Walter Niemy

Walter Niemy, CD, Brigadier-General, RCAF (Retired), passed away peacefully in Sidney BC on Friday, 14 June, 2017 in his 85th year, while surrounded by his family. Walt was born in Montreal, attended schools there and in St. Catherine's, Ontario, entered and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada Class of 1956 with Pilot Wings, and completed his Bachelor in Applied Science after one year at the University of Toronto. Walt was an officer of commanding stature, enquiring mind, demanding intellect and determination, all of which contributed to his most successful career as a fighter pilot, squadron commander, and test pilot followed by command of the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment and Commandant of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Following retirement from the Air Force in 1988, his leadership continued as a Vice-President of Canadair and subsequently President of Bombardier Defence Systems Division. He received the C.D. Howe Award in 2006 for his achievements and overall leadership in Canadian aeronautics and space activities. Retiring again in 1994, after which the Niemy's moved to Canmore, Alberta and while skiing in Colorado, Walt suffered a ski accident that left him a quadriplegic. Following a period of treatment and rehabilitation in Toronto, and being told he would never walk again, the Niemy's moved to Sidney, BC in 2002. There, through grit, determination, and regular therapy, Walt became able to walk with the assistance of a walker for several blocks. In 2013 Walt suffered a major setback with the accidental death of Donna Diane Niemy, his beloved wife and partner of 57 years. His mind and sharp, critical thinking never deteriorated although he effectively lost his eyesight two years ago. Walter Niemy was an amazing man of heroic proportions, coping with his life-changing accident with incredible optimism, courage and determination - an outstanding example and inspiration to all who knew him. He will indeed be missed by his many friends and former colleagues, but especially by his immediate family Peter, Eric and Carole, and by his brother Roman and extended family in Toronto. "Memorial donations in memory of Walter may be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation."

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