Obituary announcement for club member Walter Barabash LM572

Remembering Walter Barabash March 30 1927~July 25 2014 Walter Barabash was a genuinely happy man; he rarely went a day in his long life without spending as much time as he could outdoors; and he never wore a shirt whenever possible. Unfortunately, since suffering a stroke while enjoying shirtless time in Arizona in December 2010, Dad was trapped indoors with not much to be happy about and he was constantly clothed. It is with sadness; of course, that we, his children, announce that Walter is gone but also with acceptance as he lost his spirit and his ability to pace, fish, build, fix, drive, shovel, climb, and whistle on that sad day in December. He did not; however, lose his sense of humour or his ability to accept life as it came. Walter passed away peacefully on 25th July in Drumheller, AB. More importantly, he lived a good life for over 87 years. Walter was born in Ukraine on 30 March 1927; the third of four sons born to Maria and John Barabash. The family immigrated to Canada in 1929 and homesteaded in the wilderness for about eight years before settling in Gleichen in 1936. Dad began school there at the age of nine and soon after he watched with admiration as his two older brothers, Stephen and Michael, go off to war in 1939. Dad was much too young to enlist at that time but when the Korean War broke out in 1950 he enlisted and was sent overseas as a signal operator. The yellow line that Dad painted on the driveway of his last house in Grande Prairie is in fact his name “Barabash” in Morse Code – an understated way to remember his past. Walter was very active within the Korean Veterans Association and the Royal Canadian Legion throughout his life. Walter married Doreen Lowry on 25 July, 1953 after he returned from Korea and they lived in Calgary before moving to Prince George in 1957. Michael was born in Calgary and Delores in Prince George while Janice and Rae were born after the family moved to Grande Prairie in 1958. Dad first worked at Steel Industries in GP before founding Bearing and Bolt Supply. He owned and managed a number of other companies before retiring in 1985. Dad employed many men who may have had trouble finding work elsewhere for various reasons and most of these men became his life long friends. He always saw the best in people and he was kind to everyone he met - then he would commence with the teasing and never stop. It should be noted that Dad took the time to write down his life story for us a few years ago but that none of it is about what he did for a living. Work was a means to enjoying life and Dad never defined himself according to his job. Walter loved to fish and spent most summer weekends camping and fishing – family in tow. Many of our fondest memories are of our annual vacation to BC in the bus. Oh, how we all loved the bus! Dad especially looked forward each year to his annual trip to Terrace, BC where he fished for salmon. He was a great cook and his favourite herb was pepper and he used a lot of it! He was also known to be quite liberal with his use of Tabasco sauce. In the winter, Walter enjoyed skiing and antique refinishing and his home is full of his beautiful work. Walter and Doreen began going south in the winter in 1991 and did so each year until Doreen’s death in December 1998. Dad packed up and moved to Drumheller in 1999 and it was there that he met Josephine Smith in 2002. Dad and Jo also travelled south in the winter and spent the summers fishing, gardening, and entertaining visitors in Drumheller. Walter was one of those lucky few who lived life without regret. He did not dwell upon the past nor ponder the future: he lived in the moment and he did not waste time wishing his life away. He had a great sense of humour and was known to tease everyone who crossed his path. Dad especially loved babies and small children and he was not afraid to do the silliest things to make them laugh. He was still down on the floor playing horsey well into his eighties as well as doing all the other things he enjoyed such as “Wallyfying” his yard with signs designed to make people smile. Walter’s phone message simply said “It’s a wonderful life” and it was. While not perfect, we were very fortunate to have such a great Dad throughout our lives. He was always there for us and he left us with so many great memories. Thanks Dad and we all hope you find your white comb! Left to remember Walter are his children and grandchildren: Mike and Gaye Barabash, Tom, Simon, & Roy (Grande Prairie); Delores McKone (Drumheller); Janice and Dennis Mayer, Allison, Doyle, Shalon, Daryl, & Dwayne (Cranbrook); and Rae Barabash and Philippe Lusson, Emilie, Dante and Mateo (Clyde); his companion Josephine Smith of Drumheller; his younger brother Joseph and Lorraine Barabash of Calgary; numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews; especially his brother Michael’s son Stephen and his wife Wendy and their two children Corrin & Fleur of Surrey, England; and his cousins Walter, Joe, Bernadette & Joyce Chudobiak; and finally, the very many people who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Walter during his life. At Walter’s request there will be no funeral. Dad did ask that you take time to remember him by going to your local Royal Canadian Legion and having a drink while thinking about old times. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to The War Amps in memory of Walter. Courtney Winters Funeral Home Entrusted With Arrangments.