Obituary of Don Walters
Donald Kenneth Walters passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Rose Walters, parents Otto and Alma Walters, his brothers Ron and Sheldon Walters and his sisters Beverly Burrows, Harlean Lynch, and Sharon Inkster. Don is lovingly remembered by his children Kevin (Barb) Walters, Jeff (Carlene and son, Carter) Walters, and Keri (Gerry) Zulyniak along with grandchild Sara Zulyniak. He will also be fondly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was born on November 7, 1934, in Melville, Saskatchewan and was the eldest of 6 children. He attended school in Melville and took on responsibilities early, driving a cab at just 14 years old to help support his family. He loved time spent with friends and siblings, and over the years worked in Melville at the Co-op Creamery, where his fondness for ice cream began, and later with the Canadian National Railway as a trainman.
After moving to Yorkton in 1954 to work with International Harvester, Don found his lifelong career when he joined Yorkton Television in 1961. For 34 years, he poured his energy into the station as an account executive, sales manager, and regional sales manager. His warm personality and sense of humor made him a natural in sales, and he formed countless friendships over the years. The TV station became part of family life too, with his kids proudly making appearances in commercials and on Profile, the local variety show that everyone tuned in to at the time. His retirement in 1995 marked the close of a career filled with accomplishments, friendships, and community impact.
On June 21, 1957, Don married the love of his life, Rose. For more than 67 years, they were true partners, building a family and a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. They spent many happy days at their Good Spirit Lake cabin, where Don fished, tinkered with projects, expanded the cabin, repaired the family boat, and battled squirrels for control of the property. The Walters’ cabin became a favourite gathering place, especially around suppertime, when visitors could count on Don at the barbecue. He loved gardening, too, often supplying his children’s friends with an endless stash of carrots. Together, Don and Rose traveled widely, made friends wherever they went, and especially enjoyed their winters in Donna, Texas, where they found a second home among a community of dear friends. In their later years, they cherished the friendships they built with their condo neighbours, who became family by supporting each other.
If there was something that needed organizing, Don was on it. At St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, he was an active member, serving on council and teaching Sunday School. His commitment to community service also included 12 years on the Yorkton Credit Union board and 9 years with the Yorkton Housing Authority. He contributed his time to many other organizations as well, including the Yorkton Snowmobile Association, Spirit Creek Watershed Monitoring Committee, and Yorkton Band Boosters, always bringing his energy and organizational skills to every role.
Minor sports was where Don left his biggest mark. Registration season often meant a busy house with people calling or dropping by to make sure their kids got signed up. Don believed no child should be left out of sports, and he worked tirelessly to make that a reality. Don served on the Yorkton Minor Sports board for 12 years, the first 9 as a dedicated board member and the last 3 as president. During that time, the community saw the introduction of girls’ softball, boys’ baseball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, power skating, and the development of new playing fields. His involvement reached beyond Yorkton—he served 4 years with the Saskatchewan Minor Hockey Association, including 2 as Midget Hockey Chairperson. In 1984, he chaired the Western Canada Bantam Purolator Cup and earned recognition from Canadian Amateur Hockey, multiple provincial hockey associations, and Yorkton Minor Sports for his lasting impact.
Don faced Alzheimer’s with courage, never alone. For three years, Rose visited him daily in the Skinner Unit at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, keeping him surrounded by love and companionship until her passing.
The Walters and Zulyniak families would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the health care providers at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre Skinner Unit, where Don received compassionate care for four years, as well as to those who supported him at the Yorkton Hospital. A special thank you goes to Bailey’s Funeral Home for their professionalism, care, and guidance during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to Alzheimer Society Saskatchewan. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2026, with details to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home, 306-783-7552.
