Obituary of WALTER ZAPISOCKI

WALTER ZAPISOCKI

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Zapisocki on January 13,2019 at 81 years of age.

Wally is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Pat, children Cheryl, Karen (Delma) and Andrew as well as three four-legged grandchildren Nina, Sadie and Pebbles. He is also survived by his sister Irene Zapisocki, sisters-in-law Marion Kirkland, Martha (Bob) Brown, Mary McIntosh and brother-in-law Peter Sywy Sr. He was predeceased by his parents William and Martha Zapisocki and aunt and uncle Katherine and Nicholas Malicki.

Wally was born on February 18, 1937. He grew up in Point Douglas attending Norquay School and St. John's High School. It was during his time at St. John's playing quarterback for the Tigers that his love of football began.

Wally spent his entire work career at Investors Syndicate/Group. He developed lasting friendships with many of his co-workers and he especially enjoyed the Investors sporting events which he continued to participate in until his passing.  

Wally had a number of interests, but his greatest passion was sports both as a participant and a spectator. At different points in his life Wally played hockey, baseball, football, golf and curling. He also spent many years coaching hockey and soccer. As a spectator Wally held season tickets for the Bombers and Goldeyes for many years.

Wally was a member of Rossmere Country Club for nearly 60 years. Rossmere was somewhat of a second home for him as he spent countless hours there golfing and curling.

Wally played baseball for the Elmwood Giants and it was while playing for the Giants that he met his wife Pat.

Wally enjoyed playing football. He was extremely proud to have played with the Winnipeg Rods when they won the Canadian championship in 1956. He was honoured to be a two-time inductee into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1956 Winnipeg Rods and the 1960 St. Vital Bulldogs. He relished the strong connections that he had with his teammates.

At the time of his passing Wally was curling in four different leagues and on one of the teams, with his daughter Cheryl.

Wally was also musically talented. In his earlier years he and his buddies Gerry, Al and Jack formed a singing group called the Balladeers. The group performed at several venues in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He was also involved with the Manitoba Barbershop Chapter.

His faith was very important to him and he regularly attended St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church, a church that he belonged to for his entire life.

Wally was a very devoted husband and father. His willingness to be of support to his family knew no bounds. He was a large part of our lives and his passing leaves a huge void.

In recent weeks Wally's health declined resulting in a stay at St. Boniface Hospital. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses in ACCU, especially Giselle.  

Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 18 at 1:00p.m. with viewing one hour prior at Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main St.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.