Walter Kornas
July 2, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of Walter Kornas on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at University Hospital at the age of 72. He died peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.
He is survived by his loving wife and partner Liz, adored son Christopher and his fiancée Natalie, and dear siblings, Alice Dunford (Noel), Leo (Marnie) and Mike Kornas. Brother-in-law of Fran & Jim Brase, Dora Boersma, Marilyn Atkinson & John Watkins, and Dave Atkinson. He was a fun uncle to Paul, Susan, David, Carrie, Tyler, Jon, Danny, Peter, Sylvia and Sarah. Best friend of Jerry Henshall.
Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Olga Kornas, Walter was immensely proud of his Russian and Belarussian heritage
Born and raised in northern Ontario, he was happiest outdoors, and especially on the water. Fishing was a lifelong passion. Just ten days ago he enjoyed a perfect Father’s Day fishing trip with Chris and buddies on Lake Erie. They easily caught their limit of pickerel and of course, he hosted a big fish fry the next day. At various times he loved to run and hike. A favourite route was the 21 km Lake Trail around Fanshawe Lake.
Walter had a huge personality, with a warm heart, quick wit, and a gift for making people feel welcome. He turned everyday errands into opportunities to strike up lively conversations and to brighten someone’s day. In the grocery store, he enjoyed chatting with the store workers and with strangers about what they were planning to cook. He loved a good laugh, a good meal, and good company, and he gave those things generously in return.
Walter was a devout wine lover, consummate host, and party planner par excellence, although as a morning person, he preferred to be comfortably ensconced in bed by 11:00 p.m.
Early on in his consulting career, Walter developed expertise in Indigenous economic development, working for tangible results for many First Nations in Ontario. In later years, he also worked on developing long-term housing strategies for First Nations in Ontario and BC. Walter loved his work, cared deeply, and endeavoured to make a difference in the well-being and prosperity of his clients and their members.
In keeping with Walter’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a celebration of life (social hour) to follow from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Walter and Liz’s home. Details will be shared at the funeral. For those unable to join the funeral in person, the service will be livestreamed. To register for the livestream, click on Remembering Walter.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Walter are asked to consider Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre through the London Health Sciences Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Leave a tribute for Walter Kornas
Leave a tribute
Walter my colleague and great friend. You will be sorely missed in my First Nation world ( including my community of Kahnawake). Your banter and good cheer were infectious every time you came into a room and I will cherish those times we worked and socialized together. In my language you were a “Onkwehón:we” or a real human being and it was a privilege to achieve together what we did to improve the First Nation housing situation. Your legacy will be remembered. Michael Rice Kahnawake
We will forever cherish our beautiful memories of Walter. Serendipity brought us to Chesham Place where our son Matt grew up with Chris, and Jo-Ann and I became good friends with Walter and Liz. Walter organized multi-school chess tournaments because Chris and Matt were showing an interest in the game. It was Walter who put together a ragtag 3 on 3 hockey team in the summer and included players of all levels so our boys could continue with something they loved. Walter became our dog Bailey’s best buddy when her health deteriorated to the point she couldn’t go to a kennel. He took Bailey to places she had never been, let her wallow in the Medway Creek and gave her loads of treats. Jo-Ann and I met our match when playing Walter and Liz in a heated game of Hearts. We had never seen anyone go for control as often as he would. He was a sly and conniving card player. No one could match Walter’s ability to execute a wine/champagne tasting night. Jo-Ann and I would have been better off throwing bread crumbs from our house to Walter and Liz’s beforehand to make our walk back home a little easier. Walter was one of my biggest fans during my 20Km Terry Fox Walks. My fondest memory of Walter is of him banging a pot with a wooden spoon as I finished up my Walk one year. What a joy it was to see him and Liz out supporting me with a cold drink as I rounded the corner of Chesham Place. Walter, we love you, we miss you and may you never stop searching for that perfect wine. Jo-Ann and I have been blessed to have known you and to have been on the receiving end of so much of your generosity. Rest in Peace our friend. Brad and Jo-Ann Yungblut
We are very sad to learn that Walter has passed. Walter was a wonderful neighbour: warm, kind, and generous, and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Liz, Christopher, Natalie, and family. Martin, Lisa, Cameron, and Damien
A donation has been made to Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. Message from the donator: We are deeply saddened to learn that Walter has passed. Walter was a wonderful neighbour: warm, kind, and generous, and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Liz, Christopher, Natalie, and family. Martin, Lisa, Cameron, and Damien
We had great fun and many stories and adventures together over the years. It was joy to know you and your family. I thought of you often and just a few weeks ago thought I need to call and have a good catch up, sorry it didn't happen but I have all the good memories. I will put out some of my Christmas cake for your journey to the creator.
Liz, I didn't know Walter but, having read that joyful obituary, I certainly wish I had. I will be thinking of you as you navigate the difficult days ahead. But I know you will have wonderful memories. Wishing you love and courage, Liz Etherington
Wally, one of my biggest regrets in life is not getting to know you better, knowing you lived just down the street from me for all those years. But in those few years we shared I feel like we lived a lifetime, and all of those dinners, cook-offs, birthdays and tastings will never be forgotten. Thanks for the great times, and for being such a generous, kind person, you are the stuff of legends! It was wonderful knowing you, see you later my friend.
Dear Wally, my favourite neighbour and friend. I just wanted to tell you that you are the best snowblower operator on the street. You organize the most epic dinner and wine tasting events the neighbourhood has ever seen. Your spreadsheets and award ceremonies will go down in history as "The Most Fun Ever Had At Dinner Parties". I absolutely love all of your incredible stories and wish I could hear more of them. I love that even during chemo you never stopped smiling. I am sorry I missed the fishing trip with the boys. I am sure I would have made you proud with my catch and release technique.(LOL) Your big heart and giving nature make me so happy to know you. I will miss your texts, photos and laugh. Cheers to you. XO Love Carolynne
Walter, you were forever gracious and giving. The love you had of your family was evident in every conversation. It was my honour to know you, journey well - sehku-uch laap ngiskatihuyeengw njos - until we meet again, my friend.
Wally, my best buddy, you will be missed. We have had so much fun enjoying life…themed dinner parties, cookoffs, wine tasting, fishing, watching our teams play, business ventures, being there for the good and bad! You were an amazing generous man, loyal husband and super dad. Good bye, love ya.
Services for Walter Kornas
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 18, 2026 2:00 pm
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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
A donation has been made to Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre through the London Health Sciences Foundation. Message from the donator: I'm very sorry to hear about Mr. Kornas. His legacy is inspiring and I'll honor his memory by thinking of him the next time I'm out on the water. Sending my deepest condolences to the Kornas family.
~ S. Lidder