October 8, 1940 ~ June 19, 2018
Dad leaves to mourn his wife Bev; his three children, Michele (Gerry), Helen, and Wally (Corrine); his grandchildren, Shawn, Shaelyn, Chad, Garrett, Liam; his brother Rudi (Rose); and his sisters, Helga, Jayne (Henri), and Susan. He was predeceased by his mother Alvina, his dad Ed, and his sister Helen.
Dad and his family immigrated from the USSR in 1954 and established a new life in Canada. Dad was a mechanic for many years at Sherbrook Shell until he joined his brother Rudi framing houses. From there he joined the Flair/Qualico sales team. His quest to learn new things prompted him to get his real estate license.
He enjoyed his time in the show homes immensely but was fortunate enough to retire at the age of 55. He spent 22 years in his retirement home at Sunset Bay, Lee River, with his wife Bev of 57 years. In his retirement dad was a volunteer driver for 2 years with the Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope transportation program. He enjoyed making a difference in the community and brought many smiles to the people he transported.
Dad was an adventurer who loved nature. He took his family hiking in the woods, taught his children to water ski, loved fishing, hunting, and feeding the cheery birds, deer and fox who visited daily.
Dad was always there to guide us through the challenges that life brings and celebrated our successes. Our dad was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
Dad left his footprint on many hearts. Goodbyes are only for those that love with their eyes because for those who love with their heart and soul there is no separation. He will be loved and missed by many.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the paramedics, the staff at the Pinawa Hospital and to Dr. Papetti whose kind and generous manner provided comfort to the whole family. Dad made a special connection with her.
As per dad’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral; cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Walter to Wheels of Hope Transportation Service, Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333 or www.cancer.ca/en/donate).
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found the peace on that day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
These things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
If my time seems too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to me
I have been set free.
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Bev Gretschman
Until We Meet Again
A light from our lives has gone
A voice we loved is still
A place is vacant within our hearts
Which never can be filled.
A bouquet of beautiful memories
Sprayed with a million tears.
I wish God could have spared you
If just for a few more years.
We hold you close within our hearts,
And there you will remain.
To talk to us throughout our lives
Until we meet again.
So rest in peace dear loved one
And thanks for all you’ve done.
We pray that God has given you
The crown you’ve truly won.
Your vacant place no one can fill.
We miss you now and always will.
Love always and forever, Bev ❤️
Kim McKay-Byard
We are so sorrt for your loss .R.I.P Mr.Walter Gretschman .Our hearts go out tp the intire family and friends.He will be in your hearts always.He will be all of your Angel.
Shaelyn
Grandpa,
Although we cannot hear your voice or see your smiling face,
We know deep down in our hearts that you have not left us.
Instead everyday you surround us with the singing of the birds,
the rising of the sun and the falling of night.
I know you you will never be far away from me and keeping me safe on my many adventures. Thank you for loving me more, I love you mostest,
Shaelyn ❤️
Helen Brosowsy
My Daddy,
There will always be a special place in my life for my dad.
He has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and I have seen him go out of his way to help others.
He has given me roots to stay grounded and wings so I can fly.
He has taught me to reach for the stars and follow my dreams.
He wasn’t a hero,known by the world. But a hero he was, to his little girl.
I will forever be embraced by your love and will carry on your legacy.
Love you more daddy Hellie❤️
Chad Millan
Grandpa,
I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me from taking me fishing on the boat everyday, telling me stories where you’d be Batman and I’d be Robin and we would go on crazy adventures together, and always being there for me when life was tough. I want you know that I will always be thankful for everything you’ve done to guide me into becoming the man I am today, for teaching me right from wrong, and always telling me to be a good boy. I’ll always remember how great of a man you are and how much you loved me. I know that you’ll always be in my heart and out on the lake forever. Thank you for all the great memories we have made together, I will hold them close in my heart forever and always.
