WALTER KACSMAR

It is with extreme surprise and sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Kacsmar at 99.99 years of age. Dad passed peacefully in his sleep October 16, 2024, 10 days before his 100th birthday.

Dad was the second youngest of 12 children, born on the farm outside of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. His parents had immigrated from the old country, they would say, which was Slovakia. 

After moving to Canada, Dad’s parents knew very little English. One of the family stories was that when a cousin came to babysit one afternoon, he taught them their first English words... “Kiss my ass, you son of a bitch.”

Dad went to the local farm school up until grade 8 where he continued his education by correspondence. He also helped out on the farm daily. He then proceeded to the University of Saskatchewan, along with his brothers, Jim and Hank. He graduated with an Agricultural degree.  He got a job right away with Swift Canadian and worked there until he took his retirement at 65.  Until his passing, he received a monthly pension payment from Sun Life – could be a record for the most years for anyone to receive a pension!

He met the love of his life, our mom Della, at the Regina Royal Bank where she worked. He whisked her off her feet and they married in October 10, 1953. Soon they were parents to Kerry, Chris, Michael, and Greg.

They left Saskatchewan to settle in Winnipeg in 1962, buying a house on Byrd Avenue for the next 40 years. Dad was also very active in his children’s lives, being a Scout leader and a soccer convenor.

After dad retired, he started his own handyman business. That kept him busy for the next 30 years, building decks, fences, houses, a cabin, removing trees and pretty much anything and everything in between. He remained an avid golfer for many years.

In 1988, mom and dad purchased a cottage in Grand Marais, Manitoba. It wasn’t much to look at in the early years, but they restored it into the Taj Mahal! Many, many summers were spent there with family and friends, playing crochet, bocce ball, and crib tournaments. There were many lazy days on the beach, countless happy hours and hot tubs to follow. Everyone was always welcome at the KAS BAR.

In their golden years, mom and dad spent all of their winters in Arizona and then Mexico, where many, many more family visited and friends were made.  

In 2016, mom and dad moved back into Winnipeg to spend their remaining years. Dad’s last residence was at the Westhaven, where he was beloved by the staff and will be greatly missed.

Dad was the salt of the earth. A son, husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather like no one else. He lived his life being fair and kind to others. He loved to tell a good story and made friends easily.  

Dad was predeceased by his daughter Maria; wife Della; son-in-law Marcel; and his son Greg. He leaves behind his daughter Kerry; and sons, Chris (Shelley) and Michael. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Stephan (Lindsay, Della, and Joseph), Sean (Camila), Camilla and Dominick.

Our family would like to thank everyone at Assiniboine Links, especially Sparky and Cindy and also all the staff at the Westhaven Manor for all the loving care they extended to dad and the rest of our family. 

As per dad’s request, there will be no funeral. We will be spreading his ashes as per his request in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan. Although he moved to Manitoba, his heart remained in Saskatchewan and he was a proud Rider fan until the end.  

Walter’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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