Walter (Spike) Romanow passed away peacefully under a radiant “Cold Moon” in Edmonton at 96. He was deeply respected and a man of many accomplishments:
– In Saskatoon at age 18 enlisted in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and dropped with his brothers-in-arms into France the night before D-Day. In spite of heavy casualties these brave souls successfully secured the Merville battery and were active in battle across northern Europe until the war’s end
– After the war, he obtained a BA, helped establish and became station manager of CFQC-TV, Saskatoon
-1964 moved to Windsor for an MA in English; taught at U of Windsor, set up and became the first head of the Dept. of Communication Studies
-1964 he completed his PhD. After additional teaching and extensive academic publications became two-term Dean of Social Sciences, then Dean of Student Affairs at UofW prior to retiring as Professor Emeritus
-1992 retired to Edmonton, took charge of the designation and establishment of the Ex Coelis mountain monument and cairn at Siffleur Falls to honour his Parachute Battalion
-2013 he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
-2015 France awarded him the Napoleonic Medal (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour) for his WWII contribution
Walter was predeceased by his loving and supportive wife Yvonna and dear grandson Brendan. He is survived by children: Oksana Stewart (Wayne), Martin (Sandy), Lydia, Stephen; was Didi to grandchildren: Evan (Pascale), Brian Beaudry (Jenn), Brett (Nicole) and great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Mira and Elias.
He was humble, generous, loving, wise and much beloved by his extended family and friends. Thanks go to the devoted staff and Dr. Sidhu at Rosedale Estates for Walter’s care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to CNIB.
A Memorial Service will be held in early June. Service details will be announced here as they become available.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Walter “Spike Romanow 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta