It is with deep sadness and great love that we announce the passing of Walter Krepski at age 92, at the Ottawa Hospital-General Campus on March 30, 2022, surrounded by his family.

He is lovingly remembered by his children Stefan (Po), Peter, Barbara, Chris (Véronique), and Derek (Heather), his grandchildren Damon (Kandes), Shannon (Craig), Kadie (Stephanie), Dylan, Ayrton, Elia, and Amaya, and great-grandchildren Nieya, Avely, Chloe, and Lucy.

Walter was born in Włocławek, Poland in 1929. After World War II, he fled to Canada via Denmark where he settled in Ottawa in 1949. He started working in restaurants as a dishwasher. From there, he rose through the ranks in the kitchen, eventually becoming a partner. Walter and his partners owned and operated several Ottawa restaurants from the late 1970s until the early 2000s, such as The Mayflower, The Marble Works, Maxwells, Bravo Bravo, and Buffalo Charlie’s.

Walter embraced active living. He was an avid tennis player, led early morning aerobics classes at the downtown Ottawa YMCA-YWCA and took up running later in life, finishing the Ottawa, New York, and Boston marathons. He also enjoyed sailing and travelling with friends and family. 

Walter touched many lives with his optimism, openness to new ideas, charisma, and warmth. His life story of resilience and hard work was a great source of inspiration. He deeply valued family, friendship, and sharing in delicious food.

Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) Ottawa, on Friday, April 8th after 2pm, followed by a Celebration in the Chapel at 3pm to honour a life well lived.  By family request, those in attendance will be required to wear a mask and be vaccinated, with proof being presented at the door.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Walter’s memory to the YMCA - YWCA of the National Capital Region or to the charity of your choice.