Walter Tkachyk

Walter Tkachyk, 82, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2018 at TBRHSC surrounded by and in the hearts of his family and long-term, loyal friends.

Walter was born February 15, 1936 in Senkiw, Manitoba to Alec and Mary Tkachyk. He grew up on a farm and learned the ethics of hard work at an early age, alongside his many brothers and sisters. After travelling to Thunder Bay, it is there that he met the love of his life, Patricia. They married on July 16, 1960 and the two went on to build a large and loving family. 

Family, whether by relation or choice, came first to Walter and this value was central in everything he did. He took pride in mentoring others in all aspects of life and was a role model to all – sometimes even whether you liked it or not, or thought you needed it or not. There was always a lesson to be learned and it made you a better person for it. 

He was known to those that loved him as Wally, ‘Valentine’s Day’s leftovers’ (having been too sweet to be born on the actual day), a ladies’ man because of his natural charm, and a joker as he strove to put a smile on people’s faces no matter the situation. He was a proud man and one of the hardest working, passionate about life and his work.

Walter loved creating things, particularly with his hands, and could often be found tinkering with a new project at home or his ‘cottage’ (a.k.a. garage). He always saw the best in things and people, even when no one else could. He worked as a floor installation technician for 50+ years until he was forced to stop due to illness. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sports – particularly wrestling and hockey – and had a passion for music, playing and mastering every instrument he could get his hands on. In his later years, he toured casinos with Patricia and close friends as well as cooked and baked often – he became quite the chef! 

Walter was always known to lend support and a helping hand to whomever needed it, without hesitation. He made personal sacrifices for what he felt was the greater good and worked extra, long hours to provide for his family (immediate, extended and those he ‘adopted’). He was a determined man and a ‘fixer’ of problems. Once he put his mind to something, he always found a way.

Walter is survived by his wife Patricia of nearly 58 years as well as his four children: Deborah (Wayne), Linda (Gary), Susan (Scott) and Jack. He was the adored Papa of Jacqueline (Patrick), Tanya (Mark), Amanda, Jennifer (Nii) and Melissa (Patrick) as well as many loving great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Walter was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all. He will forever be missed but never forgotten. We couldn’t even if we tried. 

A celebration of Walter’s life will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the reception hall of Harbourview Funeral Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s memory to the Northern Cancer Fund.