Walter John Ponich (Wally)

Wally was the third child of Anne (Killick) and Gregory Ponich, born in Vegreville nearly 91 years ago. From an early age, he helped bring in much-needed cash, working at a variety of jobs, including setting pins at the local bowling alley, delivering groceries, and helping out at the movie theatre.

Wally moved to Edmonton at age 18, and soon found work in the shipping department at Safety Supply Canada. The company grew and changed, and Wally was instrumental in its success: his career took him from packing first aid kits, to sales, to various roles in leadership. He retired in 2001 as the National Manager for the Safety Division of Acklands-Grainger. Wally never tired of telling stories about his role in the development of industrial safety equipment in the early days of Alberta’s oil boom, but he especially treasured the relationships that grew out of his work. He was endlessly proud of the many successful men and women he mentored through the years and who remained firm friends throughout his life.

Wally was also proud of and devoted to his family. He met Ruth (Bonde) at Safety Supply. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in 1959. Kimberley, Tracy, and Leslie arrived in the next few years, and grew up in a loving home where Wally and Ruth’s artistry flourished, indoors and out. Together they transformed a modest bungalow into their own sanctuary. Collecting exquisite antiques and tending the beautiful garden they created were shared passions. Their youthful romance grew into an enduring love that lasted a lifetime.

Wally was predeceased by his parents; brothers Bill (Susan) Ponich and Michael (Rochelle) Ponich, sisters Elsie (Ray) Dixon and Evelyn (Ed) Belanger; and granddaughter Katherine Loewen. He is remembered with love by Ruth, his wife of 66 years; daughters Kimberley (Philip) Loewen, Tracy Ponich (Iain Smale), and Leslie Ponich (Ken Savage); grandchildren Jonathan Loewen (Lianne McLean) and Nicholas Loewen; great-grandchildren Oscar Loewen and Theodore Loewen; brother Orest (Gloria) Ponich, sister Olga (George) Semeniuk, and a host of dear family and friends.

Celebration of Wally's Life
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10:00 am
Trinity Funeral Home Chapel
10530 116 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Those wishing to view the service via LiveStream, may do so by accessing the following link: LiveStreamWalterPonich

In lieu of sending flowers, we invite you to make a donation in Wally’s honour to MS Canada or the University Hospital Foundation.