Walter Popko

Walter William Popko

On Monday, August 10, 2015, with his family at his side, Walter Popko passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 78 years.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years Dorleen, in 2012; his son Morris in 1975 and daughter-in-law Breega in 2007.  Left to mourn are his sons Timothy, James, Lloyd and Kelly; step-daughter Brenda; daughters Karen and Della; son-in-law Craig and daughter-in-law Kellie; 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Walter will also be lovingly remembered by his special brother Brian (Janet) of Enderby B.C. and brother John, Ron, Jerry and Rick; sisters Evelyn, Shirley and Beverley as well as many nieces and nephews.

Walter was born on July 4, 1937 in Portage la Prairie.  He received his education in Portage but left school at an early age to help out on the family farm, south of what is now Simplot.  Walter later met and married Dorleen on November 2, 1957.  After a career with Manitoba Hydro and other various jobs Walter and Dorleen eventually settled in Portage where he later retired as a ground maintenance worker with CFB Portage la Prairie.  In his early years Walter was an avid trapper, hunter and was a lifetime fisherman, having achieved many master anglers.  Walter’s love of fishing and the outdoors trickled all the way down to his grandchildren.

He loved a good joke or a good prank and especially a good western moving on a Saturday afternoon.  He was a stubborn man but could also be depended on to lend a hand if asked.  He had a strange knack for identifying bird calls and trees filled his yard with birdhouses and yard decorations he had made.  For his family, 17 Henderson Dr. was “home” and mom and dad will be forever missed.

Family and friends are invited to prayers on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11:00 am.  Family and friends are asked to gather at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 10:45 am to proceed to the cemetery.

If friends so wish, donations in memory of Walter may be made to Fish Futures Inc.,  30th Floor - 360 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba,  R3C 4G1.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com