I Love You Grandpa❤️
Chad
Kelly Semkiw
Bev and family
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Neighbor in Sun Set Bay
Kelly and Ken Semkiw
DONALD BUTT
THE TIME COMES FOR ALL OF US TO ANSWER THE BELL OF THE LORD.TAKE CARE OF MY BRIDE HELEN.MOM,DAD,KERRY,JASON AND BERT,HELMET,BERNICE MOMMA RUF. YOUR NOW IN THE HANDS OF YOUR FAMILY AND THEIR CARE. I LOVED YOU LIKE THE BROTHER I NEVER HAD. I REMEMBER OUR DAYS ON CHAMBERLAIN AVE.AND SHERBROOK SERVICE .MOVING TO THE LAKE MADE IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO VISIT YOU AND BEV AS MUCH AS ONE WOULD HAVE LIKED WITH WORKING. AND OWNING OUR OWN COTTAGE, { THE BONDING WEEK-ENDS }WERE SPECIAL { GRETSCMAN FAMILY }YOUR OUT OF PAIN NOW AND WITH THE LORD AND FAMILY. YOU’LL BE MISSED UNCLE DON,BRYAN.KAREN,ROB,CAROL-ANN, JOSANNE,DANYK
Shawn Head
Grandpa,
Since I was a young boy you have always welcomed everyone with an open heart and an open hand. You taught us all important life lessons and no one will forget them. I still remember when you came to my elementary school and showed everyone a game you used to play with a set of sticks, the times you took us to the best fishing spots in Lee River and every other opportunity you took to be surrounded by your family. We will miss you, but will always love you and you will always be with us in spirit and with the memories we hold dearly. Au revoir – Until we see again. Love you Grandpa G
Mary Beaque
When my Dad died of cancer 21 years ago, Uncle Wally wrote a poem that was read at his funeral. My family was so touched by his words, so I’m sharing them here as a tribute to Uncle Wally – a man we truly loved ❤️.
“It’s been a fort-night since I prayed for your health, for you to get better but it didn’t work.
The lord didn’t hear me but it’s not his fault, for I did not practice the prayers I was taught.
While we were all hoping for you to get fit, the lord took your soul and heart for a trip.
Your family will miss you and all of us too; if you walk real slowly we will catch up with you.
Brother, oh brother, although we must part, up here in your birth land you’re close to our hearts.
It’s nice that what calls you up here is a bay, but it’s also ironic that it’s called Sunset Bay.
The lord he recycles, throws nothing away; we need to look at our children today to see a reflection of John in their ways.”
Auntie Bev, Michele, Helen, and Wally – my thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with you and your families! Uncle Wally was an incredible man andI will always hold his memory in my heart.
I’m happy that my Dad and his brothers have been reunited with their brother-in-law – I’m sure the party has already started!!
Mary Beaque
Karen Dunbar
Uncle Wally
It breaks my heart to know we will not see each other again, but to know you aren’t suffering anymore is what will get all of us through this, I just want to thank you for being “that uncle” who was the brat, “that uncle” who had the best sense of humor and was always into an adventure. You and Aunty Bev would include me when I was a kid in your family’s adventures, camping trips and many weekends at the lake. I will never forget or throw away the email you sent me when we lost mom, you brought me peace with your kind words and love. Rob is going to miss his conversations with you at every family gathering, he always looked forward to just yakking and catching up with you. I want to thank you for making being a brat a challenge for us kids, and only as I became an adult did I realize that you knew what we were like because you were us, you were always young at heart, you and mom were so much alike.
Until we meet again Uncle Wally, love you!
Amy
Uncle,
Reading the condolences, I still sit here asking is this real? How could another be taken from us from this thing called cancer. Some days, I want to scream, others I want to find the cure. Ultimately, love and cherished memories flood us and give us a gentle nudge towards healing and a brief rest from the sorrow. And as it always does, life moves forward. We never forget and we still hold that place in our hearts so dear that is reserved only for you because you see sweet loved one, that part of me is made of you. You taught me how to smile, how to laugh and be silly, and boy, watching you and Auntie love and tease each other was my favorite. To learn how to be humble, I simply had to look to you. Go rest now, be free from the pain and sickness. We release you to His care and know you were welcomed home by all your family that went before you, what a comfort that is. Until we see each other again. Love you always, thank you for being my Uncle Wally!
Gregg
Uncle Wally
3 weeks ago when u walked into my cottage and said to me … good work Penner …
That’s the last words we had and seen you smile
This will stick with my till we meet again uncle wally
You have tought others and me a few tricks in construction
PS …I will find your fishing hole at the lake
For many years I pester you to tell me Where it is but you never did. Lol every time I come on the water looking for you
You spot me and come off the lake ☺️☺️
I will miss you pop ins with your bike
Your short stays and good byes
Love you miss you
Rose Dyck
Bev, Michelle, Helen, Wally, spouses, grandchildren and all the family!
