Shydlowski – Dr. Walter Shydlowski, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 at Bassano General Hospital after a brief illness. Walter, who went by Wally, was born in Edmonton, he was from a farm family and lived and attended a one-room school in Egremont, Alberta. His father was born in Romania, his mother in Chipman, and his siblings, Helene and Fred, were also born in Alberta. Wally completed a Science Degree at the University of Alberta in 1949, and a degree in Medicine at the University of Alberta in 1955. He interned at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton for two and a half years. Wally was accepted into the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1957. He practiced in Edmonton for several years and moved to Bassano in 1961 to begin his career there. Wally married Jan Gillespie December 14th, 1957 in Ponoka, Alberta where Jan’s family lived. Their first child, Wendy, was born in 1959 in Edmonton. In 1961 the family moved to Bassano in order for Wally to join a general practice. Stuart was born there in 1963 and Craig was born in 1966. Wally enjoyed his practice in Bassano and got a lot of experience in surgery, obstetrics and general medicine. His patients included residents of Bassano and surrounding towns, villages and farms, the Siksika Nation and several Colonies of The Hutterian Brethren. Wally became a member of the Bassano Kinsmen Club, and the Masonic Lodge. He liked to golf and fish in his time off and he and Jan had an extensive social circle. They travelled with friends to many places including Europe, Asia and in North America. Wally was well known for his dry sense of humour. He loved to sing and was very fond of limericks, but his real passion was his medical practice. Wally practiced for a total of 32 years in Bassano and worked with a series of other physicians including Art Willms from Gem. It was often difficult to get another doctor to come to a little town, and he practiced alone several times; the longest period of time was about two years. Wally is predeceased by his parents Michael and Annie Shydlowski, sister Helene Zolkewski, brother Fred Shydlowski and nephew Brent Zolkewski. Wally is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan Shydlowski; his daughter Wendy Jamison and her daughter Alexandra Jamison, both of Houston; his son Stuart Shydlowski and his wife Lynn Shydlowski of Edmonton; his son Craig Shydlowski and his wife Terry, and daughter Chloe of Calgary. The Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Bassano General Hospital and Dr. James Richards for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 15th at 2:00 PM from Knox Presbyterian Church, Bassano. Rev. Peter Baek officiating. Interment followed at Bassano Cemetery. In memory of Walter, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Bassano Health Centre, Box 120, Bassano, Alberta T0J 0B0 or Shydlowski Scholarship Fund, Town of Bassano, Scholarship for Shydlowski, Box 299, Bassano, Alberta T0J 0B0. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA. Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
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