Walter Gelmych, born October 16, 1931, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness, on February 8, 2012 at the Luther Home at the age of 80 years. Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife Helen, of 60 years; daughter Catherine and husband Greg; son Martin and wife Julie; daughter-in-law Gloria; grandchildren Jeff and wife Shawna, Andrea, Allan and wife Brooke; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Walter was predeceased by son Michael; parents Theodosia and Jakym, and brother John. Walter was born and raised in the North End of Winnipeg, educated at King Edward and Isaac Newton Schools, and Success Business College. He also attended Manitoba Technical Institute, apprenticed as a carpenter and later went on to become a superintendent of construction. Walter worked on many projects, including the microwave towers, water treatment plant in Calgary, lecture hall at Thunder Bay University and Garden City Square. In 1952, after the sudden death of the architect who designed the structure of the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary the Protectress, Walter, along with others, took charge of the completion of the construction. He was also instrumental in the planning, fundraising and construction of St. Mary the Protectress Villa. Walter spent all his life in the Parish. He attended Sunday and Ukrainian School, was an altar boy and sang in the church choir. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Villa, held various positions on the Church Executive and the Brotherhood of St. Mary's and was a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew's. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 12 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary the Protectress, 820 Burrows Ave. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 13 also at the Cathedral with Rev. Fr. Alexander Harkavyi officiating. Interment will follow in Glen Eden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Mary the Protectress, 820 Burrows Ave., Winnipeg MB R2X 0R2. VICHNAYA PAMYAT! Publish Date: Feb 11, 2012
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