Baydala, Walter
Today we are announcing the passing of Walter Baydala who died peacefully at home, on October 6th, surrounded by family, at the age of 92 years.
Walter grew up on a small farm outside of Radway, Alberta. He went on to study at the University of Alberta, where he met his beloved wife, Stella at a St. Joseph’s College dance. After graduating from the U of A, Walter continued his studies receiving a pharmacy degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Walter and Stella moved to Beverly where they opened the first Baydala Drug Store in the spring of 1955. Later, they moved to the booming oil town of Swan Hills to open a general store and pharmacy. They returned to Edmonton in the 1960s, eventually opening a chain of successful drugstores in Edmonton and Spruce Grove.
As an active member of the community, Walter was involved in many social clubs including the Canadian and Petroleum Clubs, the Pharmacy Association and the Lion’s Senior Centre. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed travelling with Stella, many friends, and his children and grandchildren. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, he frequently toured on his Honda Goldwing in the great outdoors. He was a prankster who had an incredible zest for life, typified by the many social occasions at his home and at the Club Mocombo in St. Albert.
Walter is survived by his son Marlo (Sally), daughters Lola (Vince) and Angelina (Peter), grandchildren Jasper (Joanne), Jessie (Davis), Graham (Alana), Tamara (Maciej), Louis (Cloé), Martina and Phoenix and great grandson Ossian as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Stella (nee Krawiec) and his parents and siblings: father Matwij, mother Anna (nee Lechoczynska), step-mother Catharina Szczerba, brother Steve and sister Kay.
The family would like to thank the staff of ExquisiCare who provided Walter with compassionate care allowing him to stay at home after he suffered a large stroke a year and a half ago.
There will be a celebration of Walter’s life in the future, to be announced at a later unconfirmed date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Baydala-Krawiec Endowment Fund through the Edmonton Community Foundation, (780) 426-0015, info@ecfoundation.org.
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