Walter Anthony Rzyha Rider
elevated ZyD06 March 24, 1927 – April 30, 2021
elevated ZyD06 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Rider on April 30 in Toronto, at the age of 94. Beloved husband of 62 years to Janina Szwarc Rider and loving father to Son Gregory and his wife Marcella Lalonde Rider. He is also survived by his sister Maria and her family in Poland, Norway & England.
elevated ZyD06 Walter was born in Kamionka Strumilova, Poland. He was a veteran of the British 8th Army, 2nd Polish Corps in Italy in World War II. After the war, he was able to come to Canada, conditional upon a 3-year contract to work as a farm hand in Ontario. The first 2 years of the contract were spent near Ottawa, and thanks to his Aunt Katherine, he was able to work the 3rd year in Grimsby. Because of this move, Walter was able to connect with his relatives in Dundas and Hamilton, Ontario. After the 3-year contract, he found work picking tobacco and met people who helped him move to Toronto. With the assistance of Michael & Aniela Strecker, he got a job at Smith Transport, where he worked as a truck mechanic for 43 years. He obtained his Machanic’s diploma attending night classes at Danforth Techical School. In 1958, he purchased a house on Gainsborough Rd in Toronto. As well, Malgosia Szwarc, Aniela’s mother, introduced Walter to his eventual wife, Janina. They were married in Kolobrzeg, Poland in 1959. Their son Gregory was born in Toronto in 1961. In 1973, the family moved to North York. Walter retired from CP Transport in 1992.
elevated ZyD06 Walter was always interested in history, and loved swimming and skating. Summer holidays were spent in Barry’s Bay, Lake St. Peter, Buckhorn Lake and Meaford. He enjoyed March break trips to Cuba, Miami and the Bahamas. In retirement, he loved spending time at the cottage at Sawlog Bay, near Penetanguishene on Georgian Bay. He was fluent in Polish, English and Ukranian, and managed to speak some Italian with the neighbours on Gainsborough.
elevated ZyD06 Due to Covid, a private mass and funeral will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at The Holy Cross Cemetery and Funeral Home in Thornhill. If desired, flowers are welcomed, or donations can be made to the North York General Hospital Foundation (Cardiology).
elevated ZyD06 For those who wish to view this service, please click the link below. It commences at 12:00 EST on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Online viewers, please be advised that the link will only go live 10 minutes prior to the service time.
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Lovely man. I remember a lot of good laughs with Walter getting fitted for a tuxedo for the wedding of Greg and my sister Marcella. I gave Marcella away at the wedding mass.
Michael Lalonde
When I drove for Canpar, back in the day, one of my duties was to take delivery trucks over to “Smiths” for repair. It’s heart warming to know that your Dad was keeping us safe on the road. Much love to the Rider family.
Uncle Walter was a card-his humour was always present and you could always see the little glint in his eye when he would tell a story or crack a smile. Sadly we lived many miles away and rarely saw him but once you meet him-you can never forget him! I hope you are having coffee somewhere in heaven and enjoying the view Uncle!
Walter was a good man with a big heart. Only as an adult can I fully appreciate his journey. Surviving WWII and then relocating to a new country took courage, commitment and trust. He built a good life and a better family. Canada was lucky to adopt Walter Rider. We all were. God bless.
Uncle Walter has left me with so many wonderful memories throughout the years. As a child I remember the visits to Toronto with my family and recall the many bouts of laughter we shared as Uncle would joke on our numerous trips to Fairview Mall. When I think of the times when Uncle Walter, Aunty Jane, and Greg came to visit our family in North Western Ontario, I can still hear the sound of his contagious laugh and the feeling of his cheerful disposition. He would light up any room he entered! Although I will truly miss being able to see him again I take solace in knowing I can still hold onto his light that will forever shine my heart. Thank you for everything Uncle!
I will always remember when he would sneak Greg and myself into the garage for a beer so that Jane would not see us. Always a twinkle in his eye let you know that he was thinking about his next joke. You will be missed.
I met mr Rider only a few times at his lovely home with Greg and Marcella for dinner oh what a feast Walter was a very soft spoken delightful man and he did have a sparkle in his eye!! I’m very sorry for Greg he will be missed !! But never forgotten !! All the best to Marcella and Greg
Lovely service for a lovely man.
Thinking of you Jane, Greg and Marcella
❤️❤️❤️
Our condolences to you Jane, Greg and Marcella. Walter was a lovely man and will certainly be missed.
The service was very nice.