Obituary of Walter Baran

Walter Baran of Lafleche, SK passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at the age of 84. He was the oldest of two children born to Andrew and Sofia (nee Popowicz) Baran. Walter was born on July 31, 1931, on a farm one mile east of Limerick, shortly before the family moved to Lafleche. Growing up, Walter and his brother Andrew delivered the Leader Post. They spent many happy days playing with their friends and exploring all the things that small town boys can get into. He participated in the Army Cadets, and attained the rank of sergeant when he graduated. Walter received all of his education in Lafleche, and graduated in 1950. As he grew into a man, Walter left Lafleche for a brief time to work at the Legislative Building in Regina. In 1954, he received a diploma in Accounting from the International Correspondence School, and later obtained his Urban and Rural Certificates of Qualification from the Board of Examiners of the Department of Municipal Affairs in Regina. Walter's heart was in small town Saskatchewan, and he returned to Lafleche to begin his career at home. He became the assistant administrator of the Wood River Rural Telephone Company on February 1, 1952, and on November 16, 1952 officially became the administrator and agent for Sask. Government Telephones, working out of an office in his Dad's shoe repair shop. Walter began working in the Lafleche Town Office under D.M. Johnston on June 1, 1957, and was named Town Clerk August 15, 1957. He kept the telephone company positions until February 28, 1958. Walter became the assistant administrator of the RM of Wood River September 1, 1959, and served both municipalities with the assistance of his brother Andrew. He officially became RM administrator on November 1, 1960, and held this position until September 30, 1968, when, as a result of the stress of working in these two positions, Andrew took over the RM administrator's position. Throughout their many years of working together, they would often help each other with whatever needed doing. Walter retired on March 31, 1991. He was a member of the volunteer fire brigade for many years, belonged to the Board of Trade and was at the admission booths for many functions, and was also secretary-treasurer of the Wood River Donor's Choice. He was also the secretary-treasurer of the Wood River Centennial Home. In 1973, Walter had a house constructed in Lafleche, and his mother lived with him until March 31, 1992, when she became a resident of the Lafleche and District Health Centre. Walter's father passed away March 8, 1971, and his mother passed away on November 30, 1996. His brother Andrew passed away on October 1, 2012. After his retirement, Walter spent time helping his mother, and Andrew would stop in almost daily for a visit. The boys took wonderful care of their Mom. Walter enjoyed the trips he took with his family over the years, and took many notes and pictures along the way. He was very meticulous in putting places and dates on everything. They would often go to the Wood Mountain Park for picnics, and Walter thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty of his surroundings. He would take time to explain a certain bug, plant, or tree to his family or anyone who was around. The knowledge that he had was easily shared with others. He enjoyed attending block parties, getting together with his neighbours, spending time visiting and sharing food. Walter kept busy with gardening and yard work in the summer, and using his snow blower in the winter, to keep his own yard and the neighbourhood driveways clear of snow. In later years, when Walter needed help, his neighbour, John Fitzpatrick, was always there to lend a helping hand, which Walter greatly appreciated. Walter had a good sense of humour, and you could see the sparkle in his blue eyes when he would quietly tell a story. He was an avid reader and knew many interesting facts about a lot of different subjects. Walter also had several feline friends whose company he enjoyed. Walter spent a few years in the Lafleche Health Centre after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. He enjoyed the teas and barbeques when family and friends would come to spend the day. His face would always brighten and a good day would be had by all. Walter was a kind, loving, generous soul, who will be sadly missed. Walter, we will think of you often and treasure the memories. Walter is survived by his sister-in-law Shirley Baran; family Perry (Bernie) Moore, Donald Moore, Mavis Moore; relatives in the Ukraine. Predeceased by his parents Andrew Sr. and Sofia Baran; brother Andrew Baran; uncle Ivan Popowicz; family Henry Moore, Myrtle Moore, Linda Moore, Kevin Moore. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapel, Gravelbourg, SK. Officiant was Neil Gilbert. Urn bearers were Dorian Moore and Aislinn Lawreniuk. Honorary pallbearers were "All those who shared in Walter's life." Interment took place at the Lafleche Municipal Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Walter to the Lafleche and District Health Fund Inc., Box 250, Lafleche, SK S0H 2K0, were greatly appreciated.