine descent, John and Ann Kekish. He grew up on a farm in Red Deer and often engaged us with his recollections of a large and close family enduring rural life during the depression era. He was a fun loving man with a charming smile and joke for everyone. His sense of humour and his dedication to family are what we will remember most. On a chilly December evening in 1947 his heart was warmed when he met Jean Waraluk of Fisher Branch at a dance. It was love at first sight. They married only months later on Jean's birthday August 21, 1948. They were never apart for their entire 57 years of marriage. Walter was a very skilled carpenter who built homes and apartment blocks in Winnipeg's inner city. So it was with his own hands and the help of his best friend Stanley Hunchak that he built the house that he and wife Jean called home for their entire married life. And what a home it was! The doors were always open and all were welcome with open arms. There was plenty of food on the table and laughs galore. If you needed a hand or ear Walter and Jean were always there. They were dedicated to helping family members who were sick and their spare bedroom was a haven for healing. Over the years an assortment of dogs and cats were also honoured to share his loving home and they were showered with the best of care and were treasured family members. If you happened to be a lucky niece or nephew and went to visit Uncle Walter and Auntie Jean as a child you were left with wonderful memories. Swimming in the park pool across the street, games in the yard and treats at the store. Plus being pampered and hugged and of course being teased endlessly by Uncle Walter! Walter was also a salesman for many years with Great West Heating. He will be remembered as being a good, decent and kind man. In their retirement years Walter would hook up the little trailer to the car and off they would go. Adventures including camping, fishing, berry and mushroom picking and more. The family pet always went along and visits were made along the way. What a great life they enjoyed. Walter is survived by his dedicated wife Jean; sister Mary Matias of Winnipeg, sister Pauline Soroka of Lac du Bonnet, sister Carrie Tokar and husband Mike of Lac du Bonnet; brother Stanley Kekish and wife Diane of Lac du Bonnet. He was predeceased by his parents as well as brothers Bill and Mike Kekish and sister Helen Hammond all of Ontario and his youngest sister Jeannie Swaysie. He is survived by a large family who thought the world of him including many nieces and nephews and their children. Uncle Walter, your jokes made us all laugh and your stories of the old days are our link to our past. We will honour you by never forgetting those stories and our heritage. You were just the best! Visitation will be held on Monday, February 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Chapel with interment to follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Flowers are gratefully declined, if so desired, donations may be made in Walter's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer's Society. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2005