Obituary of Walter Sichewski

SICHEWSKI: It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Walter Sichewski, on April 22, 2015 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 70 years. Walter was born and raised on the family farm north of Sandy Lake on June 21, 1944. He was no stranger to hard work, having spent his youth milking cows, working the fields, picking stones and doing everything to help out on the farm. For extra money, he used to trap muskrats and the odd fox or coyote and sell the furs. Some of the places and jobs his journey took him to was cutting ice and packing ice houses all over Manitoba, working in Thompson for the nickel mine, California in a tungsten mine, cat train in Northern Manitoba and Ontario and on the oil rigs in Fort McMurray to name a few. But you couldn't take the farm boy out of him; he returned back home to Manitoba in 1974 where he acquired machinery and land to start farming full time. In 1989, he entered municipal politics, becoming a councillor in Ward 4 for the RM of Park (formerly LGD of Park) where he proudly held that position until December 31, 2014, serving 25 years. He served on various boards both in the community of Sandy Lake and for the RM of Park. In 1993, with the support of the Sandy Lake Rec Association, Walter spearheaded and organized the first annual Sandy Lake Children's Fish Derby. Being an avid fisherman himself, he wanted to instill the love of fishing in local youth. He continued to host the derby for the next 16 years. In late 2006, he was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, where over the years he endured rounds of chemotherapy and bouts of hospital stays. He was determined not to let this disease get the better of him, so he continued to live life to the fullest. Anyone who knew Walter would know that farming, family, friends and politics were what made him happy. He was always up for a good "discussion" at family functions or in the coffee shop. Left to cherish wonderful memories are his loving wife of 33 years, Linda, children Sara (Ryan), Mark and Aaron, brothers Mike (Laverne), Ernie, Marvin (Veronica), Danny, Boris (Valerie), David (Diane), Chris (Diane), sister Elizabeth, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Ann, brother Brian, sister Eileen, nephew Eric, brothers-in-law Victor and John and sister-in-law, Stella. Prayers were held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at the Sandy Lake Community Hall, with Deacon Conrad Plante officiating. Interment followed at the Sandy Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Westman CancerCare, BRHC Day Treatment for their years of support, care and compassion, BRHC hospital staff, Minnedosa hospital staff, Winnipeg EMS and doctors and staff at Health Sciences Centre. Vichnaya Pamyat