My Killer Kowalski Story(s)

I've met Walter over a dozen times because he has been to EVERY PWHF induction ceremony and event ever since it's inception in a small, one room place in Schenectady, NY almost ten years ago. There were certain things that stuck with me from meeting Walter, and I just wanted to take a second and share them with the world. One thing Walter was, he was a teacher. He liked to take a minute and educate people to wrestling and life, especially younger people.

One of the times at the PWHF I brought my daughter's mother, Tonya. She was not, nor ever will be, a wrestling fan. She came along because she was the driver, and it was a free weekend. So not to get bored, I made her videotape the festivities. While videotaping Walter, he raises his hand and gives Tonya the middle finger. She was shocked to say the least and starting to hyperventilate as she told me about it. I said, "Did you get it on camera?" I then explained what an honor was just bestowed on her, the great "Killer" let ya know what he thought of ya...lol. And yes, she got it on camera!

My favorite story, my Great Aunt Winnie was a passionate wrestling fan. Come to find out after her death, she was also kinda a groupie with a couple wrestlers. One in particular, Yukon Eric. Now everyone knows the Yukon Eric ear story, and if ya don't call yourself a wrestling fan. Needless to say my Aunt Winnie HATED, again, emphasizing this, H-A-T-E-D!!! Killer Kowalski. (Have you ever seen an 80 year old woman SPIT at a tv before? Loosing dentures and all to show such violent hatred??) She told me stories how she stabbed him with a hat pin, put bricks in her purse and other acts of assault. Poor Walter.
BTW, MY Great Aunt was a one room schoolhouse school teacher...weighed about 100lbs dripping wet, and FEARED by all!
Cut to years later after my Aunt's death, (93 when she went) I meet the infamous Killer Kowalski. Who was the nicest sweetest guy to me and my young son. I apologized to Killer for my Aunt. He said he remembered these two ladies in Florida region during the winter months, who tortured him, one named May. That would be my Great Aunt May, Winnie's sister. May died young, Winnie vowed to keep up the revenge. We laughed about how small the world is, and he would never forget them, he "avoided them like the plague!" were his exact words.

Walter is indeed a great man. Father, husband, wrestler, teacher and mentor. He leaves a legacy that is matched by no other and I will always look for him every time I go to the HOF. I was so honored to know him and know people who were trained by him. He indeed touched my life, and my son's as well because we will never forget the times he gave us the claw, or made people twist in pain by shaking hands. Walter was a class act and a gentlemen, indeed rare for a "Killer".

Please watch a Killer Kowalski video today, or tell someone about Walter. Keep his memory in wrestling alive and his legacy will continue. We'll miss you Walter. Thank you for everything you gave to us. We are indeed grateful.

Respectfully,
Kevin "KJ" Parker