Walter Donald Cherneski passed away peacefully on August 4, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 81.
Born May 6, 1939 in Cudworth, Saskatchewan to Parents Ann and Matt Cherneski. Walter was one of 5 children in their family.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Matt, loving wife of nearly 55 years, Ardene Cherneski, sisters Vivian Gilbertson (Lionel) and Josie Walters (Jerry)
Walter is survived by his daughters Lana Sikora (Darrel), Karen Rowland (Aaron), Grandchildren Spencer Sikora, Jake Rowland and Mackenzie Richards, sister Cecilia Tropeau (Robert) and Brother Gus Cherneski (Carol), many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and friends.
Walter, a paraplegic for nearly 58 years, never let life in a wheelchair stop him. Before being injured in a motor vehicle accident he was an airplane mechanic with the Royal Canadian Air force. After his lengthy injury recovery, he was placed in hospital with pneumonia where he met his true love, his nurse Ardene Webb. He loved crib and skunked her while playing and she needed to come back that evening and redeem herself. The rest is history as they say.
He went on to live a full life afterwards. He attended and graduated from NAIT as an electrical engineer and spent his career working, alongside his best friend, James Fearn, at the University of Alberta. Walter modified his vehicles to make them work for him along with retrofitting a holiday trailer to go camping with his family. He is well known around Edmonton and the University campus for riding his made for him hand bike that reached top speeds that would scare anyone else in wheelchair. He was featured in both the Edmonton Sun, Journal and a magazine published in the US called Saturday night for that bike. Walter had a charming nature and ability to make fast friends with anyone. He had many accomplishments and loved the Lord fearlessly. We are thankful for his peace and faith to help us through loosing such a wonderful person.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Paraplegic Association in his memory.
Memorial service to be held when it is safe for everyone.
My sincere condolences.. walter and Ardene were our neighbors down the block. He actually grew up with my grandmother in prudhomme.. i borrowed his book .. wish i could have said my goodbyes.. but they are in a better place now.. may you rest in peace beautiful soul..
Special memories of Uncle Wally include storytelling, crossword puzzles, music – especially his rendition of the Boomerang song, model airplanes, his wheelchair/bike , his enthusiasm for LIFE , his love of God… He always took time to listen and share with anyone/everyone- never judged or criticized, he was patient,fun, loving and kind ….yes he’ll be missed dearly but now he’s walking in heaven with the loves of his life Aunt Ardene AND Jesus , plus all that had gone on before. He left a beautiful legacy behind in their daughters/sons-in-law and grandchildren – not to mention deposits in all that have been privileged to know him- Our loss is heaven’s gain – Love you Uncle – see you on the other side….
Farewell , Wally. I loved knowing you and watching your amazing Spirit AND singing with you at the Webb Family Reunions. Rest peacefully in the Lord. Jeane Webb
Lana and Karen ( and families).. i still cant believe they are both gone so suddenly! As a nephew, there are so many things i wish i could have said to them, if only I knew, they were leaving! I’m sure you all have 100 times that feeling. They were both icons to me over my sixty years. They stood for so much goodness and love! They will both be missed by all of us! Our deepest sympathy. Love from us all!
Our love to Ardene and the family. Wally was a remarkable friend and had such a big heart for others.
So sorry for your loss. I will miss them dearly just living down the street for 40 years, will miss the laughs and coffee we enjoyed together often. Until we meet again
You were a courageous and sharp guy! We loved meeting you first on Latania Lane in Texas! My husband loved your passion for machinery and how innovative you were with getting around! Blessings and miss you!!
Well they’re walking down a lovely lane singing a song together??, holding hands, then skipping along and breaking into dance. Funny how vividly I can see them. Two hearts in love. Such a special pair my Uncle Wally and Aun t Ardene. He so remembered for his humour and Boomerang song- his independence , zest for life and family. I remember playing catch and I threw a low one and was so horrified when it hit his leg- and he laughed and laughed at me. We’ll miss that visit dear Uncle and think of you every time we eat Randy’s homemade sausage-rest now?
So sorry for your loss