August 29, 2022
1937 - 2022 ~
Walter passed on August 29, 2022, at his home in Courtenay, BC. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley, sister Lucille (Ron) Pope and numerous nieces and their families. He is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Ruby Podovsky and sister June Langley. Walt was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended Britannia Secondary and was a key member of the Britannia champion soccer team.
Shortly after graduating, Walt began installing microwave facilities with BC Tel and Lenkurt. He spent his entire working life in the telecommunications industry with several companies in Canada, the United States and the Middle East, mainly in project management. Walt and Shirley lived in BC, Ontario, Quebec, Florida, California and Saudi Arabia where Walt had no problem delivering results, regardless of the work environment or culture.
Walt was a passionate believer in developing and maintaining close friendships, which he did with high school buddies and work colleagues. Walt maintained a close relationship with at least a dozen colleagues from his working life. That group remained in close contact with each other right up to the time of their passing. Many were in touch with Walt in his final days.
In 1999, Walt semi-retired and he and Shirley moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, where he spent some time consulting on telecommunications, but most of his time on the golf course. In 2003, they moved to Courtenay where they became active members of the community, and both continued to pursue their passion for golf.
Shirley would like to thank Dr. Glick and her team at the home dialysis clinic (Nanaimo), his personal physician, Dr. Nap, and all the home care nurses and support staff.
Walt requested no service but suggested all of his friends and former associates raise a glass of wine to his memory. Donations can be made to the Vancouver Island Kidney Patients Association or a charity of choice.