Obituary of Walter Thomas Luchenski

WALTER THOMAS LUCHENSKI On Sunday, February 12, 2012, Walter passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Marie at his side. Predeceased by his parents, John and Tekla, and sister Terri Thomas; Walter is survived and will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 52 years, Marie; his loving children, Tekla (Vern) Eichhorn, John (Pat), Michael (Joanne), Kevin (Paola); cherished grandchildren, Justin, Lauren, Jennifer, Jamie, John Paul, Rhiannon, Siobhan, Maeve; sisters, Jean (Frank) Aftahi, Mary (Lionel) Lavoie and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. We remember Dad with joy for his kind spirit, his faith, his gentleness and most especially for the way he conveyed all of his best qualities through his pervasive sense of humour - always sharp but never cutting. As he struggled over the years with his health, Dad showed us how tough he - and therefore we - could be. Even then, he always had a way to make us all laugh. We are so much better and stronger for having witnessed his ability to see the funny side of any situation. In so many ways, we are better for the example he set. First and most importantly, his devotion to and love for our Mother, Marie, was a powerful lesson in caring, love and friendship. In their 52 years of marriage, they met their joys, sorrows, triumphs and challenges with grace as they grew together. Dad was also devoted to service. He spent many years as an active member of the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree) and served as Faithful Navigator. As a young man he served with his father on the building committee for St. Aloysius Church in Fillmore, SK. Wherever we lived, Dad was an active participant in church and community organizations. Dad had a remarkable memory. Everyone knows how he used to tell stories of his life, work, and especially family. In his reminiscences, he was a wealth of wisdom, information, and subtle guidance - always delivered with loving wit. From listening to him speak about his early childhood in Siedlowce, Poland, and of his years growing up in his beloved Creelman, Saskatchewan, we developed a deep sense of pride in our heritage. He instilled in his family a love of nature, especially for the prairies - its people and its wildlife. Some of our best memories are of times spent with him enjoying the beauty of the prairie. We will cherish those memories in our hearts. Dad was proud of the work he did over the years, especially for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Because of his work we were privileged to experience many different cultures, through many different parts of Canada. His earlier career with Imperial Oil took us to many places in Saskatchewan. In later years, from Inuvik, NWT to Sioux Lookout, ON and then to Toronto, ON, we felt enriched by his keen observations as he shared his experiences. We are so proud of our Dad. We love him. We miss him. We will keep him with us always. Visitation will be held in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne's R.C. Church, 1701 Cowan Crescent, Regina SK on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary Lindenbach presiding and Rev. Msgr. Michael Hogan, Concelebrant. Interment in Fillmore Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations in memory of Walter to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 917 Albert Street, Regina SK, S4R 2P6. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com