Wally was a wonderful, caring, hardworking man with a kind heart and a fantastic sense of humor, his beautiful blue eyes and smile could light up the room. I was very blessed to have spent time with the whole family through my teenage years lots of fun and laughs. I guess you could say Michelle and I caused him some concern, stealing his smokes, well he did smoke menthol, we thought he wouldn’t notice. In adulthood he always brought that up with a big wide grin rubbing it in that he knew. Wally touched my heart and I will forever hold those precious memories spent at the house on Oakland and at the special times at the lake close to my heart. Bev you and Wally raised a beautiful loving family, thank you for making me feel so welcome!
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all of you! Love you Wally❤️❤️❤️
Sheri and Wayne Merritt
Mr.Gretschman,
Thank-you for welcoming my family to the lake we enjoyed visits with you and Mrs.Gretchman thanks for Sharing all your family with us From Helen and Shay to Mickey and Chad to Cor Wally Garrett and Liam, you welcomed us with open arms, we made some awesome memories with all of you from nights watching the bomber games to boat rides to you sending us off with Wally and Cor to the lodge to just sitting on the swing in the back yard of the cabin, it sadden us when we heard the news, but god only choses angels and you got picked he choses the best until we meet again xoxo love will build a bridge and we will all connect again! Love ❤️ the Merritt Family!
Dean Kosowan
Wally and family,
Our deepest condolence to you and your family at this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dean and Nicole Kosowan
Janice grift
Deepest sympathies to Bev and family,
Our thoughts are with you you at this very sad time,
Janice and Keith Grift
Helen &Bert Bonneteau
Our deepest sympathy to you Bev and Family . Our prayers are with you at this time .
Erik and Evelyne Tagesen
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Our heart goes out to you Bev. And your family. Wally was a wonderful person to us.
Dan MacDonald
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and all your family Walt, your Dad was truly a great man. I will always remember his generosity he showed me and my family whenever we were out at Sunset. Our thoughts are with you all.
Brenda Thompson
Dear Helen, Bev, Wally& Corrine Michelle & Gerry
My heart goes out to all of you.
My memories of him are of was an uplifting happy and caring man, husband & Dad.
Cherish all your wonderful memories.
Thinking of you,
Brenda Thompson
Carolyn & Rod
Bev and family;
So sorry and shocked to learn of Wally‘s passing. Reading the families condolences, spoken so deeply from the heart, enshrine the true essence and soul of Wally. For all of us, family, friends and acquaintances who had that special walk in life with Wally, our lives will be forever better. It was a joy to be in Wally’s company. His quick wit, never ending smile with his infectious laugh, and just a happy guy, we’ll remember always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may your memories gently ease the grief. All our love and deapest sympathy, Carolyn and Rod.
Ken Saban
It was sad to discover Walter’s obituary.
My memories of Wally as I knew him go back to the late 1970’s and into 1980, when Wally and his brother Rudi volunteered their abundant energy towards the organization and officiating of snowmobile oval track racing. These fun events were occurring at many small towns and cities all over Manitoba, during that era. Walter, was truly a wonderful volunteer in our sanctioning organization.
I will comment as an unofficial representative for the many other young men and women, and the teenagers such as myself, that were involved in the sport at that time. We are all grateful for his kind deeds and to have also simply known Wally, who offered his friendship unconditionally, to everyone from near and far away.
Helen; I was unable to find you on a day that I located and visited Michele at her workplace almost twenty years ago. I’m sorry, I guess I needed “the special directions for dummies” once again! Which is something similar to what your father once jokingly said to me, after I missed one of his pre race mandatory rider safety meetings because of engine trouble. His fairness and rules policy exception on that occasion allowed me to go out have one of the best days ever during my time in the sport. I have known how much your father cared for you, and all of your family, as well as for our former racing community. I’m sure his care will continue in spirit, as much as he expressed it in life. It is returned in kind my old friends.
Helen Gretschman
Hi Ken, thank you for your kind words about dad. A man like him is hard to let go of. I think of him every day.
Sorry you didn’t find me it would have been great to catch up. I would love to talk with you if you have time we could share a few fond memories of dad and a few snowmobile stories. Thirty years later!! I can be reached at 204-805-0783