Walter (Wally) Joseph Leckett, Ph.D.
August 8th, 2022
Wally’s Celebration of Life can be viewed at https://www.dropbox.com/s/cuhamf81z2us1dk/Wally%20Celebration%20of%20Life.mp4?dl=0 (you must click download to view the complete 1 hour and 30 minute Celebration of Life).
Walter passed away on a river of tears with his family on Monday, August 8, 2022 at the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the youngest son of Jessie and William Leckett and was born on July 16, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Walter attended St. Edward’s School, St. Paul’s High School and the University of Manitoba. He went on to Ottawa University to complete his Ph.D. His dissertation was research into the field of empathy. Walter taught for several years at St. Paul’s College in Ottawa, Ontario. Beverley and Walter moved to Regina in 1979 to further his career working with adolescents, infants to preteens, then individual families. He would often say, “I just have seniors left to work with in my career.”
Walter’s love of tennis started at an early age bouncing tennis balls off his parent’s garage door on McDermot Street in Winnipeg and ended with his lifetime membership at the Lakeshore Tennis Club. Walter developed lifelong relationships with many of the players which crossed over to golf. Walter was always athletic, excelling at tennis, golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, along with becoming a licensed scuba diver. His love of water took them on many vacations to warmer climates like Cuba, Hawaii, Arizona and Texas. Fond memories were made travelling to Europe with Bob, Joan and Larry Roy experiencing the many wine vineyards which carried over to becoming a member of many wine clubs in Regina. Some other highlights of their European trip were being in awe of majestic churches and museums still standing after thousands of years. His favorite being Chartres Cathedral in France. He kissed the Blarney Stone with his mother-in-law while making connections with Beverley’s family in Ireland. Laughs and giggles were always had while travelling with Beverley’s sister Pat and brother-in-law Keith throughout the Northwest coast of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. For several summers, Bev and Wally spent a week enjoying what Lake Winnipeg had to offer, making wonderful memories with Brooklyn, Eli and extended family.
Walter’s extensive music library crossed many genres which was reflected in his membership with the Regina Symphony, Ceciliani Chamber Series, attending many live concerts in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and Bach’s Music Festival in Oregon. Walter was one of the first organizers involved in the now very large Craven Music Festival. Beverley and Walter attended a weeklong film festival watching umpteen films which was another common interest for the both of them. Often the two would binge watch several films over a bowl of popcorn and a beer. Films covered everything from slap stick comedy to science fiction.
Family was paramount to Wally. He is survived by “the best woman on earth” his spouse Beverley of 54 years, who he met December 13, 1965 at the University of Manitoba cafeteria and they married on July 20, 1968; brother-in-law Bill Kostynuik; nephew Peter (Sharon) and their children Sheldon, Adam, Zachery, Gabriel, Jory, Ali, and Shelby; nephew Andy (Debbie) and their children Derek (Kristen), Kelsey and Holly; nephew Joey (Nikki) and their children Taylor (Jesse Marques) and Courtney (Zach Ovid) and their daughter Aliyah; niece Brenna (Evan); nephew Trey; nephew Cameron; niece Kristen (Lorne) and their son Aidan; nephew Blaine (Ayano); nephew Neil (Anita) and their children Kyle (Maritza) and Kevin (Genna). Wally is also survived by Beverley’s family sister-in-law Gerry McKay and her children Michael, Shawn and Lisa (Gordon) and their children Kendall and Alanna; sister-in-law Pat (Keith) Purdom and their children Deborah (Jamie), Laurie (Jim), Douglas (Carole) and their children Annika and Joel; sister-in-law Maureen Tully and her children Garett (Elaine) and their children Sierra and Wyatt, Elliott (Grace) and their children Brooklyn and Eli.
Walter was predeceased by his parents William and Jessie; sister Marguerite Kostynuik; brothers Victor (Marjorie) and Eddy (Marsha); niece Roberta; numerous aunts and uncles and friends; his parents-in-law Walter and Ollie Belton; brothers-in-law John Mckay, Fred Tully; and nephew Clayton Tully.
We give special thanks to the many friends who visited Wally in the hospital. Kayden, who is like a grandson and his goddaughter Dorianna, both of whom he has known since their births and had been involved in their lives. Beverley would like to thank their friends who have supported them through this journey, especially Carol and Richard Holowachuck for their Borscht (Wally’s favourite), watering their garden, delivering food, moral support and a shoulder to cry on daily. Neighbour Michele, has provided more than food but also a soul’s worth of love, care and support. Wally’s tennis and golf buddies who have played a tremendous role in offering support. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of 3B at the Pasqua Hospital and his oncologist Dr. Nura Alsofar.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ranch Ehrlo Society (Attention: Ehrlo Counselling) or a charity of your choice.
