YONDA: On Saturday, July 9, 2005, Walter Yonda passed away at Rideau Park Personal Care Home, Brandon. Walter was born in 1925, son of Andrew and Helen Yonda. He attended David Livingston School. In 1943, he left for Toronto and in 1944 went to Detroit and joined the American Army. Upon discharge, he attended Coyne Electrical College in Chicago and studied refrigeration. Later, he returned to Chicago to take further courses in electricity. Refrigeration was apparently in its infancy and Walter would quip that his only competition was the ice man. Around 1952, Walter returned to Brandon with a vision of starting his own business. He applied for and was granted the contract for appliance repairs for MacDonald and Southport air bases. He built a trailer, moved to Portage la Prairie and "Active Refrigeration" became a reality. In 1958, he married Mildred Ishenberg of Neepawa. As the trailer was no longer suitable, he built a two - story Commercial building on Saskatchewan Avenue East with the help of two young (then) friends, Frank Gudz and Frank Stasila. Refrigeration gradually became in great demand and they were busy years. Joe's three oldest boys, Ken, Wayne and Garry, spent their summers in Portage being "gofers" and tool kit carriers- but camping was fun. In 1975, the family returned to Brandon. Walter, semi-retired but in 1983, bought property on Harrison Bay at Sandy Lake and built a bi-level overlooking the lake. The years at Sandy Lake were enjoyed immensely and neighbors such as the Seftons added to the good times. Due to ill health, Walter for the past two years had resided at Rideau Park Personal Care Home. He managed a positive attitude regarding his amputations and was able to enjoy life. The staff at Rideau deserves much credit for this outlook. He looked forward to Tuesday morning coffee visits at Zellers with his loyal friends, Paul Solon, Charlie McKay, Peter Matwick and Nick Homenik, who were always there for him. Walter was predeceased by; his parents, brothers, Joe, John and Stanley; sisters, Sophie, Kathleen and Irene and nephew Ken Yonda. His is survived by; his wife Mildred, daughter, Myrna (Keith) Sowiak of Brandon and son Andrew (Jennifer) of Bermuda. He also leaves grandsons, Jared and Devon Sowiak and Riley and Lucas Yonda. Also surviving are; sisters, Mary (Carl) Rohlfs, Stella Dyck, Jean (Wray) Gilbert of Brandon and Rose (Alec) Packan of Seattle, WA; sisters-in-law, Joyce Yonda of BC and Marion Ishenberg of Neepawa. A time of visitation for family and friends was held at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 from 7:00 pm. to 8:00 pm. The Funeral Ceremony was held at Trinity United Church on Wednesday, July 13, 2005. The Rev. John Nesbitt officiated. Interment followed in the Brandon Cemetery. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Walter to the Rideau Park Personal Care Home, 525 Victoria Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 6S9 or to a charity of choice.