Longtime harness racing fan and horse owner Walter Saftic passed away peacefully at his home in Sudbury, Ont. on Thursday, March 10 at the age of 85. He was surrounded by his loving family who all spent precious time with him during his final days.

Walter Joseph Saftic was born January 15, 1937, in Creighton, Ont. He was the only son of his dear parents Mirco and Augustina.

Walter and Mary (McCauley) married in 1960; they spent 62 wonderful years together and were best friends. He was a loving father of Mike (Cathy), Baby Cathy (predeceased), Patricia, and John. He was also the proud grandfather of Justin, Cody, and Emily and great grandfather of Daniel. He is also survived by his only cousin in Sudbury, Annie Tonkovic. Walter was predeceased by his parents as well as his in-laws Dick and Bethia McCauley, Margaret and Ivan Quackenbush, Joe and Stella McCauley and Ellen and Remi Gosselin.

Walter spent 35 years working at INCO as a draftsman. After Walter's retirement from Inco, he enjoyed going to Florida for the winter. In 1998, his heart failed, and he was fortunate to get a heart transplant in 1999. Walter lived 23 years with his new heart and was very grateful for this gift of life.

In his younger days, Walter played every sport imaginable, but like many of his Creighton friends, he excelled in badminton. He credited his coach, Ev Staples, for his success on the badminton court. In 1955, he won the Ontario men's doubles championship with his partner Eddy Hreljac. He started coaching hockey at the local playground (Down playground) where he coached young kids at the outdoor rink. He also coached the senior boy's hockey team at Sudbury Secondary, with his friend Sonny Gowalko. He was a competitive curler and almost made it to the brier on a couple of occasions. He continued to curl until the age of 83 and enjoyed his weekly curling matches with his senior friends.

Walter's greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband, proud father, dedicated family man, and loved being both a grandfather and great grandfather. He was also a caring uncle to many of his nieces and nephews. No matter what the kids were doing, he was always there for them.

The family would like to thank everyone that came to the family home during Walter's final days, particularly Muriel, Bayshore Nursing Team, and Sister Sarah Quackenbush.

According to Walter's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer RC parish on Bancroft Drive, Sudbury on March 18, 2022 at 10 a.m. Many delightful memories of Walter will live forever in the hearts of his loved ones. Face masks are mandatory. In lieu of flowers, please consider expressing your sympathy by making a donation to the Ottawa Heart Institute; Dialysis unit at the Sudbury Regional Hospital; or a charity of your choice. Cremation will take place at the Parklawn Crematorium. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home. Walter was a strong advocate and ambassador for organ donation awareness. In his spirit, everyone is encouraged to register at beadonor.ca

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Walter Saftic.