WALTER (WALLY) NAKONESHNY

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WALTER (WALLY) NAKONESHNY

After a long, full life, Walter (Wally) Nakoneshny passed away at the age of 93 at Golden West Centennial Lodge in Winnipeg.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille (née Bazin); his daughters, Louise Van De Spiegle (Neal) and Nicole Nakoneshny; his grandchildren, Lynn, Daniel, and Emily (Brad Van Den Bossche), and his great-grandchild, Percival; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Walter was born on September 7, 1932, in Sifton, Manitoba, to Michael and Anne (née Tracz) Nakoneshny. He was raised on the family farm as the third of five children. His siblings, Nicholas (Nick), Olga, Donald, and Elizabeth (Betty), all predeceased him. In 1963, Walter married Lucille, and the two of them made their home together in Dauphin for 56 years.

Life on the farm was not easy, especially after the loss of his father when Walter was just eight years old. With the help of neighbours and friends, the family persevered. These early experiences shaped Walter’s belief in community and social responsibility, values that guided his lifelong support of the NDP. Walter loved gardening and, until late in life, planted a huge (too big!) garden, with potatoes being a favourite crop. When asked why he planted so many, he said it was important to have enough to share with neighbours because you never knew when your crop might fail, and you would be the one in need. A sentiment reflecting both his commitment to community, as well as memories of leaner times in his youth.

A good student, he was urged by his teachers to pursue higher education. He completed a teaching certificate and spent several years teaching in a one-room school. He went on to study agriculture at the University of Manitoba, ultimately completing a master’s degree in plant science. Although encouraged to pursue an additional degree, Walter declined, as it would have required moving to the United States, something he did not wish to do.

Upon graduation, Walter worked as an agriculture researcher at Fort Vermillion in Alberta's Peace River Country, followed by a stint teaching at Transcona Collegiate Institute before moving to Dauphin. Walter taught in the science department of the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School for 25 years. For many years, he taught physics and was known for using open-book tests, a practice rooted in his belief that true learning comes from understanding and applying concepts rather than from memorization. Always a lover of learning and knowledge, he was known to spend many winter evenings reading the dictionary or encyclopedia. While Walter and Lucille lived in the town of Dauphin, he kept a small house on the farm, the front room of which was filled with books, many of which, knowing Walter, were rescued from the high school’s trash bin.

Walter was a quiet and shy boy who grew into a sensitive and contemplative man whose easygoing nature made him easy to like. He was always happiest and most comfortable when "on the farm" and surrounded by nature. An animal lover throughout life, he had numerous animals under his care over the years and found great enjoyment from watching and feeding the birds (and the occasional squirrel and chipmunk) on cold winter days, sitting in his house on the farm.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Poseidon Care Centre and Golden West Centennial Lodge for the compassionate care Walter received in his final year of life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s honour to the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

The family will hold a private memorial service, and a Celebration of Life will follow in the spring.

Rest easy, Dad, Grandpa, Wally. You were loved, and you will be missed.

Tribute Link: www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2026