May 5, 1940 – April 26, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Frederick Horyski on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at home, as per his wishes, with his loving family by his side.
Walter was born on May 5, 1940, in Selkirk, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Mary Horyski, as well as his brother John and nephew Bobby.
At the young age of 16, he answered the call to serve and joined the Canadian Navy, beginning a life defined by dedication, resilience, and quiet strength. During his time in service, he had the honour of meeting the Late Queen Elizabeth II, as he was responsible for guarding her—an experience he spoke of often.
He went on to build a long and proud career as a welder with Manitoba Rolling Mills, where his hard work and craftsmanship earned him the respect of those who worked alongside him.
Walter shared 60 years of marriage with his wife Olga. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and enduring partnership. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Sandra and Suzanne, and a proud grandfather to Michael, Nicholas, and Jesse, each of whom brought him immense joy.
Walter’s true sanctuary was Wanipigow Lake, where he and Olga spent many cherished years at their permanent site. It was there, surrounded by nature, that he found his greatest peace. His love of fishing was legendary—more than a pastime, it was a reflection of his patience, skill, and deep connection to the outdoors.
Walter leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and quiet devotion to family.
The family will be forever grateful to Darren, Gwen, and Todd DeGroot, who were amazing friends and helped Walter with anything at home and at his happy place at the lake without a second thought. Walter cherished that friendship.
He will be remembered for his strength, his dedication to family, and the quiet way he showed his love through actions rather than words. His presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to spend time with loved ones, share a story, or cast a line in his memory.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Walter’s memorial page using the comment field below.
Sendng my sincere condolences to the family. Although my trips to the lake had became significantly less over the years, it made my heart smile having “Gran and Gramps” come visit me and my children in the overflow 2 summers ago. As usual it was as though no time had passed. We all still shared so much love and happiness being in each other’s presence. We talked about the good old days when all of us adult kids were actual kids biking around the loop. I will forever remember watching that little tin boat take off in the mornings from the little small sand beach by his camper and coming back by lunch usually with a stringer full of fish which carried multiple species. There had been many times that snap chain stringer seemed to be a bit more empty than others, but that didn’t seem to take away his shine. I remember him often wearing blue coveralls, a hat on his head, glasses and a contagious smile that always seemed to have some kind of funny joke to share. The excitement that I had seeing that green truck come into the lake as a child is something I will never forget..and later the green truck retired and a gold/silver one was the new wheels. Wanipigow is always going to be home to me. And although a piece of what made it home is now in heaven, I will do my best to celebrate Walters life with every smile, every fish I catch, and every story about the lake I share.
This summer’s fishing adventures will be for you Gramps!
We send our deepest condolences to the Horyski family. Walter was an amazing man, truly loved by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
We were blessed not only to become neighbours, but close friends. We spent a lot of time with Walter going fishing, having fish fries, and just hanging out. He always made a point to ask if we had caught enough fish to eat, which is something we will always remember with a smile. Walter was always incredibly generous and helpful.
Some of our fondest memories are of the simple, meaningful moments. When we first started going out to Wanipigow, we were a young family just starting out. But Walter and Alga could not have been more welcoming. Alga would take our son Todd for walks around the camp keeping him company, and Walter made Todd his very first slingshot, something he’ll never forget. It would always raise our spirits when we arrived at the lake and saw that they were out there.
Through Walter and Alga, we got to meet and get to know their daughter’s Sandra and Suzanne, and grandchildren Michael, Nicholas, and Jesse, who didn’t fall far from the tree. The whole family was always warm and welcoming.
Walter will forever be in our hearts and will be deeply missed.
My Dad was truly one in a million. Some of my most cherished memories are of the time we spent together at Wanipigow Lake—fishing, laughing, and simply being out on the land. He taught me to love the outdoors, to be patient, and to appreciate the quiet beauty around us. Those lessons will stay with me forever.
He was so proud when I went to Churchill in November, and that meant the world to me. It was a huge honor to call him Dad.
I will miss him deeply, but I carry his spirit with me every time I cast a line. ❤️
Until we meet again Dad in the big fishing camp in the sky.
Love, Sandra
My grandfather meant the world to me, he stepped up to be the father figure in my life and I will forever be grateful for him and what he taught me.
He helped me buy my first car,taught me how to sew and lectured me relentlessly about my winter tires and taught me a lot about what a man should be.
Ill never forget him building little things for my dolls when I was 12, and building all these different contraptions for whatever you needed or didnt know you needed
I always enjoyed watching him, tinkering around in the garage,the shed,the fishing shack wherever, I was there waiting to hear whatever life lesson he was probably going to tell me.
Guess now is the time to apologize finally for kicking you out of bed for at-least a decade whenever a thunderstorm happened.
Love you in this lifetime and every one after
~Yogi <3
Olga, Sandra, Suzanne and grandchildren,
Thinking of you with sincerest sympathy on the passing of Walter.
We remember you all as wonderful neighbours on Sutherland.
Cherish all those great memories from the your times at the lake, whether fishing or enjoying nature and they will bring you peace.
Sincerely, Don and Erna Iwanoczko
I remember many enjoyable times at the Rolling Mills welding shop, where Walter always had our morning coffee ready. Lunch rooms were never dull with his calm and happy companionship. RIP, Walter! -Morris Carter
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Horyski family. Lots of memories running into Walter out at the Garage Sales looking for more treasures and fishing gear. Seeing him out for his Coffee meet ups and the countless hours spent over at the house. Walter will be missed!