Obituary of Walter Moskal

MOSKAL - Mr. Walter Moskal of Ituna, beloved husband of Helen Moskal passed away peacefully at St. Peter's Hospital, Melville, on Thursday, June 10th, 2010 at the age of 89 years. Walter was born on the family homestead south of Ituna on May 16, 1921, to George and Pauline (Kresowaty) Moskal. He attended File Hills School until the sudden passing of his father forced him to quit. At the age of twelve, Walter assumed the responsibility of farming with his Mother. In 1948, he married Helen Wingerak who would share the same dreams of building their family farm. Through their hard work, dedication and faith, they realized those dreams together. Farming in the 1930s was not easy and money was scarce. However, Walter was adventurous ~ daring to try new things to make ends meet. For a short period of time, he raised mink for their fur and as breeding stock. In 1950 he purchased his first purebred Polled Hereford cow and commenced building his herd. With hard work, commitment, and passion, through the years he consigned cattle to major shows and sales. The cattle were sold to purebred and commercial breeders within Canada and also exported to Japan, Russia, and United States. Walter earned the reputation and respect of being inducted into Calgary's Hereford Hall of Fame. In 1961, Walter's ambitious nature inspired him to complete an auctioneer's course in Mason City, Iowa. For many years, with the involvement of his family, he held auctions in surrounding communities. Always eager to learn, Walter received a diploma for judging cattle from the Veterinary College in Saskatoon. Walter was community-minded. He was a leader of Tullymet 4-H Beef Club for ten years and truly believed in their motto, "Learn to do by doing." He served as a local trustee for File Hills School until its closure in June, 1958 and as a member of the Balcarres Polled Hereford Club as their secretary-treasurer. Walter was involved with the Ituna Co-operative Association fulfilling roles as director and secretary. He was also recognized by the Canadian Wheat Board for his longstanding and significant contribution to prairie agriculture for fifty years. In later years, Walter developed a passion for restoring buggies, sleighs, cutters, and carriages. The real pleasure was when he participated in parades providing rides to dignitaries, friends, family and children. For weddings, Walter took pride and dressed the part as a distinguished carriage driver as he and his team escorted the bride and groom to their destination. He had a special bond with his horses. To this day, one of the horses still remains at the farm. Dad was the happiest when he was working fulfilling his responsibility of providing for his family. He enjoyed socializing, always a jokester in his own teasing way. Walter will be sadly missed and his memory will be cherished by his wife of 62 years, Helen; daughters, Patricia, and Phyllis (Mo); sons Morris (Linda) and Ladmer (Delores); grandchildren Kristie Anne (Terri), Ryan, Tamara, Michael, Robert, Justin (Robbi); great grandchildren, Nixon, Matthew, Emma and Layla. He is also survived by sisters, Emily (Mike) Kressel, Ann Bandola, Jean (Stan) Husak, and Lena Mohr as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Walter was predeceased by his parents; daughter, Ann, in infancy; step-father, Nick Wolos; brothers, Steve (Mary), Volodimir and Michael; sister 's Mary (John) Badiuk, and Julie (George) Goebel. Prayers were held on Tuesday, June 15th and the Requiem Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, June 16th at Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ituna with Very Rev. Fr. Boris Kyba, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. Serving as Crossbearer and Epistle reader was Kristie Anne Stronach. The interment followed in Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery with Michael Moskal, Robert Moskal, Tamara Kowal, Terri Mah, Justin Kowalchuk and Ryan Stronach serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Walter Moskal can be made to Sacred Heart Special Projects Fund or the Perpetual care Fund. Condolences to the family can be emailed to baileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 10:00am, Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery