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The family of Walter Potoczny uploaded a photo
Monday, September 26, 2016
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Mary lit a candle
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
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Loving Wife.
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Mary Anne lit a candle
Monday, November 30, 2015
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Love
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Heather Gartner posted a condolence
Friday, November 13, 2015
Dear Carol and Family: I join with so many others in offering my deepest sympathy to you and your family on your beloved father's passing. Although it is little consolation at this sad time, it should be of some satisfaction to know that in his passing you can celebrate the end of a very long and productive life. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that I am sending my most sincere condolences and wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you and comfort you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Heather
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Sandra and Bill McFarling posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Mary and Family our deepest condolences to all of you. Walter was a wonderful neighbor to us whom we shall always remember. Sending prayers for comfort and peace for all.
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Nicole Abboud posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Carol, my condolences to your sweet father, may he rest in heaven. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jessica Kanterjian posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
To the potoczny family: it is with my deepest condolences that you have lost such a remarkable man. When we lose someone here on earth we gain an angel above us. Walter is still alive in our hearts and our minds. Carol,looking at how strong and beautiful of a woman you are, I can't believe how amazing the man is who raised you. Please stay strong and know that you are remembered in our thoughts and prayers everyday.
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Erin Donovan-Condon posted a condolence
Thursday, November 12, 2015
So blessed to have met you and spent time together last summer. Love you forever. Your great-granddaughter Brie
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Mary Anne Potoczny posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
WALTER STANLEY POTOCZNY, October 6th, 1925-November 8th, 2015.
Written by: Mary Anne Potoczny, Daughter No. 2
Born October 6th, 1925, of Polish immigrant parents, Michael Potoczny and Catherine Stodolak, Walter Potoczny was the second youngest of 9 children. From the word GO, Walter was an intelligent, exuberant and loving human being. He attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School and like most young men of his age; he enjoyed playing neighbourhood baseball and hockey on an ice pond rink. Despite Walter's busy days, he managed to find time after school to help his parents tend the family garden which was a vital food source for the entire household.
Faith was very important in the Potoczny family. Walter attended Sunday mass with his parents and served as an altar boy for St. Veronica's Parish. Walter's helpfulness and enthusiasm for life were very evident.
After completion of elementary school, of which Walter graduated second in his class, he went on to attend the city's Technical School. Again, Walter graduates in good standing with a Junior Matriculation Diploma. Unable to afford further schooling and putting the financial needs of his parent's first, Walter got a job at a local garage, Keech Motors. There he worked as a car mechanic. Walter was only 15 years of age and too young to be hired by the Algoma Steel. However, when Walter became of age, he procured a position in the plant. There Walter began his training as a plumber-pipefitter and became one of Algoma Steel's top employees. For years growing up, we kids would sit around the kitchen table as Dad would tell us about his job and work duties. Walter moved up the seniority list quickly and soon became number two. Little to say despite the statistics, we knew our dad was number one.
In the early 1940's Canadians became involved in the fighting of WWII. Men all over the country, including our own Sault Ste. Marie, were being conscripted. Walter was called to serve and immediately joined the army, giving two years of his life to the Service. Here again, Walter is recognized for his many talents being moved up from the positon of Private to Sapper because of his exceptional technical and engineering skills. Walter's talents did not end with the work day. Walter was one of the entertainers, playing his guitar along with his musical buddies at evening army shows.
In 1945, the war ended and Walter worked out his army term. He returned home to Sault Ste. Marie and resumed his job with Algoma Steel. Walter had spread his wings when he went away to the militia and would soon spread them again as he left home to marry a beautiful, young Croation girl, Mary. Mary (Marija) Marinovich was the daughter of a first generation immigrant East European family. She and Walter had a lot in common as in Christianity, the work ethic and an enthusiasm for life. These qualities would prove to be a great resource for the couple as they began their life together.
On April 30th, 1949, Walter and Mary were married at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, in the west end of Sault Ste. Marie. They began to build a house at 145 Roosevelt which would become a loving home for four children: Cathy, Walter Jr., Mary Anne and Carol. The couple were intelligent, conscientious and loving parents, who tried to educate and instill Christian and work ethics in their children. Walter was there after work for his family, driving kids to hockey practice and music lessons, and aiding with the kid's homework. His loving wife Mary remained by his side, helping as well. Walter was a remarkable man as well as the other half of a very special couple.
As mentioned before, Walter valued and tried to live a Catholic, Christian life. He would attend mass on Sunday's with his wife and children. As a young man, Walter was a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his middle years, Walter volunteered in his spare time and worked on the construction of the former St. Joseph the Worker Parish. Walter lead a good and honorable life by helping people whenever he could. He would go to any household to repair a leaky faucet or give advice on construction or electronic issues. Walter was always there to support anyone who was in need of help, psychologically or emotionally. He was a good, well respected man and friend to many.
