December 20, 1934 – August 19, 2014
Samek, Walter Andrew
In Life …
As a young boy, Walter grew up on Queen Street North, riding his bicycle in all weather to deliver groceries. Throughout his teenage years, he excelled at sports – especially water polo and football at Westdale High School. He always had a way of making friends and never failed to leave a lasting impression on all those he met.
His endearing wife Nikki of 56 years and their four children – Mark, Jeff, Phil and Jane along with their spouses; Sonja, Louise and Daniel will never forget the way he could make you laugh. His grandchildren – Andrew, Emily, Laine, Jordan, Adam, Dion and Sophie – will miss the endless energetic hours they spent with their Papa. He will be missed by his sister Emilie, brother John and many relatives.
Walter will forever be remembered for his wit, his abundant energy and his flirtatious charm.
In Business …
Behind the scene yet always “seen”, Walter Samek … once called an impresario, was known to some as a promoter and to others as an entertainer. Everyone who knew him, realized he had a vision for events and how to create them. His enthusiasm was so great … he just carried everybody along. From the backyards of Forest Hill to the estates on the Bridal Path, from hotels to open spaces throughout the Golden Horseshoe … these backdrops were his playground.
His passion was setting the stage from weddings to corporate affairs and everything in between – tents, marquees and pavilions were his specialty. He could create an outdoor event in ways no one else ever thought possible. If he really wanted something, he kept going until he achieved it. For those who shared in Walter’s life, they also shared in his infectious passion.
In Memory …
Walter was often seen holding a camera in one hand and a harmonica in the other. He loved to dance, sing, laugh and play. He was the best husband, father and grandfather around and will be missed by all.
Walter embraced any challenge including his 10+ year battle with cancer and heart disease. The reoccurring bouts couldn’t dim his spirit. Unfortunately, his final battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s proved to be too much.
Visitation to be held Friday, August 22nd from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cattel, Eaton & Chambers Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, ON , where the Service for Walter will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock. Reception to follow in the Cattel Centre. Many thanks to the staff at Shalom Village.
In memory of Walter, donations to the Shalom Village Charity Foundation, the Alzheimer Society or the Cancer Society are welcome.
What a lovely memorial tribute to Walter, he surely was the life of the party. Our deepest condolences to Nikki and all of the Samek family. Keeping you all in our hearts and prayers. xo
Geoff, Liane, Quinlan and Keely Carruthers
Dear Nikki Mark Jeff and Jane Sorry for the loss of partner dad and grandfather with sympathy Fran Morreale and Lisa Ronan
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Samek. Our sincerest sympathy and thoughts are with you all.
Jeff, Sonja & Family
Our Deepest sympathies on your loss, we know these days are very hard , our thoughts are with you
May you gather strength & comfort from your family and friends through this time.
Your Buddy JB & Kathy
Our condolences to Phil, Louise, Nikki, Jane, Mark, Jeff and the entire Samek Family. Walter was truly a great friend, always full of laughter and joy. We will miss him but we will never forget him. Gary & Linda Evans
Been many years since I have seen Walter and Nikki and their four children, sorry to hear about Walter’s passing. Neighbor of this lovely family from Charlton Ave days and the children’s babysitter. I remember walking miles with Mark in his buggy and the fun I had one New Years eve with 3 very young boys and a new baby, loved it all.
Nancy Richer Harris, Brantford
Niklki and family My deepest condolences to you all. Its a great loss to many of us who had the privilege to know Walter. He was a friend and gentleman. I will miss his stories from his event planning days. He is now at peace and my prayers are out to all of you at this time. Michael Veri
Sending my deepest condolences to the entire Samek family…I never had the pleasure of meeting Walter but I’ve heard many wonderful stories of him and I know we would’ve had some good laughs! All the best at this difficult time. With Love, Crystal Boyce
Nikki and Family my deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Walter.
Dear Jeff, Sonja and Family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Father and Grandfather. The above tribute paints a wonderful portrait of Water and his life. It also explains why Jeff is the good man and friend that he is. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you guys,
Frank and Becky
Walter gave me my first break at Soper’s when starting my career. He took a chance on me and like many others before me, he carried me along with his enthusiasm. Watching his work ethic, drive and determination not to mention his attention to detail would serve me well in the years ahead, leading me to often stop and think ‘what would Walter do?’
We lost track over these many years but I never forgot the lessons learned at his side for that brief time.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Scott Kyle
To Nikki and family : We hope that the pain of Walter’s passing will soon be replaced by fond memories.
On behalf of the Brocker family, I would like to express our sincerest condolences on the loss of Walter. With deep sympathy and understanding at this time of sadness. We hope you find peace and comfort with the memories he has left behind.
Andrea, Brigitte, Mike and the late Mr. B
The obituary is “bang-on”. Walter knew how to make a party, which he did for Cleda and me in 1999, for our daughter’s outdoor wedding — said by many guests to have been fantastic. Thank you, Walter, and God’s speed.
Our Deepest Condolences go out to the Samek Family . Walter will be fondly remembered coming into our store Playing You Are My Sunshine on his Harmonica & of course His Beautiful Bike Wanda . When we 1ST found out of his Sickness we all made it a point to ask him if he had his Phone on !!! RIP my Friend you will always be my sunshine . Gail,Peggy and the entire Staff @ STEEL CITY SURPLUS.
I’ve known Walter since I was a young man living on Stanley Ave. Our paths crossed again in the mid 80’s when he looked after a canopy job for me and then again in the mid 90’s when I was in the hotel business. Each time we met it was as if we were just chatting yesterday, picking up where we last left off. Out of habit I would greet him as Mr. Samek, and each time he would smile and tell me that I was old enough to call him Walter. To Mrs. Samek, my former class mate Mark, and former cub scouts Jeff and Phil, my prayers are with you at this time of loss. Walter was an exceptional human being full of love, life and respect for other. God Bless.
We are so sorry to hear that Walter has passed away. He fought the good fight, and now we believe that he is in a better place, and pain free. Our sincere sympathy to you all.
Regards,
Marianne, Nick, and Andrea Ramacieri
Dear Louise, Phil and Family. We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, Papa. Our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God Bless!
The tribute says it all. Walter was a lovely man. We had the pleasure of knowing him through the opera and he was a gentle soul. Our deepest sympathy to Nikki and the Samek family. He and you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Ed and LaurelAnn Prociuk.
What a hole this leaves in our hearts. We have such wonderful memories of Walt’s forever shiny outlook towards family, friends and life. We so much loved his passion for his family, quality workmanship (that 3-4-5 triangle!), and fun. Deep regrets we are unable to attend the funeral of a special friend, and heartfelt condolences to Nikki and clan.
Bob and Maggie
Our deepest sympathy. We know how much Walter meant to his family and our community.
Sorry, I just stumbled across this. Walt was a buddy in the ’70s, and always left me laughing.
His likeness to Russ Jackson was amazing.
Miss you, Buddy