It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved Dad, Nonno, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, Walter Oscar Valentini, passed away on May 4, 2023, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Walter was born on July 17, 1953, to parents Lina and Ernesto Valentini in Edmonton, Alberta, shortly after their journey from Italy to Canada. As a child, Walter excelled at school, found joy in sports, and developed his love for music - taking a position as his church's organ player at 12 years old. When not playing music or sports, you could find Walter with his siblings who he remained close with throughout his life.
From 1973-1977 Walter continued his academic career at University of Alberta where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, specializing in economics. After graduation he started his career as an economic developer in Mclennan, Alberta. This quickly led to a role with the Government of Alberta, based in Calgary, and started what would become a 45-year-long career as an economic developer. During his career working for the Government, and then Palliser Economic Partnership, Walter directed countless projects that had positive social and economic impacts throughout Alberta. Most notably, the transformation of the community of Oyen into a regional transportation hub through the Oyen Railyard and Logistics Park Project. Walter's contributions to Oyen will be commemorated with a memorial bronze plaque at the end of Main Street, for his "vision, [and for] the difference he made in southeastern Alberta" - Mayor of Oyen, Doug Jones
Those who worked with Walter directly describe him as a change maker, mentor, and visionary who was determined to help rural Alberta reach the world.
In 1978 Walter married Diane Valentini (nee Kuropatwa) and together they raised three sons. Walter and Diane enjoyed over 25 years of marriage and although they divorced, they stayed close friends. Diane cared for Walter in his final days, and was by his side as he passed, which was a testament to that enduring friendship and love. As a father, Walter is remembered as devoted, dutiful, and selfless. He always found time to be there for important moments, taking joy in watching his sons play sports, and often coaching when he could. He will be remembered by both his family and friends for his kind and generous spirit. His door was always open, and his house was often occupied by people in need.
Walter was well known for his love of music. An accomplished pianist and organist, in his spare time he could often be found jamming with friends or searching for classic vinyls. His musical talents live on in his sons, who have their own musical abilities sparked by a music-filled childhood. With his sons he also shared his devotion to the Italian national football team (Forza Azzurri!), and of course, his love of travel. In his final days, Walter shared treasured memories of traveling with his boys to Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and of course, Italy, to name a few.
Walter is survived by his three sons, Stuart (Shannon), Stephen (Kate), and Daniel (Leanne), former wife Diane (Ed), his brother Frank, his sisters Rita (Ben) and Doris (Will), his beloved grandchildren Oscar, Margot, and Hazel, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to the many contributions of those family members mentioned, in his final days he was especially comforted by Diane's sister Patricia (Lyle), and her son Neil (Teresa). He will forever be cherished by his cousins, and extended family and friends in Canada, and Italy.
Walter was predeceased by parents Lina and Ernesto Valentini.
A Funeral Service will be held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL (3220 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2M 3A5) on Thursday, May11, 2023, at 2:00 PM MST.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Rosedale Hospice. (https://www.hospicecalgary_ca/donatenowl)
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