LESLIE WALKER

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LESLIE WALKER C.D. September 13, 1918 - November 8, 2009 Peacefully and with dignity, our father Leslie joined his loving wife Dorothy already at rest, one day after what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. Dad was predeceased by his parents John and Mary and his half brothers Harry, Jack and Walter Waterhouse. Dad is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law John (Gisela), George (Claire); grand-daughters Kristin (Gail, Christopher, Alex), Jennifer (David) and great-granddaughters Mykenna, Emmy and Kerigan. Dad is also survived by nephew Glen Waterhouse and his family of Surrey, BC. Leslie was born in Winnipeg and spent his childhood in the original Osborne Village. He attended Gladstone, Earl Grey and Kelvin schools and shared many interesting stories of his family life in Fort Rouge. At 14 years of age, dad joined Sea Cadets and then at the age of 19 he joined the Naval Reserve and while in training on the West Coast the Second World War began. He immediately volunteered for active service. At this time in November of 1939 dad and mom were married. He served on board H.M.C.S. Comox, then on H.M.C.S. Swift Current and then as a New Entry Instructor on H.M.C.S. Cornwallis and finally as Regulating Petty Officer on board H.M.C.S. Uganda in the Pacific. Upon completion of duty in January 1946, dad returned to Winnipeg and to the T. Eaton Company, rising to the position of Floorwalker. Dad was the last Floorwalker in Canada for the T. Eaton Company and retired as the Head of Security at the Eaton's warehouse on Wellington Avenue. In 1951 dad joined the Naval Reserve at H.M.C.S. Chippawa. He served as a Reservist on the H.M.C.S. Quebec and attended the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953. He was the President of the C.P.O.'s Mess in the 1960s and later retired from the Reserves as a Chief Warrant Officer. Dad always looked forward to spending time with his family and enjoyed a good debate. He was a good grandfather and was always happy to show his granddaughters card tricks or the finer points on how to become a good golfer. Dad enjoyed golf, curling, bowling, billiards and poker nights with his Navy buddies. Unfortunately he had to give these things up when he lost his sight to Macular Degeneration. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff on Tower 7, Deer Lodge Centre for their respect, compassion and the excellent care they provided to dad every day. A special thank you to Cliff Cooke for his visits. Cliff is dad's last remaining Navy poker night friend. Crossing the Bar Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out our borne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crost the bar. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1889 At Dad's request, cremation has taken place and a private family service was held. REST IN PEACE CHIEF' Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2009