Walter Paul Antochow

January 23, 1944 ~ March 6, 2014

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Paul Antochow on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at St. Michael's Palliative Care Centre surrounded by his loving family. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and the greatest Papa ever. Walter was born on January 23, 1944 in Lestock, Saskatchewan to Peter and Katherine Antochow (deceased). Walter grew up on the family farm in Wishart, SK and was the youngest boy in a large family of 16 children. Walter is survived by Shirley, his loving wife of 42 years, their children Alison (Todd) Piekema; Jobina (Roger) Piekema; Nick (Derrick) Antson and his pride and joy his eight beautiful grandchildren (Holden, Kyra, Alyssa, Addison, Braiden, Isaac, Layton and Landon). He is also survived by seven sisters: Anne (Hanna) (Raymond - deceased) Maksymytz; Stella (Bill - deceased) Maksymtz; Stephanie (George) Velychko; Margaret Krawchuk; Francis Misuga; Georgina (John) Skilnik; Josephine (Rudy) Machsymach; three brothers: Mike (Arlene) Antochow; Raymond (Bess) Antochow and John (Diane) Antochow. He was predeceased by sisters Maria (Murray - deceased) Yurkiw; Lena (John) McLeod; Anastasia Antochow; Rose (George - deceased) McKenzie and brother Joseph Antochow. He is also survived by members of his wife's family along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Walter's work career included farming, construction and the oil field in both Saskatchewan and Alberta. Two of his proudest achievements were having taken part in the building of the Lethbridge (Chinook) Regional Hospital and the Old Man River Dam. He retired from the oil field in Fort McMurray in 2009. A member for 42 years of The Construction and General Workers' Union Local 1111 & Local 92, something he was very proud to be part of. Walter was also a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and always enjoyed visiting a new club in every town he traveled through. Walter enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He always believed that making memories was more precious than material things. He loved fishing, camping, cooking, watching hockey, having a beer by the fire and time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered by everyone for the sparkle in his eye, his contagious smile, his giant bear hugs and his great big hands. His heart was a big as his stature. Family and friends are invited to pay their final respects at 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at the MARTIN BROTEHRS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2014 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4Street South, Lethbridge, AB. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Walter's name to Jack Ady Cancer Centre, c/o Cross Cancer Institute,11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Tel: 780.432.8500; Fax: 780.432.8357