Obituary of Oleh Roman Waler
With profound sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Oleh Roman Waler, MD, following a brief illness. He passed away in St. Catharines, in the arms of his three children, and in the embrace of his Lord. Born July 19, 1945, in Austria to Ukrainian parents fleeing the war, Dr. Waler immigrated to Canada aboard the Samaria, arriving at Pier 21 on February 23, 1949, and settling in Sudbury.
His parents, Mykola and Iwanna (Leibycz) Waler, predeceased him. Dr. Waler is survived by his children: Markian (Lisa Roscoe), Laryssa (Taras Hetmanczuk), and Krystina (Blair McCreadie); his cherished grandsons, Maksym and Nicholas Hetmanczuk; and his children's mother, Christine (Mark Brickell). He is also remembered fondly by extended family, including Jessy and Frank Zita with Harvey and Alfie; the Roscoes, McCreadies and Hetmanczuks; his newfound family in Montreal; cousins in Chicago, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Ukraine, as well as beloved Godchildren whom he held dear: Dr. Markian Kuzycz, Liijanna Shklar, Oleh Kulykivsky, Andrika Lawren, Christopher Belelieu, Natalka Haras, Danylo Mielnik, Markian Snihur, and Stefa Korda.
Dr. Waler grew up immersed in the Ukrainian community in Toronto and spent much of his life in Bloor West Village, where he devoted countless hours reading at Runnymede Library. He attended the University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science, before completing medical school as part of the first graduating class and residency at Memorial University in Newfoundland, a province he held dear to his heart.
In 1975, Dr. Waler established his family medical practice in St. Catharines, where he served the community with compassion and dedication for 50 years. To him, medicine was not just a profession but a calling. He believed in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—forming lasting connections with his patients and their families. He was also deeply committed to raising his children within the Ukrainian community in St. Catharines, remaining an active member until his final days.
Dr. Waler was a prolific reader. Ten years ago, he completed a speed-reading course, claiming he only had about 30 years left to read all his books. He avidly supported Arsenal Football Club and Toronto's sports teams, but nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandsons play hockey, baseball, and soccer.
A man of profound faith, Dr. Waler unwaveringly lived his Orthodox Christian values. He was a devoted son, father, and grandfather; the most important aspects of his life were his immediate and extended family. His legacy of love, strength, and service will forever remain in their hearts.
The Waler family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to Dr. Waler in his final days, particularly by Dr. Mike Torigian, Dr. Thiago Appoloni Moreira, RN Lindsay, and the entire ICU team at Niagara Health St. Catharines. The family is also forever grateful to Father Gregory Mielnik, Deacon Yakiv Mielnik, Father Anton Szymychalski and Chaplain Taras Siolkowsky for their spiritual care.
Visitation will be held at George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines, on Monday and Tuesday, February 24 and 25, from 2–4 pm and 6-8 pm. A Panachyda service will be held on Tuesday, February 25, at 7 pm at the funeral home. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, February 26 at 10 am at St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 8 Augusta Ave., St. Catharines, with interment and tryzna at St. Volodymyr Cemetery and Cultural Centre in Oakville immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Waler's memory may be made to support his beloved church (www.uocofsaintgeorge.org) or to Unite With Ukraine (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/127799), contributing to Ukraine's fight for freedom from the Russian terrorist state.
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Vichnaya Pam'yat!