Walter Jaras Babiniec

Unexpectedly, yet peacefully, Walter Babiniec passed away at the age of 91 years, on Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 at his residence (Amber Meadow Retirement Home).

Walter is survived by his wife of 21 years, Helen Manilla-Babiniec (Holy Family Home); her son Philip and his family; and her daughter Leslie Fingler and her family.

Walter will sadly be missed and lovingly remembered by his son David and daughter-in-law, Louise; his sister, Helen Rouse; sister-in-law Bea Babino; as well as many other relatives and friends and his little cuddle buddy, Brutus.

Walter was predeceased by his first wife, Julia (Sirkis) in 1995; his parents, David and Barbara; four brothers, and one sister.

Walter was born and raised in the North End.  He attended Central School in Transcona while working with his brothers and sister on the family vegetable farm.  He served in the Canadian Army during WWII, stationed in Wainright, Alberta.  He was a long-term member (over 25 years) of Henderson Highway Legion Branch 215, participating in community activities.  Walter worked with CNR for 41 years, retiring in 1985, as a Work Study Analyst.  While at CN, Walter served as Chairman of the Canadian Union of Railway Workers.  Walter was active in civic politics, as well as a founding delegate of the New Democratic Party, of which he was very proud.

Walter was a parishioner of Holy Eucharist Parish, Winnipeg, active in both the Knights of Columbus and later serving as President of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada, local branch.

Dad had varied interests, from building cabins in the Whiteshell, to cooking classes in foreign foods.  He loved to curl, bowl in his 5-pin bowling league, play golf, and enjoyed a good game of cribbage.  Being an avid reader, books and magazines surrounded the Babiniec house.   He enjoyed travelling by car and rail to Eastern and Western Canada as well as vacationing in Florida.

Walter lived for his family and friends and was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.  Special thanks to the Amber Meadow team for their care and compassion during Walter’s two year stay.

We also thank the Winnipeg Police Service and Paramedics for their professionalism on the morning of July 25th.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, August 1st 2018 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street, Winnipeg, with Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski officiating.  Reception to follow.   Interment following the reception will be at Holy Family Cemetery, 4355 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Nikkel, Kevin Nikkel, Mercedes Mueller, Josh Mueller, Gord Kostyniuk, and Jerry Kulbaba.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Family Home Building Foundation, c/o Lubov SSMI Foundation, 1085 Main St., Winnipeg MB, R2W 1T9.

VICHAYA PAMYAT

KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL

204-956-2193

www.korbanchapel.com