Obituary of Walter Kaminski

Walter Kaminski

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Walter Michael Kaminski on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the age of 89. Dad was predeceased by his parents Michael and Wasylyna; parents-in-law Jack and Pauline Horovenko; our mother Bea; his brother Peter; brothers-in-law Walter Horodyski, Ken Rissling and Steve Horpynka; sister-in-law Margaret Horodyski; his daughter Cathy (Nigel) and Anna’s daughter Larisa (Jim).

Dad is survived by his wife of 18 years Anna Kaminski (Zaleschuk nee Naychuk); his children: Michael (Deanna), Wally Jr. (Linda), Joanne (Dave) and Paul (Brenda); his grandchildren: Tricia (Dave), Tracie (Scott), Jason (Megan), Scott (Kate), Toni (Derrick), Jaimee (Dan), Nikki and Eric; his step-grandchildren: Michelle and Nicole (Ralph); 12 great-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren; Anna’s children:  Tim (Debbie), Evan, Laura (Chris) and Tanya (Jason); her 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Dad is also survived by his sister Annie Horpynka, his sisters-in-law Vernie Kaminski and Jean Rissling, and many nieces and nephews. 

Dad was born in a railroad section house in Vanscoy, the youngest of three children after Peter and Annie. The family soon moved to Saskatoon where Dad attended Princess Alexandra elementary school followed by Bedford Road Collegiate. On November 21, 1953, Dad married our mom, Bea Horovenko.  Mom and Dad were blessed with 5 children and 52 years of marriage before mom’s passing in 2005. Dad reconnected with Anna after mom’s passing and enjoyed sharing the last 18 years together.

Dad was a public servant at heart and enjoyed a 35-year career with the Government of Canada. Dad began his career as a letter carrier with Canada Post in Saskatoon. Dad’s career took our family from Saskatoon to Torquay, where he was a Border Patrol Officer. Once Dad joined Customs Investigations the family moved to Regina, Winnipeg and eventually back to Regina where he retired at the age of 55.

After retirement Dad developed a passion for woodworking, of which his children and grandchildren are proud recipients of many of his projects. His biggest project was the addition he made to the family home.  Dad added a garage, dining room and sunroom – creating necessary space for the family dinners mom loved to host. 

Dad’s public service flourished in retirement. He spent many hours volunteering from sporting events (Briers, Grey Cups and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics) to other organizations including, his church, Habitat for Humanity, CNIB, Diabetes, SaskTel Pioneers, Maple Leaf and Lakeside Lions Clubs, Mosaic, the Regina Greenhouse Association and Selo Gardens. Dad was most proud of his work with the RCMP Centennial Museum, now the Heritage Centre, where he helped launch the gift shop. Dad was made an Associate Member and was honoured with a red serge for all his years of service with the RCMP. 

Dad’s other hobbies included gardening (his backyard was picture perfect), stamp and coin collecting, curling, bowling, playing softball and travelling anywhere he could get by car. Dad’s most cherished pastime, however was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will cherish all of our memories with Dad.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Allan Blair Cancer Centre or a charity of choice.

Prayers will be held at Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1305 12^th Avenue, Regina, SK on Thursday August 22, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Service will be held at Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Vichnaja Pamjat   Eternal Memory