Walter Gretschman

October 8, 1940 ~ June 19, 2018

Dad leaves to mourn his wife Bev; his three children, Michele (Gerry), Helen, and Wally (Corrine); his grandchildren, Shawn, Shaelyn, Chad, Garrett, Liam; his brother Rudi (Rose); and his sisters, Helga, Jayne (Henri), and Susan.  He was predeceased by his mother Alvina, his dad Ed, and his sister Helen.

Dad and his family immigrated from the USSR in 1954 and established a new life in Canada.  Dad was a mechanic for many years at Sherbrook Shell until he joined his brother Rudi framing houses.  From there he joined the Flair/Qualico sales team.  His quest to learn new things prompted him to get his real estate license.

He enjoyed his time in the show homes immensely but was fortunate enough to retire at the age of 55.  He spent 22 years in his retirement home at Sunset Bay, Lee River, with his wife Bev of 57 years.  In his retirement dad was a volunteer driver for 2 years with the Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope transportation program.  He enjoyed making a difference in the community and brought many smiles to the people he transported.

Dad was an adventurer who loved nature.  He took his family hiking in the woods, taught his children to water ski, loved fishing, hunting, and feeding the cheery birds, deer and fox who visited daily.

Dad was always there to guide us through the challenges that life brings and celebrated our successes.  Our dad was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Dad left his footprint on many hearts.  Goodbyes are only for those that love with their eyes because for those who love with their heart and soul there is no separation.  He will be loved and missed by many.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the paramedics, the staff at the Pinawa Hospital and to Dr. Papetti whose kind and generous manner provided comfort to the whole family.  Dad made a special connection with her.

As per dad’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral; cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Walter to Wheels of Hope Transportation Service, Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333 or www.cancer.ca/en/donate).

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God has laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found the peace on that day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

These things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

If my time seems too brief

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace to me

I have been set free.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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