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Walter Kremers

Image by Nick Andréka

WALTER KREMERS

December 11, 1937 – November 27, 2024

Known affectionately to his nieces and nephews as Uncle Funnyface, Walter passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, November 27, 2024. True to form, he left this world as he lived in it—glasses perched on his nose, phone in hand, ever curious, ever connected.


Walter was the devoted husband of Marian; the cherished brother of Carla and Onno; and a beloved uncle and friend to so many. He was a man of endless generosity, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh.


During his long career as a research chemist at AECL, Walter blended his scientific knowledge with a creative passion for innovation in computer technology. After retiring, found new life as a volunteer computer instructor at Creative Retirement, where he patiently guided many seniors through the digital world.


Walter’s love for life extended far beyond the lab. An avid cross-country skier and lifelong cyclist, he embraced the outdoors with joy, geocaching his way across Canada, Europe, Mexico, and even Peru with Marian by his side. At home, Walter was a culinary master, known for his expert BBQ skills and his ability to turn any meal into a celebration. He thrived in the company of others, delighting in people, parties, and shared laughter.


The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rittberg of CancerCare Manitoba and the compassionate staff at Riverview Health Centre, Palliative Care, for their exceptional support during Walter’s final days.


A celebration of Walter’s remarkable life will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, December 11 at 603 Wellington Crescent (Unitarian Church) at Academy. A second celebration will be held at a later date in Holland.


In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring his memory with a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, Creative Retirement, or Winnipeg Harvest.


Walter’s warmth, wit, and boundless curiosity touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love and a smile.


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.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Terry Cooke, Winnipeg

December 12, 2024 at 1:41 PM

Typically me, perhaps I didn't hit SAVE when I wrote my memories of Walter previously, but I must have hit SAVE when first meeting Walter and Marian 50 years ago. Since that time, I have stockpiled and saved wonderful adventures, occasions, calories, newfound knowledge and tidbits of import and some from the sublime to absolutely hysterical! Over the years, my mind remembered to hit SAVE and now as I am missing Walter's voice when he would answer the phone or a warm and humourous greeting at the door, I can retrieve and download 50 years of treasured times from my mind memory bank. Those shared times will always mean the world to me. My thoughts and sympathies are with Marian at this sad time, and with Carla, Onno, and all the families. Love, from Terry

Vivian Quiring, Toronto

December 9, 2024 at 11:23 PM

Sincere condolances Marian, and family and friends of Walter. There are many good memories, starting at U of M days when you and I were pharmacy students and Walter was a research chemist there. It has been a long friendship.

After moving away from WPG in 1974, my return visits to family and friends always included both of you. I enjoyed the tradition which was often a tasty lunch at your place, comparing travels (Walter's photo slide shows) and me inevitably asking him for some techie advice. He was very generous and patient about that. I'm sad to miss the gathering on the 12th, but look forward to seeing you a week later, Marian. It will be different without Walter, but the memories remain.

Ron and Clara Paquin, Kingston Ontario

December 3, 2024 at 10:11 PM

Dear Marian, Clara & I want to express our condolences and sincere sympathy to all the family for Walter's passing.  We recall enjoying Lunch when you and Walter attended a group reunion this August when I returned to Winnipeg.  It was so easy to reconnect based on our shared Pharmacy experiences since our beginning at the U of M.  He was so active in a variety of pursuits and interests. We hope all your memories over the many years and travels with Walter will sustain you in your loss.

Ron & Clara Paquin, Kingston, Ontario

Muriel Steele

December 2, 2024 at 4:05 PM

I was so very sorry to get an email from Muriel Barber in Ottawa to give me the sad news of Walter's death. I remember Walter always being so genuinely interested in our family when we would meet at Pharmacy events And he always made a point of having a lovely chat about many things with me. John thought a great deal of Walter and i know they became very good friends while working as colleagues as colleagues in the Faculty for many years. My thoughts are with you, Marian, during this very sad time.

Dani Carriere

December 1, 2024 at 3:11 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Wally's passing, He was a popular and inspiring member of our Geocaching community. I loved to see him pull up at one of our many events on his bicycle. He was a positive influence and will be missed.

Larry and Bev Gompf

December 1, 2024 at 1:38 PM

So sorry to hear of Walter's passing Marian. From our exercise classes at the UofM starting in 2005, it was always a joy with Walter in the room. His wry wit always generated laughter among all the participants. For example when we were on the floor executing the "dead bug" exercise Walter suggested that it should be called the "dying bug" exercise because he felt the bug wasn't dead if it continued to move. That was Walter's type of humour and we won't soon forget it. RIP Walter. Larry and Bev

Tom and Bev Paulley

December 1, 2024 at 11:43 AM

Sincere sympathy at the passing of Walter. We would see him at various Toastmaster events and Bev and I thought he was a very nice man. We always enjoyed talking to him. Our thoughts are with you Marian and your family.

Ron and Naomi Guse

December 1, 2024 at 6:18 AM

So saddened to hear the passing of Walter. He and Marian were always a joy to see at a pharmacy gathering, as it was an opportunity to share a laugh and updates on life's events. We haven’t seen Marian and Walter for a number of years, but his passing has brought back many cherished memories. We wish Marian peace and strength at this very difficult time.

Harry Berbrayer

November 30, 2024 at 11:48 PM

I didn't know Walter--my loss--but I've just learned through a Winnipeg friend of his passing. My wife Rosemary Darville (who passed on in 2023) and I have been long-time friends of Onno, Walter's brother, and Christine, Onno's partner. Walter sounds like a remarkable, and "well-rounded", guy! My own father received excellent, sensitive care years ago at the Riverview Health Centre, so I know only good things about that place. I send my strong positive thoughts to Marian and to everyone close to Walter.

Catriona Younger

November 30, 2024 at 6:14 PM

Oh my goodness, Marian! I am so very sorry for your loss! I always enjoyed Walter's presence at our past leader's luncheons and other Toastmasters events. He was kind, funny, and gracious! Hugs to you, Marian, as you and his friends and relatives honour him by sharing stories about him! May he rest in peace.

Sheri Fandrey & Ian Smith

November 30, 2024 at 4:40 PM

Marian, we just heard about Walter’s passing. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our memories of him are full of life, laughter and such a genuine curiosity about others. He had a remarkable ability to make one feel seen, heard and appreciated. Much love to you in this “time in between” - so hard to adjust to absence when Walter had such a presence. We wish you peace and comfort in your memories… with echoes of his laughter rumbling in your ears. ❤️💔❤️

Kirk and Carole Edwards

November 30, 2024 at 12:59 PM

We're so very sorry for your loss Marian, and extend our sincere condolences to you and your family. We had the pleasure of working with Walter at Whiteshell Laboratories, and remember him fondly. May he rest in peace, and may your memories of the wonderful times you shared with Walter comfort you and your family, today and always.

Charlene and Horst Erb

November 30, 2024 at 12:47 PM

So sorry to learn of Walter's passing. He was a great guy and we shared many happy times at Creative Retirment with Walter always happy to answer our questions. As our friendship grew we shared many happy meals together and thoroughly enjoyed a safari to Africa with Walter and Marian. Condolences to Marian. Charlene and Horst xoxoxo

Wayne Stanton

November 30, 2024 at 12:21 PM

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Walter. He sounds like a wonderful man.

Marian Kremers

November 29, 2024 at 4:34 PM

Photos will be added when we figure it out.

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