HERBERT (HERB) WALKER, CD CAPTAIN (RETIRED)

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HERBERT (HERB) WALKER, CD CAPTAIN (RETIRED) On Saturday, September 8, 2007, Herb passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital. He was born November 2, 1926 in Winnipeg, one of six children, to Redvers and Ina Walker. Herb was predeceased by his parents, brother Ron and sister Jean. Herb is survived by his wife of 59 years, Olga (Ollie), son Ron (Carmen), grandson Brandon, daughter Barbara Finkbeiner (Donald) and grandchildren Danny, Jared and Jayde. He is also survived by his sisters, Violet Black, Evelyn Bland and Shirley Archer. Herb grew up in the Brooklands area. At 15 he was required to quit school to work at Canada Bread. About a year later he began as a messenger at the CPR. At 18 he enlisted in the army. He rejoined the CPR when the war ended and eventually worked up to the position of Chief Inward Clerk supervising a staff of 13. In 1965, he transferred to the Canadian Freight Association as a Freight Inspector, a job he held until his retirement in 1987. In 1953 he joined the Reserve Forces serving in the Winnipeg Light Infantry, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and ultimately the Winnipeg Grenadiers until it was disbanded in 1965. During the late fifties he also joined the Hong Kong Veterans Association. In 1966 he was recruited as a civilian instructor for the Winnipeg Grenadier Cadet Corps. By 1971 he was promoted to Captain and appointed Commanding officer. One of his proudest accomplishment was his Cadets being named the Best Cadet Corps in Manitoba/Northwest Ontario region for two years running - a feat not previously achieved. Retiring from Cadet service in 1974 he remained involved as assistant Liaison Officer for the sponsoring Hong Kong Vets. In 1974, he was very proud to be awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the Hong Kong Veterans Association. In 1972 Herb and Ollie purchased an old cabin at Victoria Beach. He took pride in building a new cabin, a place the whole family enjoys. His favourite pastimes after retirement were maximizing his time at V.B. and taking cruises with Ollie. Herb loved sports, especially hockey and soccer. He played both, coached Ron in soccer and watched grandsons Danny and Jared play hockey. As a youth he was a Cub in Scouts Canada. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 15 at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave., Aubrey Street entrance. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Dr. Kvern, Dr. Shojania, their staff and all the wonderful professionals in 4A West, St. Boniface Hospital. They would also like to thank all the anonymous blood donors whose donations greatly helped Herb over the past several years. In lieu of flowers a donation to a charity of one's choice will be greatly appreciated. neil bardal inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2007