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Acclaimed Saskatoon educator, community leader, UCC-SPC Nation Builder passes away

Published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix
from September 12-14, 2006.

Walter Podiluk 1927-2006 (Recognized as Nation Builder in 2000)

It is with profound sadness the family of Walter Podiluk announces his sudden passing on Sunday, September 10 at his home in Saskatoon at the age of 79.

Walter was born on March 4, 1927, in the Orolow District of SK, the eldest son of the late Alex and Anne Podiluk. In 1947, he moved to St. Walburg to begin his long career in education. It was there he met and married his wife Sonia.

Walter is predeceased by Sonia (2001) and is survived by his daughter, Janice, her husband, Murray and their children, Christian, Marianne, and Kate; son, Douglas, his wife, Kathleen and their son, Michael; daughter, Margot; daughter, Laurie and her sons, Brendan and Derek; son, Ron and his sons, Kiprian and Karsten; son, Joe and his children, Megan and Sam. Walter is also predeceased by his brothers, Ed and Joe and is survived by his brother, Victor.

Walter attended the Saskatoon Normal School in 1945. After that, he began a long association with St. Thomas More College starting in the early 1950's and received his Bachelor of Education Degree in 1955, and a Bachelor of Arts in 1963. From 1955 to 1963 Walter was Principal of St. Mary's School in Saskatoon, after which he became Assistant Superintendent of the Saskatoon Catholic Board of Education (1963), and eventually Director of Education (1967-1982).

In 1982 Walter accepted a position as Deputy Minister of Social Services and in 1984, Deputy Minister of Health.

From 1991-1995 Walter served as President and CEO of St. Paul's Hospital.

Walter Podiluk received his Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Saskatchewan in 1987 and was also very honoured to receive the Order of Canada, Golden Jubilee Medal, Saskatoon Century Award of Recognition, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, STM Distinguished Alumnus Award, Ukrainian Canadian Congress Nation Builders Award, Pope Paul VI Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, Canadian Education Association Life Membership, Canadian School Administrators Distinguished Service Award, College of Education Founders Award, Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association Honorary Life Membership, the Catholic Health Council Honorary Life Membership and the Rotary Golden Wheel Award for Excellence.

Walter was involved in many organizations including: the Knights of Columbus, the Saskatoon Community Service Village at the YWCA, Prairie Centre for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage of which he played a key role in its development, Canada Ukraine Centre, Prairie Grassroots Vision International, Ukrainian Canadian Council of Saskatchewan, Provincial Advisory Committee on Relations with Ukraine, Ukrainian Catholic Council of Canada, Municipal Planning Commission, Council of Christians and Jews, Canadian Club (Local and National), the Kiwanis Club and the Fides Club.

Vigil of Prayer will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church Friday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. The Divine Funeral Liturgy will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church on Saturday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saskatoon Catholic Schools Foundation, the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation or the Saskatoon Community Service Village. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home.

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2006