Obituary
Wally Hanishewski, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, of Calgary, AB passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at the age of 87.
Wally was born in Rama, Saskatchewan, the second youngest of six children. Wally was the first in his family to earn a post-secondary degree from the University of Saskatoon and later his Master’s degree from Gonzaga University. He began his teaching career in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where he later married and started his family. He enjoyed playing ball with the PA Jacks and fell in love with the lakes of northern Saskatchewan. Wally nurtured the lifelong friendships he developed during this time in his life.
Wally moved to Calgary in 1964 where he began working for the Calgary Separate School Board until he retired in 1991. He was a much beloved principal who impacted many students and teachers in his career. Two of his favourite roles were taking his students on cross country ski trips to Kananaskis and mentoring new teachers. Wally loved sports, cards, music, fishing, and spending time in the outdoors. You could easily find him several times a week at Inglewood Golf Club where he was a member since 1962—60 years! Even in his 80s he played over 100 games a year. He loved to celebrate any time his golf score was lower than his age and he was honored to have his name on the hole-in-one trophy not once but twice.
Wally was a Saskatchewan boy at heart (Go Roughriders!) who loved his homeland and the people who lived there. He made frequent trips there as well many pilgrimages to the Rama Grotto as often as he could. St. Anthony’s RC cemetery will be his final resting place.
Wally was a person who kept in touch with people. He would phone numerous friends, nieces, nephews, and family from all over often to chat. He loved talking to everyone and staying connected no matter where they lived in the world. He leaves behind to mourn, his children: David (Lorraine) and Bruce of Calgary, AB and Sandi (Glenn) and Beth (Ben) of Kelowna, BC; his grandchildren: Sarah, Katie, Cameron, Travis, Melissa, Grace, Jack, Evi and Olivia and great-granddaughter Sophia. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor (Ray) Senger of Saskatoon, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves behind his special friend, Evelyn. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Prayers will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm and a Catholic Funeral Mass on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
Due to current restrictions, please contact the family directly if you wish to attend either in person. Everyone is welcome to attend Friday’s Mass virtually via livestream*.
Special thanks to all the family and friends who have reached out to us with love and support and to the staff at Rockyview Hospital for all of their extraordinary care in his final days.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter Edward Hanishewski, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Walter Edward Hanishewski November 8 1934 January 13 2022 (age 87)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta
So sorry to hear of the loss of a great human being. We wish to extend our condolences to the family and pray that they are brought closer together in sharing woderful memories of their loved one.