Walter John Ponich (Wally)

February 25, 1934 - January 10, 2025
January 24, 2025 7 Condolences Print Obituary Send Flowers

Wally was the third child of Anne (Killick) and Gregory Ponich, born in Vegreville nearly 91 years ago. From an early age, he helped bring in much-needed cash, working at a variety of jobs, including setting pins at the local bowling alley, delivering groceries, and helping out at the movie theatre.

Wally moved to Edmonton at age 18, and soon found work in the shipping department at Safety Supply Canada. The company grew and changed, and Wally was instrumental in its success: his career took him from packing first aid kits, to sales, to various roles in leadership. He retired in 2001 as the National Manager for the Safety Division of Acklands-Grainger. Wally never tired of telling stories about his role in the development of industrial safety equipment in the early days of Alberta’s oil boom, but he especially treasured the relationships that grew out of his work. He was endlessly proud of the many successful men and women he mentored through the years and who remained firm friends throughout his life.

Wally was also proud of and devoted to his family. He met Ruth (Bonde) at Safety Supply. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in 1959. Kimberley, Tracy, and Leslie arrived in the next few years, and grew up in a loving home where Wally and Ruth’s artistry flourished, indoors and out. Together they transformed a modest bungalow into their own sanctuary. Collecting exquisite antiques and tending the beautiful garden they created were shared passions. Their youthful romance grew into an enduring love that lasted a lifetime.

Wally was predeceased by his parents; brothers Bill (Susan) Ponich and Michael (Rochelle) Ponich, sisters Elsie (Ray) Dixon and Evelyn (Ed) Belanger; and granddaughter Katherine Loewen. He is remembered with love by Ruth, his wife of 66 years; daughters Kimberley (Philip) Loewen, Tracy Ponich (Iain Smale), and Leslie Ponich (Ken Savage); grandchildren Jonathan Loewen (Lianne McLean) and Nicholas Loewen; great-grandchildren Oscar Loewen and Theodore Loewen; brother Orest (Gloria) Ponich, sister Olga (George) Semeniuk, and a host of dear family and friends.

 

Celebration of Wally's Life
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10:00 am
Trinity Funeral Home Chapel
10530 116 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

In lieu of sending flowers, we invite you to make a donation in Wally’s honour to MS Canada or the University Hospital Foundation.

  1. Very sorry to all the family and friends. I was fortunate over the past year to spend more time with my uncle, and what a blessing it has been. From simple phone calls and moments together he has always been true to the core of his personality. Lots of love to give to those around him.

    I wish I had more time with him, as we all do, but I look forward in knowing I was blessed with the time I did have. I hope he looks down upon all of us and realizes the impact he did have on us.

    RIP Uncle Wally.

    Love you dearly,
    Stacey & Nadine Ponich

  2. A kind and gentle man , Kim,Leslie and Tracy I am so sorry for your loss . Your parent’s home was a warm and welcoming place and I am grateful for my times there . Sending love and sympathy to you and your dear Mom and all your family . Our greatest blessing in life is to have good parents . May he rest in peace forever .

  3. Ruth, Kim,Tracy & Leslie… my heart goes out to you in the loss of your
    husband & father, Wally. Wally was a fine man, very caring and kind.
    Wally loved Ruth to bits! I remember when we first met 66 years ago
    …Wally arrived to date Ruth at an apartment 4 of us ladies, all from out
    of town, had rented now living & working in Edmonton. Every Saturday
    was cleaning day! Wally would come to pick Ruth up at 10 a.m. & take
    her out for a interesting & fun day as we 3 stayed behind & did the weekly
    house cleaning. There was always teasing, fun & laughter when
    Ruth & Wally were around! Remembering that warms my heart!!H

  4. Orest, Gloria and Family.
    Very sorry to hear the loss of your brother Orest. What an amazing man he was. The bowling alley is still in Vegreville. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Orest.
    Ruth and Family.
    Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very sad time .
    God bless and Keep you in His Care
    That Wally had a wonderful life. May He RIP>

    \

  5. I, my wife Margery and my sister Judy had planned to attend the funeral but road and weather conditions made that too difficult. We send our condolences.
    Please let your mother know that I think of her often and would like to visit if possible.
    We realize what a difficult time this is for you. We send love from the whole Gaede family.

  6. A beautiful tribute! A wonderful service.

  7. Dear Ruth, Kim, Tracy, Leslie, and your families,

    I am so sorry for your loss. I spent many happy hours in the Ponich home when Leslie and I were growing up, and it was wonderful to witness first-hand the love in your family, and how much Wally cared for you all. I hope that the closeness you shared over so many years lessens your sorrow at his passing.

    Thank you for the opportunity to view the service; it was very touching and I appreciate being able to pay my respects in this way.

    Take care everyone.

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