WALTER ZABIRKA

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WALTER ZABIRKA May 16, 1933 - July 2, 2005 Following a courageous battle with cancer, Walter passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side. He was the youngest of eight children and was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Anna; a brother Steve; and sisters, Sophie, Stella, Mary and Helen. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 41 years, Lorraine; children, Joanne (Dave), John, and Jean (Ted); grandchildren, Pamela, Jennifer and Michael Roth, Jonathan Zabirka and Nicholas and Roger Kunzelman; two great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Aiden Kunzelman; a sister Joyce Johnson of Gimli; his best friend, Candy, his dog; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends. Walter was born and raised in Riverton, MB. As a young man he moved to Toronto where he worked for Campbell Soup, later he moved back to Winnipeg and worked for Centra Gas. There he met the love of his life, Lorraine, in 1963 and they moved to Gimli in 1964. In 1966 they moved to Toronto were he worked for Ontario Hydro for two years. He then moved back home to Gimli where he lived the rest of his life and worked for Seagrams from 1969 to 1994. After retiring in 1994 he made his dream trip to Alaska. He loved to garden, camp, fish and hunt but his real passion was music. He played and sang with many bands. Walter could be found entertaining many campers around the campfire and also at family get togethers. He loved to jam with Alex and his nephew, Ron. Other holidays included the Dakotas, Alberta and Ontario. He really enjoyed going to the Morris Stampede and other rodeos and fairs. For many years he camped and fished at Montago Lake. The last five years, summers were spent at Hecla at his seasonal spot. He loved to bike on all the trails and enjoyed the wildlife with Lorraine and Candy. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, July 9 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli with Pastor Neill von Gunten officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to CancerCare Mb., St. Boniface Unit, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg R2H 2A6. A special thank you to Dr. R. C. Patel, Gimli, Dr. C. Moltzan and staff at St. Boniface Cancer Care Unit, Gimli Homecare staff, and to family and friends for all their help and support. Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2005