Victoria, BC - Dr. Walter Victor Goresky ("Walt") passed away on May 12, 2026 in Victoria B.C., at the age of 98, after a full and energetic life surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was a warm, kind, loving man always with a witty saying, poem, or song at the ready.

Born into a Ukrainian family in Smoky Lake, Alberta, Walter developed a love of the outdoors, and was rarely happier than when he was off exploring the country roads. Following his high school graduation, Walt won a 3 year scholarship which enabled him to study medicine at the University of Alberta. In 1950, having completed his M.D., Walt married his classmate Dorothy Simpson with whom he had four children. Walt and Dorothy spent 5 years serving as the local town doctors in Neudorf, Saskatchewan before moving to Topeka Kansas where Walt did his psychiatric training at the Menninger Clinic.

Psychiatry was a true passion for Walt. He was dedicated to his patients, helping them to identify and build upon their strengths. Walt then went on to complete a Fellowship in community mental health in Madison Wisconsin, and at this time the marriage came to an end.

A new chapter began when Walt met Carolyn (a counselor and artist), who became his beloved partner and the great love of his life. Together they blended their families, and they were married on their beautiful waterfront Read Island property. At the world Federation of Mental Health 1977 conference at UBC, Walt and Carolyn were introduced by Milt Miller, the Department head of Psychiatry, as "The Fisherman and the Artist".

In 1982 Walt was appointed as Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia. One of Walt's greatest pleasures was helping to develop psychiatric services in outlying areas, taking residents to remote areas in Northern BC. This outreach program has evolved and continues today.

Walt and Carolyn embraced a new season of life, filled with love, adventure, companionship and deep devotion. Together they traveled the world, creating lovely memories.

Walt was a loving, gregarious, and quick witted soul who is dearly missed. He was predeceased by his daughter Lynne, by Carolyn's daughter, Judy, and by siblings Addie and Natalia. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife and partner Carolyn, his siblings Donna and Dennis, his children Mark, Leslie and Soma; Carolyn's daughter Amy and granddaughter Alicia; grand children Sonja, Jason, Sam; and great-grandchildren Ben and Liv and by the many other family members and friends whose lives were enriched by his love, wisdom, generosity and adventurous spirit.