WALTER SLIWA (SLEVA)

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WALTER SLIWA (SLEVA) The strength and foundation of our home was shaken as we said goodbye to our dear father, grandfather, uncle, friend and patriarch, who left this world peacefully, knowing how much he was loved. Walter was predeaceased by his wife, Jean, his parents, John and Anastasia, as well as his siblings, Carrie, Betty, Joe, Tom, Steve, Frank, Ben and Johnny. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Debra (Grant), Colleen (David), and his son and best buddy, Larry; as well as his grandchildren, Connor, Kelly (Scott) and Daniel. He is also survived by his sister Clara, along with other family and friends. Born in Stead, Manitoba in 1930, Walter came from humble beginnings on the family farm where they endured financial hardships. He farmed throughout the summer months and helped his family make ends meet by chopping cordwood at the bush camps over the winters. From an early age Walter had a strong work ethic, which followed him to Winnipeg at the age of 18, where he began his life long career in the construction industry. Walter, along with his brother Steve, owned and operated a successful drywall business (Talbot Drywall and Lathing Co.) for many years. He then partnered with other investors in building numerous apartment blocks throughout Winnipeg. He later ventured out to being his own company (Nova Homes), where he constructed the very first R2000 energy efficient home. Walter helped change the landscape of Winnipeg with all his custom built homes and was well respected within the industry. Being a "Jack of all Trades", there wasn't anything that he couldn't do or fix. His worldly wisdom enlightened his family and friends and his eccentric nature and fashion sense made him unique. The highlight of his year was when spring arrived and he and Larry could begin to take their Sunday drives to Gull Lake (God's Country, as he would call it). He always enjoyed the fresh air and the sounds of nature, particularly a good thunderstorm. Walter was happiest when...he had tools in his hands...he was on a ladder up in the apple tree in the fall...he was trimming the pine trees at the cottage...he was driving his John Deer farm tractor through the fields...he was watching sports on T.V. in his room...he would talk politics with anyone who would listen...his hands were in the mud, caring for his vegetable garden...he would watch the cargo ships come through the canal into the Duluth harbour...trying his luck at the Roulette wheel on Friday nights and weekly 6/49 draws...he had a captive audience to share his many stories to, especially about his trip to Poland and his family heritage. Walter was very healthy most of his 88 years (although he would argue the point that he was already in his 89th year). We all thought he would live to be 100. Sadly he suffered a stroke in early April, which left him in the hospital, where we cherished our days together as a family until his passing on April 28, 2018. Dad, you will always hold a special place in our lives, full of memories of how you shaped our futures and guided us through thick and thin. It brings us comfort knowing you are now with Mom and that you will both watch over us forever. You will be greatly missed! We extend our gratitude to the EMS and to Health Sciences Centre for their timely treatment and initial care of our dad. Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Concordia Hospital (N1S) for their consistent care and compassion throughout our dad's stay. And a special thank you to all the family and friends who offered their support. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 7, 2018 at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB. As per Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and burial will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Gull Lake at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba would be warmly welcomed. Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2018