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Peacefully, surrounded by loving family at his home, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, Walter Fredrick Petryschuk passed away at the age of 87. Beloved husband of late Mary (Gavrelets) Petryschuk. Loving father of Michael (Nancy), Geoffrey (Susan Andrews), Allan, and Bryan (Tammy). Cherished grandfather of Amanda (Matt Billings), Stephen (Lisa), Jayme, Julia, Sierra, and Sawyer. Much loved Gigi of Michael, Liam and Sophia. Predeceased by his parents Michael and Maria Petryschuk, brother William and sister Nell LaMarsh.
Walter F. Petryschuk was born a short distance outside Point Pelee National Park in Ontario in what was known as the “Old Marsh". Raised on a farm, he never lost his love for the land. He and his wife Mary owned and developed “Conservation @ Hickory Creek” Carolinian forest. His schooling included a one room elementary facility, secondary education in Leamington, the University of Toronto for his Bachelor's degree, and McMaster University for his Master and Doctorate degrees in Chemical Engineering. He has been a registered professional engineer in Ontario since 1960.
His professional career led to management of Polysar Corporation's Sarnia manufacturing facilities, Suncor's Sarnia refinery and the presidency of Sun-Canadian Pipeline. Subsequently he was responsible for McMaster University's spinoff start-up, the Management of Technology and Innovation Institute, and completed his professional career as Director General of the National Research Council's (NRC-CNRC) Manufacturing Technology Institutes in London and Vancouver.
In addition, Walter was active in professional and local arts organizations. He has been President of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Engineering and a recipient of the Queen's three anniversary celebratory medals.
He was the initial Chairman of the Board for the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts which is located in a local heritage mansion.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4-7pm at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. A funeral service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in St. Georges Anglican Cemetery, Hillsboro Rd., Lambton Shores.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St Clair Region Conservation Foundation (SCRCF) (scrca.on.ca), or to support humanitarian aid to Ukraine through Canada-Ukraine Foundation (cufoundation.ca) (or by cheque at the funeral home please). Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca