Walter Paslawski
PASLAWSKI - On February 5th, our Dad passed away holding the hand of his loving wife Sally – they were to celebrate their 65th Anniversary this October.
Walter was born September 10, 1933 to Anastasia (Kozicki) and Nicholas Paslawski in Kindersley Saskatchewan. He had an older brother Morris and was followed by Julian, Bill and twins Anna and Eugene. Growing up on a farm just south of Kindersley in the 1930s was not an easy life.
A determined fella, Dad left high school just prior to graduating, and after a few years of working for family friends, the Senkiw family, he went to Saskatoon to obtain his carpentry ticket. Dad had a love of working with his hands – he became a carpenter and farmer and spent the rest of his life doing both. Spring and Harvest were his favourite times of year.
In 1958 – Walter met Sally in Kindersley – Walter was working at Velthome Construction and Sally at the Dobni Hotel. Walter and Sally were married October 10, 1959 and were blessed with a small team of children from 1960 – 1968. Lorne, Greg, Raymond, Ernie, Nadine, Patricia, and Marion. Dad was a strict and hardworking father and instilled this in his children. He and Mom’s hard work provided us with many opportunities – music, sports, schooling, etc.
Walter loved to be social – dancing, playing cards, curling or just a good visit. He was big on tradition so he and mom shared Pysanka with us at Easter, passing on his skills as Dads steady hands led to some of the most intricate designs and if you ever saw Dads handwriting – it was beautiful. He was always very particular about things lining up just right, edges to be smooth – very precise about design & construction. He loved seeing how things were built.
Dad was involved in the Ukrainian Church as a Cantor during our early years as well as the Eatonia Catholic Church. He was President of St. Joseph’s and was on the Bishop’s Appeal for many years. He had a dedication to the church and his voice was often heard each Sunday. Dad had the lowest voice in the choir – he loved to sing.
But he loved to play cards – Kaiser with neighbours or family often led to many late nights or early mornings. Puzzles filled our house walls and occupied evenings as he and Mom sat across from each other. Dad would offer a slight tap, tap, tap on each piece he put in to let us know when he got one.
He loved animals all through life. From his first two horses King and Prince to his many kitties that he loved late in life. Following his feet around the farm or a sweet pet with his huge hands.
Having so many children and grandchildren led to travels across Canada and US. He rode a bull in Texas, visited family in Toronto and Nova Scotia and watched hockey in some great arenas. He went to Baptisms, First Communion, Confirmation and Graduation of many Grandchildren.
While he was strict with his children – he let his love flow with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rides on the quad, chicken coop visits, letting them comb his hair and put hair clips in, fishing trips and harvesting the garden. Dads love of children was seen with every visit.
Dad is predeceased by his parents, his son Lorne, brother Morris (2009) and brother-in-law Larry Symynuk.
Walter is survived by his loving wife Sally, children Greg Paslawski, Raymond (Susan) Paslawski, Ernie (Kim) Paslawski, Nadine (Dave) Keck, Patricia (Haig) Yeretsian, Marion (Kent) Hayes and Rita Peel (Lorne).
By his grandchildren Dustin Paslawski, Jaclyn (Corey) Domes, Alexa (Jimmy) Paslawski, Meaghan (Josh) Gramlich, Matthew (Mac) Paslawski, Christine (Josh) Keck-Hodgson, Evan (Katie) Keck, Nathan Keck, Daniel Keck, Amanda (Christian) Yeretsian-Musacchia, Jessica Yeretsian, Steven Yeretsian, Tawnia Yeretsian, his step grandchildren Colton Hayes, Kendal (Nichelle) Hayes, and Garrison (Madeleine) Krotz
And his great grandchildren, Kaden, Barret, Ryker, Jude, Maxson, Avalean, Zaidyn, Zander, Zoey, and Huck.
Walter is also survived by his brother Julian (Cecile) Paslawski, Bill (Kitty) Paslawski, Anna Symynuk and Eugene (Rozanne) Paslawski.
A special thanks to the staff at the Kindersley Manor – letting him push the candy cart around, for sharing their children as Dad always loved the wee ones and their care for him is greatly appreciated. The small things really are the biggest. Thank you.
Prayers will be held Friday, February 9th at 7 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The funeral will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 10th at 11 am. Lunch to follow internment at cemetery.