CHARLES HERBERT WALKER (CHARLIE)

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CHARLES HERBERT WALKER (CHARLIE) Born February 8, 1921 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Philip (1937) and Maurine (1989) Walker, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2007 at the Kamloops, BC Hospice. Charles is survived by Ursula Koll, his loving companion for the past 23 years; his son and daughter-inlaw, Garth and Maryanne Walker (Nanaimo, BC); grandson Brent (Edmonton, AB); granddaughter Lindsey (Nanaimo, BC) and sister Alice Hogman and her husband Bill (Vancouver BC) and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 32 years, Neta who passed away in 1982. Charlie joined the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce after high school at the age of 18. Shortly after starting with the bank the Second World War broke out. He had been so proud of his father Lt. Colonel Philip Walker DSO, who was a decorated veteran of the First World War. Lt Col Walker died in 1937. Charlie did not hesitate to volunteer immediately to serve his country in the Second World War. Following his basic training, he volunteered for a special mission in Suffield, Alberta where the army was testing poison gas on live soldiers. The Canadian government in 2003 with a special citation finally recognized Charlie's contribution to this dangerous mission. After the Suffield assignment Charlie was sent overseas and served with a special signals detachment that dealt with coding and decoding messages between Churchill, Eisenhower and Stalin, a fact that he never discussed until just recently. I knew everything that was happening but I couldn't tell anybody!! Throughout his military service and for years after he helped support his mother and assisted in putting his sister through University. After the war, he returned to Canada and rejoined the CIBC. In 1948 he met Neta Hudson and they married in August 1949. Their son Garth was born 1951. In 1962 Charlie attained his goal with the CIBC when he was appointed bank manager of the Kenton Manitoba branch. He followed up his five years in Kenton with management positions in Treherne, Winnipeg, Altona and Killarney. Charlie retired from the bank in 1980. For the next three years he and Neta enjoy three glorious years in retirement with their summers spent in Killarney and Minnedosa, Manitoba and their winters in Mesa Arizona. Following the death of his wife Neta in December, 1982 he joined his son Garth in Cache Creek, BC. In 1984 he met Ursula Koll, Charlie's loving companion for the remaining 23 years of his life. From birth to death Charlie trusted God to provide for everything he needed. He was an active member of the United Church of Canada throughout his life in every community in which he lived. He taught Sunday school, served on Church boards and sang in the choir. We Love you Dad and we will miss you!! Garth Walker and Family A graveside burial ceremony will be held at the Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 9. A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at the Royal Oak Inn, Brandon, Manitoba from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10. Donations if desired may be made to your local Hospice Society on his behalf. Sands Funeral Chapel - Nanaimo 250-753-2032

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2007