JAMES DAHL WALKER

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JAMES DAHL WALKER On Monday, August 21, 2006, at Calvery Place Personal Care Home, Jim passed away with his loving family at his side. Jim was born in Drumheller, AB on January 31, 1922 to Jean and James Walker. At the age of three, he and his family moved to Tranquille, BC, where he spent his younger years going to school, learning to fish and hunt in the hills and streams he loved. His first job as a teenager was to go to the T.B. Sanitarium, hitch up the horse and deliver the milk and cream cans from the San's dairy barn to the hospital's kitchen, before school and weekends. Often he would sleep in, so he would have to hurry the horse causing the cans to rattle and spill on the way. At the age of 17, he came to Winnipeg alone and by train, where he heard Trans Canada Airlines (TCA) was offering a mechanics course for young men who were accepted into their employment. This was the start of his 43 1/2 years with Air Canada retiring in 1983 after repairing the Gimli Goose . During this time Jim worked on every aircraft Air Canada has flown, with the exception of their first Biplane. Dad was commissioned by RCAF from TCA and served during the Second World War. On June 18, 1943 he married Emily Wenzel, for the next 56 years they shared their lives raising their family, eventually enjoying their grandchildren. The first four years of married life was on Arlington Street moving to Harcourt Street in Sturgeon Creek during the winter of 1947. Dad often grumbled as he had to get up early to milk the goat that came with the house, before he went off to work. Mom would feed the chickens later. Em and Jim raised their five children, and enjoyed the early childhood of their special son. Family life was always exciting, with many camping, fishing and hunting trips, and holidays. Jim was one of the founding members of the Airline Rod and Gun Club who organized and purchase the club's lodge at White Lake. He was a member and instructor of the Airline Rod and Gun Junior Rifles, and Hunter Safety Training Program. Jim was predeceased by his Sweetie Emily; father and mother, Jean and James Walker; sister Marie Galer; grandson Shane Bullee. He leaves to mourn his passing, his children, Heather (Frank), Dale, Betty, Jimmy, Robbie (Cliff), and chosen son Ernie. Grandchildren, Dahl (Tammie), Joey, Shauna, Brent, Devon and Chelsea. Great-grandchildren, Erica and Cassie. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the caring staff of Calvary Place Personal Care Home for their kindness to Dad during his short stay, and special thanks to Isabel Bull for her love and support this summer. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Funds for Furry Friends , 733 19th St., Brandon, MB R7B 1K7. Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 25, at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2006