October 12 1938 – June 8 2026
Dr. Walter Thomas Momot, who lived in Thunder Bay, passed away quietly on June 8 2026. He was the youngest child of John and Bernice Momot (nee Mackowiak) and was born in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Walter received his Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and went on to earn both his Master’s degree and Doctorate from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
After finishing school, Walter worked at the Sandy Hook Marine Laboratory in New Jersey. He later took a position at the University of Oklahoma before joining Ohio State University where he taught from 1964-1975. It was during his time at Ohio State that he met Jeanette Palmquist, who would become his wife. They were married on August 27 1966 in St Peter, Minnesota, and spent their first eight years together in Columbus, Ohio, where their three children were born.
In 1975, Walter joined the Biology Department at Lakehead University. He relocated to Thunder Bay, Ontario, eventually settling in Oliver Paipoonge on a lovely property overlooking the Kaministiquia River. Dr. Momot served as a professor of Ichthyology at Lakehead University from 1975 until his retirement in 2003. He chaired the Biology Department from 1996-2003 and continued to give lectures as a Professor Emeritus while remaining active with the faculty association.
Walter played a key role in setting up the graduate program for the Biology Department at Lakehead University and guided many students throughout their studies. A number of them maintained contact with him after graduation. He had extensive expertise on crayfish and conducted research on fish biogeography as well as invertebrates found in Boreal lakes and rivers. Alongside Connie Hartviksen, he co-authored “Fishes of the Thunder Bay Area of Ontario,” which serves as a guide for identifying local fish species. He collaborated with Sam Stephenson to carry out the first systematic survey of fish life within the Kaministiquia River’s ecosystem. His passion for water quality led him to serve on the Remedial Action Plan Committee for many years.
An honorary member of the International Association of Astacology, Walter hosted its 11th Symposium in Thunder Bay back in 1996. He was also affiliated with organizations like the American Fisheries Society, Canadian Society of Limnology, and North American Benthological Society.
Walter loved attending performances by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and cheering for Lakehead Thunderwolves Hockey; he held season tickets for many years. Both he and Jeanette became life members of the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists. Additionally, he had a strong interest in world history and could engage anyone willing to listen about numerous topics for hours on end. As a husband, father, grandfather-and advocate for his students-he brought warmth into all aspects of his life.
He is survived by his sons John (Susan) and William; daughter Claire; grandchildren Beth and Thomas; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Jeanette Momot; parents John and Bernice; brother Edward; sister Irene Wencel.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all doctors, nurses, and staff members at both Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and St Joseph’s Hospital for their compassionate care.
A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
If you’d like to make memorial donations in Walter’s name, they would be welcomed by these organizations:
Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists
The War Amps The arrangements have been taken care of by Simpler Times Cremation Centre located at 575 Central Avenue in Thunder Bay.
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Thunder Bay Field Naturalists
The War Amps The arrangements have been taken care of by Simpler Times Cremation Centre located at 575 Central Avenue in Thunder Bay.
