April 13, 1944 - January 28, 2025
With sadness, we announce that Wally Venechuk has cracked his final Coors Light. Wally was born in North Vancouver to Lorna and Harry Venechuk on April 13, 1944.
He moved to Gibsons as a young boy and only left briefly in his early twenties to learn autobody work in Victoria. He quickly returned to Gibsons and opened WalVen Autobody in 1967.
Wally and Sharon married in 1965, and they had two great daughters. They had "the Shop" for 40 years, when Wally hung up his coveralls to spend more time on his beloved mini Dachshund, Ella. Wally loved to spend time with his family and many lifelong friends. He was known for his legendary stories of Coastal shenanigans and incredulous experiences growing up and living on the Coast. He was truly a part of the fibre of old Gibsons and will be incredibly missed. They don't make 'em like Wally anymore.
Survived by: wife Sharon, daughters Jill (Blacklock) Venechuk and Leah (Stoelting) Venechuk, sons-in-law Justin Blacklock, and Levi Stoelting, grandchildren Harper and Truman Stoelting, sister Maria Frederick, niece Lori Watson, nephews Mike and Rick Kinne and their families.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us and Wally over the past number of months.
We'd love to have you join us at the Market at Gibsons Marina on Saturday, February 22, between 2:00 - 4:00pm for a toast to celebrate Wally's life. Be sure to bring your favourite memory/story of him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of BC or Sechelt Hospital Foundation.
