Walter Pacamaniuk

On August 13, 2022, Walter Pacamaniuk of Minitonas, MB passed away peacefully at the Swan Valley Hospital with his wife by his side at the age of 66. 

Walter is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of 42 years and two daughters: Sheena Griffith (Erick) of Bowsman, MB, and Melodie Sabeski (Daniel) of Brandon, MB. Grandchildren: Kierstin & Everett Griffith and Merritt & Myers Sabeski. Sister: Joan Kreshewski (Rick) & nieces: Keera & Mikayla. 

Walter was predeceased by his Grandparents, Parents: Walter & Alice (Sholudko), Brothers: John and Edward.

Walter was born February 8, 1956, in Swan River MB. He was the oldest of four children. Walter was raised on the family farm, where he began his farming career at an early age. Walter farmed with his dad and two brothers until their passing and continued to farm with his wife Marilyn. 

He attended Dunkinville School then Minitonas Junior High and was part of the first graduating class at SVRSS in 1972-73. 

After graduation he worked for a year at the RM of Minitonas and then the RM of Swan River as a grader operator. Walter then started his career at Cook Bros Cartage where he worked for 42 years.  He was commonly known has Walter Cook. 

Walter met Marilyn (Woloshyn) in 1979 and they married July 19, 1980. Along with the help of his brothers John & Edward and Cousin David Todosichuk, they built the family home. Their daughter Sheena was born in 1983, followed by Melodie in 1986. Walter had a very charismatic personality and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed spontaneous family trips and weekends at the lake. He frequently took his family on ‘rides’ which usually involved checking gravels pits, crops, roads, ford crossing and equipment.

Walter loved his grandchildren with all his heart and was very active in their lives.  He enjoyed watching the rodeo parade with them, going quading, snowmobiling and attending school events.  He made sure to spoil them every chance he got. He adored being called Grandpa Wally and Wah-Wah.  He made many trips to Brandon to see the grandkids and play a rivalry game of Joker against Marilyn and Melodie with son-in-law Daniel as his partner.  He had weekly conversations with his son-in-law Erick about farming and logging.  Walter looked forward to his yearly fishing trip with Brent. 

Walter was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Minitonas Lions Club and was on the board of the Minitonas & District Arena. Walter served on Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman for almost 20 years. He was councillor for 12 years, eight of those years he was deputy Reeve and at the time of his passing, he was Reeve. Walter served as chair of the SLWCD and SV RISE and provincially he served six years on the MCDA board. 

So many people will miss their daily or weekly phone calls from Walter.  He leaves a large void in many people’s lives that will be impossible to fill.