Walter's household composition began to change in his 50's, as his children were growing up and leaving home for jobs, college, university and marriage. Luckily, his loving wife Mary was there for him. However, what comes around goes around as Walter Potoczny's family was really getting bigger. Walter Jr. married Andree Desjardins from Ottawa and had a lovely daughter Nadia. Cathy's family consisted of three children: Kristin, Erin and Justin. The line of grandchildren ended with the birth of Zachary, son of Rick and Carol of Windsor. Walter had to expand the kitchen; family summers and get to-gethers were held in the basement rec room. Well, where could you put them all.
Walter and Mary were welcomed visitors to their children's homes. Grandpa was indeed popular. Walter became a great-grandparent in the past few years. Brie was born Labour Day week-end of 2012 and Annabella came into this world about a week before Walter and Mary celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary, April of 2014.
Although Walter's life was busy with work, raising a family and maintaining a home, he managed to find some time of his own. Walter was a member of the Sault Ham Radio Operator's Club. Activities included building electrical units and communicating with other operators by use of morse code and phone patching. As his good friend John said, "Walter was communicating with the outside world before any of us knew it was there." Another of my father's noted hobbies is that of woodworking. Walter has built everything from children's toy furniture, to household furniture to houses. His most famous creation is the Grandfather clock. Walter made a grandfather clock for each of his children and these clocks are displayed in the living rooms of each of his children's homes. They are true works of art.
Walter is uncle, grand uncle and great grand uncle to numerous nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the United States. Known as "Uncle Walter", he was always available for help and advice. On the social scene, he was an entertainer and musically inclined. Extended family dinners and visits would often end in song lead by Uncle Walter on his guitar and banjo.
Needless to say, the Lord created a remarkable person as in Walter Stanley Potoczny. He did a lot of good during his time on this earth and maintains the image of a kind and supportive father. Walter was a loving spouse to his wife Mary and has gained the respect of many people during his lifetime. It is with great sadness as I experience my father leave this earth; but there is no doubt in my mind that he is with the Lord. Walter is looking down and praying for us all. Thanks Dad, I love you dearly and you have been a great father to me. I will miss you and pray for you and may God be with you now and forever, Amen.
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Ryan Marinovich posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Sorry to hear of Uncle Walter's passing. Unfortunately I am in the middle of my semester and cannot be with you. My thoughts are with Aunty Mary and the family.
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Claranne McFarling posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
The McFarlings and Potocznys go back a long way on Roosevelt Avenue! We have lots of special memories. Mary, Cathy, Sonny,, Maryanne Anne, Carol and families, know that my love, care and prayer are with you in these days. As Walter rests in the loving arms of God, may you be comforted in the love and prayer of family and friends.
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Stefan, Jacqueline and Tristan Potoczny posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Our condolences on your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this sad time!!! Love and hugs from us all!!! Sincerely, Stefan, Jacqueline and Tristan Potoczny
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Potoczny Family posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
He is a helping hand to solve my problems. A gentle person who watches over me. He is the best role model I have ever known. One of the kindest people I have ever met. He worked hard all his life, and still going just as strong today. He is a very brave person. I have never seen him scared or back down from anything. He is an honest person. Never tells a lie. He does not ask for anything in return. Helps solely out of kindness of his heart. He has never been unable to help me. An academic in every sense of the word. He is a truly great person. I love him with all my heart. He always tells me that when we die, Material things will not matter. Only the memories we have acquired along the way and boy, do me and my grandfather sure have a lot of them! Authorā¦..Zac, Walterās Grandson (2009)
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Romeo & Mary Mancini & family posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Dear Carol and family There is a place in your heart that will forever belong to your father...treasure it and all the wonderful memories. They will bring you comfort in the days to come. Thinking of all of you. I wish I could be there with you... Our sincerest condolences to your mom and all of you. Love, Mary,Romeo,Adam, Michael and Ryan
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Christine Linden-Potoczny posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Dear Walter, Andree and Nadia, What a wonderful person your dear dad//grandfather was. Gerry loved his big uncle Benny with the expansive smile and infectious laughter. Ger told stories of Uncle Benny always ready to give a helping hand. He was serious when it was required, but could "cut the rug" after the work was done. I came from a small family and was overwhelmed by the huge Potoczny/PolLok family when I was introduced to them. Your parents extended their love and warmth to me. It meant a lot to me. Love and hugs are wrapped around each of you as you weave your way down a path that is lacking that special person - your dad and grandfather. christine
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Kim Fleury posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
MaryAnne and family: my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I will be out of town so will not be able to attend the funeral but please know my prayers are with you! Sincerely: Kim
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Mary Anne posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Mary Anne made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
May the lord give you the strength to carry on, and the peace of mind to recognize the gift that is his Kingdom.
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Abboud Family posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Abboud Family made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.
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Jessica Kanterjian posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Jessica Kanterjian made a donation to STROKE RECOVERY ASSOCIATION WINDSOR-ESSEX
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. If you need a friend to help you through this, you know who to call.
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Albert and Christine posted a condolence
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Albert and Christine made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
Walter/Andree and the Potoczny Family Please accept our sincere condolences on the lost of your father. We are thinking of you.
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