Obituary of Walter Ladik Tymchyna

passed away peacefully at home with his wife, children and grandchildren by his side, on January 2, 2007.

Walter was born April 20th, 1936 to Olga (nee Androshak) and John Tymchyna in Coleman, Alberta. He married his high school sweetheart Oct 1st, 1960 and together they raised their four children in Cranbrook, British Columbia. He excelled in all sports, especially baseball, hockey, competitive 5-pin bowling and gymnastics.

He found his calling as a firefighter for the city of Cranbrook from 1957 to 1996, retiring as Captain. He held various executive positions in local organizations and in the past belonged to St. Mary's School Board, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Juniper Lanes 5-pin bowling, Cranbrook Golf Club, Maverick Riding Club and recently the East Kootenay Big Game Club. He was co-chairman of Idle Wild Community Park Development, Instrumental in the organization of the Fireman"s Fishing Derby and was co-chairman for the Wall Honour in Rotary Park.An astute businessman, he was in past part owner of Rocky Mountain Printers and Nor-West Big game Outfitters, where he fulfilled his passion for hunting.

He loved to travel to other countries and tour North America. His tranquil time was spent singing barbershop or relaxing on his acreage at Fort Steele with squirrels, chipmunks, hummingbirds and his horses. Walter cared about everyone and his desire to help his family, friends and those in need made him special. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a caring compassionate friend. His 14-month battle with cancer showed his strength, courage, will power and faith.Walter is survived by his wife Sheila, son Shane (Janet) Tymchyna, daughters Tamara (Paul) Witzel, Janelle O'Carrolle, Heather (Greg) Robson; grandchildren Sharlynn and Derek Tymchyna, Alayna and Keanan Witzel and Ashley and Steven Robson; his sisters Anne Payne and Olga (Adrian) Paquette and brother Bebe (Sheila) Tymchyna along numerous nieces and nephews.Walter was predeceased by his son Wayne (1970) mother Olga (1969) and father John (1987) and his maternal grandparents Dido and Christine Androshak.

Prayers were held at McPherson Funeral Home at 7 pm, Friday January 12th, 2007.

Memorial Service was held on Saturday January 13th, 2007 at Christ The Servant Church at 1:00 pm with Father Conrado Beloso officiating.

Cremation preceded service, interment to take place at a later date.

Honorary pallbearers: Shane Tymchyna, Derek Tymchyna, Tony Evans, Ed Swanson Jr., Ed Vincent, Paul Sargent and Albert Kutzner. Honour Guard: Members of the Cranbrook Fire Department.

Donations will be gratefully accepted toward the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, chemotherapy Department, 13-24th Ave North, Cranbrook, British Columbia V1C 3H9 or Kootenay Wildlife Heritage Fund, PO Box 100, Kimberley, British Columbia V1A 3H9