Messages:
I am sorry for your loss Auntie Bev. Visiting with you both was always such a joy. Uncle Wally always had great stories to tell when we got together. I hope your memories help ease the pain of losing the love of your life.
Dear Beverley, I am so sad to hear of the death of Wally. Thank God for the wonderful memories you have of your time with him. Deepest sympathy, Fran Miller
I was saddened to hear of Wally's death. You and he were a wonderful,example of loving care for persons needing healing. My thoughts are with you Beverly. Blessing from « the Far East «
I knew Walter from the Lakeshore Tennis Club. He was always very friendly, helpful and kind. I didn't play with him a lot over the years, but he always had a smile & hello for me. He will be missed. I'm sorry for your loss.
I feel privileged to have known Walter. He was a valued colleague and friend. I admired his knowledge and skills; and more so, his gentle compassion, empathy and respect for people, as have many others. We became friends while attending TIPPS. Walter was a healer and positively affected many peoples lives and not only through his work. The world is better because he was here. I am very sorry for your loss Beverley, and I send warm caring thoughts and hugs to you and family. Marlene
Walter was a gentle, kind, caring, good -humored person. He was wise, knowledgeable and a well-respected clinician. All of his colleagues at Ehrlo Counselling Services looked up to him. Walter left a big void at ECS when he retired. Just knowing him makes one believe in the good in people and the world around us. We will missed him here on earth. His influence will always be with me. Condolences to Bev and family. Shelley Tamaki
Dear Beverley, I was so sorry to hear of Wally’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. It’s quite a shock. I know. Walter was a very kind compassionate gentle soul that really cared about people. He will be missed.
My condolences to Bev and her family. Walter was a lovely man and will be greatly missed. Take care and cherish your memories. Leslie
Dear Bev, So many inspiring memories of tennis with Wally at Lakeshore. A winner in every respect. So many sad coincidences, of my Beverley; partner of 54 years, a top ranked Saskatchewan tennis player, same age as Wally with the sudden diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2013.. Like Wally, she was a champion to the end. The support you will have from family and friends will always be there for you.
Bev, Katherine and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Walter was a valued colleague and friend for many years although we lost touch when I retired. His humour, compassion, and humanity will be missed in this world. There are not enough like him. The world was a better place with his presence. Peace to you and family.
Dear Bev, we were startled and saddened to learn of the death of Wally. We cannot begin to imagine the depths of your grief at his loss. Whether at the table of mutual friends, at the many concerts he attended or just strolling around the lake, what always struck us when we met was his graciousness and welcoming smile. These are the hallmarks of a man who truly cared for and was open to others. To you and to all who loved and cherished Wally we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Requiescat in pace. Steve and Francoise
Dear Bev and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in your special memories that you shared with Walter.
Walter was a wonderful kind and caring gentleman. When my Wife Shirley died Walter had comforting words for me. I loved playing tennis with him at the Lakeshore Tennis club. Walter will be missed by all of us who were lucky to have him as a friend.
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. May you find comfort and love from the support of family and friends. Peace be with you always.
Dear Bev and family. With deepest sympathy on the passing of Walter. He was an amazing person and what a remarkable life. We will miss him at our group tennis matches, but will always remember him for his clever play and great humour on the courts. We were very lucky to have known him.
Dear Bev, I am so sorry to learn of Walter’s passing. I will remember him as a wise, warm, funny and helpful colleague during our years of TIPPS meetings. Wally made a fine contribution to the field of Psychology in Regina. He will be missed. Fondly, Judy Young
Bev and Family We send our condolences to you and your family! Walter was a great tennis player. Loved to go for lunches with tennis buddies. A quiet personality but great to be around. He probably analyzed all of us but didn’t tell the results thankfully! Ha ha ! Gary and Gail Stakiw
I was very sorry to read of Wally's passing. He was a very kind person with an innate caring persona. I will miss our visits. Bev hopefully you can find comfort in all the great memories you shared. My thoughts are with you.
Bev and family. Our condolences on the passing of Walter. We’ll miss Walter at our morning tennis sessions at the Lakeshore Tennis Club. He had a great sense of humour and was a pleasure to be around on and off the courts.
I am very late in leaving this message, but have (since hearing of Walter's passing) been wanting to extend my deepest love and sympathy to Bev and family. Walter was a wonderful coworker at Ehrlo Counselling. He was a life-long learner, always seeking new knowledge and skills to better help his clients. He was also one of the most down to earth and empathetic therapists a person could ever encounter. He truly made an impact in people's lives both as a therapist and as a colleague with his compassionate and person-centred approach.