Obituary of Walter Fedori

Walter Eugene Fedori, 78, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2005 surrounded by family members after a valiant struggle with stroke related complications. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Stella; son Gary; daughter Kathy (Rick Buck); daughter Marianne (Paul Gemmel) and cherished grandchildren Spencer, Julian and Mallory. He is also survived by his dear sister Irene Slobojan (Nick) of Melville, Saskatchewan and brother and sister-in law Mike and Alice Chorney of Thunder Bay, Ontario and nieces and nephews. His mother, Anna, and father, Nicholas, predeceased him. Walter (Waldo) was born and raised in Fort William, Ontario on March 20, 1927 and moved to Edmonton in 1957 with the Robert Simpson Company, settling in Calgary the following year to launch his self-made, successful career in the furniture business. Walter enjoyed his work too much to stop, recently housing his business, WE Fedori Agencies, at his son Gary’s warehouse facility. His well-respected and vital 50-year career in Canada’s furniture industry included wholesale distribution and sales, manufacturing and product consultation, where he consistently exceeded expectations with extraordinary customer service, vision and quick witted, heartfelt friendship. Walter was also active in many industry associations and boards, including a directorship of North West Commercial Traveller’s Association where he was recently honoured with a 45 year service award. Powerfully and passionately he carried his love of sports, tenacity and talent from his early days in semi-pro hockey in England, Eastern Canada and the USA to a lifelong passion for golf. Walter was known for his effortless swing, masterful putts and low handicap and could be counted on as a leader who speaks his mind for the betterment of others. He was past-president (1994) of Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club and Club Captain for three years in 90s, and held many honours including a senior men’s open club championship. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the highly sought after Walt Fedori Annual Invitational Golf Tournament which will continue as a charity legacy. Away from the course, Walter loved TV Westerns, honest kibitzing at the Calgary Farmers’ Market and Stella’s fabulous cooking. Walter’s family was his true pride and joy, especially his grandchildren whom everyone knew from his colourful, light stories. Spencer and Julian’s “Dada” was at the rink every week for 15 years to cheer their minor hockey triumphs. Mallory’s dance and ice skating were also on the “brag list”. His love of golf and life is a legacy of excellence, commitment and gratitude he leaves to them. Walter’s generosity, kindness, and good advice to never give up on the 17th hole, leaves a powerful mark that made a difference in the lives he touched. The family expresses sincere gratitude to the Cardio Vascular Unit 53 team of nurses and caregivers including Doctors Dr. M. Smith, Dr. Randy Moore and Dr. Samis at Peter Lougheed General Hospital and the Stroke team at Foothills Hospital. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3Y6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. Those who knew “Grumpy Old Waldo” know that we have lost one of the good guys. To know him was to love him. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. In living memory of Walter Fedori, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.