Walter passed away on a river of tears with his family on Monday, August 8, 2022 at the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the youngest son of Jessie and William Leckett and was born on July 16, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Walter attended St. Edward’s School, St. Paul’s High School and the University of Manitoba. He went on to Ottawa University to complete his Ph.D. His dissertation was research into the field of empathy. Walter taught for several years at St. Paul’s College in Ottawa, Ontario. Beverley and Walter moved to Regina in 1979 to further his career working with adolescents, infants to preteens, then individual families. He would often say, “I just have seniors left to work with in my career.”
Walter’s love of tennis started at an early age bouncing tennis balls off his parent’s garage door on McDermot Street in Winnipeg and ended with his lifetime membership at the Lakeshore Tennis Club. Walter developed lifelong relationships with many of the players which crossed over to golf. Walter was always athletic, excelling at tennis, golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, along with becoming a licensed scuba diver. His love of water took them on many vacations to warmer climates like Cuba, Hawaii, Arizona and Texas. Fond memories were made travelling to Europe with Bob, Joan and Larry Roy experiencing the many wine vineyards which carried over to becoming a member of many wine clubs in Regina. Some other highlights of their European trip were being in awe of majestic churches and museums still standing after thousands of years. His favorite being Chartres Cathedral in France. He kissed the Blarney Stone with his mother-in-law while making connections with Beverley’s family in Ireland. Laughs and giggles were always had while travelling with Beverley’s sister Pat and brother-in-law Keith throughout the Northwest coast of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. For several summers, Bev and Wally spent a week enjoying what Lake Winnipeg had to offer, making wonderful memories with Brooklyn, Eli and extended family.
Walter’s extensive music library crossed many genres which was reflected in his membership with the Regina Symphony, Ceciliani Chamber Series, attending many live concerts in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and Bach’s Music Festival in Oregon. Walter was one of the first organizers involved in the now very large Craven Music Festival. Beverley and Walter attended a weeklong film festival watching umpteen films which was another common interest for the both of them. Often the two would binge watch several films over a bowl of popcorn and a beer. Films covered everything from slap stick comedy to science fiction.
Family was paramount to Wally. He is survived by “the best woman on earth” his spouse Beverley of 54 years, who he met December 13, 1965 at the University of Manitoba cafeteria and they married on July 20, 1968; brother-in-law Bill Kostynuik; nephew Peter (Sharon) and their children Sheldon, Adam, Zachery, Gabriel, Jory, Ali, and Shelby; nephew Andy (Debbie) and their children Derek (Kristen), Kelsey and Holly; nephew Joey (Nikki) and their children Taylor (Jesse Marques) and Courtney (Zach Ovid) and their daughter Aliyah; niece Brenna (Evan); nephew Trey; nephew Cameron; niece Kristen (Lorne) and their son Aidan; nephew Blaine (Ayano); nephew Neil (Anita) and their children Kyle (Maritza) and Kevin (Genna). Wally is also survived by Beverley’s family sister-in-law Gerry McKay and her children Michael, Shawn and Lisa (Gordon) and their children Kendall and Alanna; sister-in-law Pat (Keith) Purdom and their children Deborah (Jamie), Laurie (Jim), Douglas (Carole) and their children Annika and Joel; sister-in-law Maureen Tully and her children Garett (Elaine) and their children Sierra and Wyatt, Elliott (Grace) and their children Brooklyn and Eli.
Walter was predeceased by his parents William and Jessie; sister Marguerite Kostynuik; brothers Victor (Marjorie) and Eddy (Marsha); niece Roberta; numerous aunts and uncles and friends; his parents-in-law Walter and Ollie Belton; brothers-in-law John Mckay, Fred Tully; and nephew Clayton Tully.
We give special thanks to the many friends who visited Wally in the hospital. Kayden, who is like a grandson and his goddaughter Dorianna, both of whom he has known since their births and had been involved in their lives. Beverley would like to thank their friends who have supported them through this journey, especially Carol and Richard Holowachuck for their Borscht (Wally’s favourite), watering their garden, delivering food, moral support and a shoulder to cry on daily. Neighbour Michele, has provided more than food but also a soul’s worth of love, care and support. Wally’s tennis and golf buddies who have played a tremendous role in offering support. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of 3B at the Pasqua Hospital and his oncologist Dr. Nura Alsofar.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in both Regina and Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ranch Ehrlo Society (Attention: Ehrlo Counselling) or a charity of your choice.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Walter Wally Joseph Leckett PhD August 8th 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Regina, Province: Saskatchewan