The YMCA Honours Transformative $500,000 Bequest and Names Conditioning Floor in Memory of Ottawa Restauranteur, Walter Krepski

We were honoured to host an event at the Taggart Family Y on July 4 in memory of a long time Y member, fundraiser, and donor, Walter Krepski. Over 30 Krepski family members and friends gathered to celebrate the newly dedicated “Walter Krepski Conditioning Floor,” named in memory and recognition of Walter and his generous donation of $500,000 to our Y, received after his passing in 2022.

Walter first came to our Y after immigrating from Poland and found a home in our housing program. Here, he connected with other immigrants and found work in a restaurant as a dishwasher. Rising through the ranks, Walter became a partner, and owned several beloved Ottawa restaurants including The Mayflower, The Marble Works, Maxwell’s, The Mill, Bravo Bravo, and Buffalo Charlie’s. 

He never lost his connection to our Y. Walter embraced fitness and was a fixture at the Taggart Family Y! In addition to being an active member, he was a volunteer instructor and led early morning aerobics classes for many years. He also enjoyed supporting our Y by hosting fundraising events. His annual golf tournament, and other fundraising initiatives at his restaurants, raised over $130,000! 

Thanks to the generous bequest Walter left our Y, we will invest in the Y’s fitness programs so more youth, adults, and families will continue to build connections and foster their health and wellness, for many years to come. 

“The Y was always a special and significant place for my Dad. Going to the Y every morning was a real anchor for my Dad, not only in his days and daily routine, but for his identity of embodying the values of health, physical fitness, and community.”

 Derek Krepski, Walter's son

Walter was an incredible example of how the work we do inspires people to reach their potential and encourages others to shine brightly!