JAMES AINSLIE WALKER

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JAMES AINSLIE WALKER It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Ainslie Walker on Sunday, January 27, 2008, at Deer Lodge Hospital, with his beloved daughter Barbara holding his hand, stroking his face and telling him how much he was loved by his family. James was born on December 21, 1921, at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended Wolseley, Laura Secord and Gordon Bell Schools. He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in January 1942 and served in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany during the Second World War. When James was discharged from the air force, he returned to Canada to spend some time in hospital convalescing from his war time experience. It was then that he met a young nursing assistant, June Etta Sutton. James and June courted and were married on July 16, 1948. James then went on to work with the Canadian Pacific Railway as a Personnel Development Officer at the Weston shops until his retirement. James was known by all those who knew him as a quiet and gentle man with a quick wit and dry sense of humour. He was an extremely responsible employee and devoted friend. His family was indeed his pride and joy. He was particularly happy when, with his wife June, family and friends' social gatherings were held at their St. James home or the home of his daughter, Barbara. It was at these times that James' face shone with an obvious contentment of spirit. James and June were blessed with two children, Robert and Barbara, and it was as a family that they travelled extensively by car and train throughout Canada and the United States. As was so in character with James, he spent many hours helping neighbours and dear friends. James was a lifetime member of St. John's Lodge No. 4 and a 48-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion St. James Branch. James loved curling and spent a lot of time at the C.P. Mechanical Curling Club. He was also a member of the Thistle and Deer Lodge Curling Clubs. In retirement, James became an avid golfer. He was often seen out riding his bicycle on a Sunday morning, through the neighbourhood back lanes, with his good friends. James was a member of the Greenwood United Church and later the Deer Lodge United Church. James loved animals and was particularly attached to Tiger and Squeaky, his beloved cats. James leaves to mourn his wife of almost 60 years, June; his son Robert (Denise) and granddaughters, Carolyn and Chloe; his daughter Barbara (Harry) and grandsons, Samuel Walker Hugh and Jacob Malcolm James; and sister Jeanne from Minneapolis. If a man is judged by the strength of his character, James will surely be the model to which all his family can aspire. Although James' body was broken and tired, it was with dignity and peace that he left this world to continue his journey elsewhere. He leaves a legacy of integrity. Go in peace, dear husband, daddy, grandpa and buckha. We look forward to sharing your smile again. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Deer Lodge Hospital, from nurses to attendants and cleaning staff for their conscientious and humane care of James these past two years. A service to honour James will be held on Monday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Deer Lodge Centre Chapel, 2109 Portage Ave. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you would like to honour James' life, please consider making a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2008