ROBERT BRUCE WALKER

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ROBERT BRUCE WALKER It is with unbounded sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Walker on April 4, 2015. Bob is survived by his wife, Joy; his children, Erin, Adam (Samantha), and Sean (Lindsey); his mother June; his brother Tim (Judy); his mother-in-law Nellie Labovitch; and nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was predeceased by his father, Ernest Bruce Walker; father-in-law, Morris Labovitch; aunt Marion Jerome; and grandparents Ernest and Pearl Walker and Graydon and Bea Tipp. Dad was born in Winnipeg on December 1, 1949. He was a wonderful man who loved his family. While Dad expected a lot of himself, he demanded very little from others. He was very selfless, very patient, always willing to help. He had remarkable intelligence in many areas, and brought his sharp mind in service of others. As a chartered accountant, he prided himself on being able to do the best for his clients. He would work with his brother Tim for much of his life, first in their father's family business, and then as partners in the firm PKBW Group. Dad was very good at being there for people whenever they needed him, always ready to lend a helping hand, armed with his classic "Walker sense of humour." At the same time, he was a fantastic listener, supportive and open-minded. We experienced these traits firsthand. He felt it was absolutely important that we develop our own unique personalities, and never passed judgement on any of our decisions, never forcefully offered his opinion unless we sought it out. He always trusted us to follow through with any life that we chose for ourselves. Dad believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth excelling at, and threw himself with gusto into every pursuit. He was a successful competitive runner, and set a Manitoba record that still stands today with a time of 2:19:06 in the 1981 Manitoba marathon. He brought a similar energy to his day to day activities, taking on every challenge with enthusiasm and creativity. During summer vacations at the lake, he would grin from ear to ear as he jumped from one athletic endeavour to another, slipstreaming to get the fastest time on a casual evening bike ride, bounding out for a sunset swim after an already full day. Cerebral pursuits got the same treatment: he would study math and science books gearing up to prove Riemann's hypothesis, and think long and hard when staring at the chessboard. This competitive drive was not born out of any desire to win, but out of a love for life that drove Dad to try to get the most out of every moment, every pleasure, both large and small. Sitting around the dinner table with family was always a moment of quiet happiness; stories, banter, good food, good music, and Dad would enjoy every minute. Dad was lucky to find great love in his life. In 1976, after returning home from a year spent exploring Europe, Dad reconnected with the girl who grew up just two doors down from him. In Mom, Dad found the perfect partner with whom to share his life. They were a team, rarely found apart, constantly holding hands, and their relationship was something to be envied. Happiness was found in the simple activities of being together, long conversations over morning coffee or evening dinners, moments in the middle of the night where Dad would regale Mom with silly jokes that had her howling with laughter. Dad and Mom used to say that no matter how long they lived, "there was never going to be enough time together." This sentiment reflects their limitless love for one another and how much they delighted in each other's companionship. Dad chose every day to be a good person; to treat others with respect and kindness; to be positive and humble; and to embrace all that life had to offer. He made a substantial impact on the lives of those around him. He was truly loved, and his absence will be deeply felt for the rest of our lives. Funeral services were held in Toronto on April 12, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to CancerCare Manitoba or the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada.
Publish Date: Apr 25, 2015

ROBERT BRUCE WALKER It is with unbounded sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Walker, devoted husband and father, on April 4, 2015. He left this world with his characteristic dignity and strength. Please visit www.etouch.ca for funeral and shiva details. Full obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Apr 9, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2015