Wally Joba

Wally passed away peacefully at home, under palliative care on July 10, 2024 with Louise by his side.

He was 91 years old and the last surviving member of his family.  Wally was born to Fred and Mary Joba on September 23, 1932 and is survived by, his loving wife Louise (Sylvia) of 66 years.  Brother and sister in law Ron and Marcella Smelski. Nephews and nieces Barbara Powers, Alan (Linda) Ostapowich and their children Flint (Isha) and Jade (Francis).  Shelly (Lonnie) Kasian and their children Brittany (Dave), Matthew and Ashlyn (Dylan).  Lorne (Lorna) Joba and their children Sierra and Ethan (Dakota). Craig (Pam) and his children Cale, Carson and Emma.  Cindy (Wayne) Taraschuk and their children Landon (Jenna) and Grayson.  Sherry-Lynn (Marec) Suchanec and great-great nephews LJ, Caleb and Max.

Wally and his siblings Nellie, Adam and Helen were raised on the farm in Ladywood MB, they attended White Poplar School the inspired Wally’s love of music.  They enjoyed activities such as blueberry picking, mushroom picking and working in the large family garden. Wally also got into mischief with his brother Adam while performing their chores.  The farm was recognized as being in the family for 100 years in 2006.

Wally was raised in a home that had great respect for Gods word, the Bible.

Hard working and enterprising by nature, Wally provided for his family over the years working as an electrical contractor and in real estate and other business ventures. 

Wally loved music and really enjoyed playing his multiple instruments.  He was very hospitable and organized many gatherings such as barn dances, card nights and congregation parties.  He loved his jokes and riddles and always had his notepad in his shirt pocket to remind him of the punch line.  He was known as the candy man to the kids in the congregation.

He loved to dance to his “Old Time Music” and went dancing weekly for years, right up to a month before he passed away. Louise appreciates the bands because they would always play his favourite song “The Gramma Lee Waltz” and this made Wally feel special.

Wally and Louise were active members of the East Kildonan Congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses.  Wally firmly believed in the Bibles promises of a resurrection (John 5:28,29) and the time when no resident will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24).  He had much joy from sharing Bible truths like these with others.  Wally and Louise had many fond memories of attending faith based International Conventions in New York, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, United States and Canada.  They also enjoyed many coast to coast trips with friends in Canada, United States and Mexico.

Wally and Louise, were very grateful for the Palliative and Home Care programs for their wonderful care, and making it possible for Wally to spend his last days in the comfort of his own home.  Many thanks to the attending doctors Dr. J. Ormiston, Dr. D. Reimer and Dr. R. Dookeran.  Much love and appreciation to all the friends and family who gave support to Wally and Louise during this difficult time.  The phone calls, the visits, the meals, the flowers, the cards, the help and the words of encouragement from the friends meant a great deal to both Wally and Louise.

A memorial service will be held on September 7th, 2024 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd at 2 p.m.

Interment at Pine Ridge Cemetery to follow. (Birds Hill Park East Gate)

The service will be live streamed.