Obituary of Walter Shymko
Walter Shymko was born May 27th, 1929 to Anton and Bella (nee Peleshytyk) at Calder, Saskatchewan. Walter lived on the same yard that he was born until 2 weeks before his 90th birthday. He attended Mostetz school and at an early age stayed home to work on the farm.
Walter met Violet Marteniuk and they were married Oct. 29th 1955 at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. They resided on the family farm.
One of Walters passions was playing Saxophone in the band which played at dances in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
On Dec. 5th 1956 Gerald was born, Walter and Violet worked side by side on the Family farm . Walter took a welding course and enjoyed welding for family and friends. Walter took pride in getting machinery ready ahead of time which he passed down to Gerald and Warren. Walter was Geralds personal catcher until the age of 68.
His biggest thrill came when he became Gigi to Stacey and Warren. Gigi played whatever the kids wanted from dolls, turtles farm and mini sticks. His biggest smiles came when he played saxophone with Stacey, had a plane ride with Stacey as pilot, Mini sticks with Warren, and combining on the same field as Warren. He was very proud of Morgan & her nursing skills who later gave the greatest gift, Great Grandchildren Miller & Micah. The biggest smiles came whenever Miller and Micah visited and he became Old Gigi as Miller knew him. Charlie and Rosie his 2 favorite puppies came for many visits which brought him lots of giggles.
Walter became a resident at the Kamsack Nursing Home in 2019. He loved all the staff and enjoyed his 6 years and never complained. There he became Papa Bear to all the workers, a name he was given by the Filipino workers. He always had a smile for all who looked after him.
Walter was predeceased by his wife Violet, Parents Anton & Bella, Father & Mother-in-law George and Rosie Marteniuk, sister Kay & Mike Wintonyk, Brother Mike and Clara Shymko, nephews Wayne and Mervin.
Walter leaves to cherish his memory Son Gerald & Kim Shymko, Grandchildren Stacey Shymko, Warren & Morgan Shymko , Great Grandchildren Miller & Micah, Brother Orest & Loretta Shymko and numerous nieces and nephews, and his favorite puppies Bailey, Charlie & Rosie.
