JOHN PHILIP VERNON WALKER

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JOHN PHILIP VERNON WALKER Funeral Mass was Celebrated on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Avenue with Rev. Fr. Eric Giddins presiding. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Mar 18, 2017

JOHN PHILIP VERNON WALKER With profound sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of our family patriarch, John Philip Vernon Walker, at his home on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, after 82 years of life. He was predeceased by our Mom, Lucy, in September 2004. Dad never completely filled the void her departure created and he cherished her memory throughout the remainder of his life. We find genuine comfort in the reality that they are together again, in perfect health and at peace. Dad will be missed by daughter Lisa and son Dale, his wife Cheryl and grandchildren, Serena, Breandan and Garrett. Also, mourning his passing are brothers, Herbert, Stuart and Larry, along with many other beloved family members and numerous friends, like his long-time cribbage partner, Brian Nelson. For years, they wreaked havoc about once a week at ANAF #283, either by getting the right cards or (more often than not) by employing dry humour and playful sarcasm. Dad was born in Sillery, Quebec on February 28, 1935 and remained there for the next 17 years. If anyone can lay a legitimate claim to possessing a spirit of optimism, it was Dad. He met every challenge life threw at him with a spirit of goodwill, an attitude of determination and an inexhaustible reserve of good humour. These attributes would see him through turbulent times like living at St. Bridgette's Orphanage in Quebec for most of his childhood. He would draw from these same sources of strength to cope with the loss of vision in one eye in 1975 and the gradual erosion of his sight entirely during the last half of his life. With equal doses of resolve and humour, he would survive a diagnosis of cancer, surgery and the ravages of chemotherapy in 2006. Dad accepted without complaint the limitations that crept incrementally into his life over the last decade but always tried to do more than he knew he was capable of. This was borne out by the incredible work he did without the benefit of eyesight: starting his own seedlings each spring and nurturing and growing a wonderful vegetable garden with tall tomato plants, cucumbers, as well as a wide and tasty array of mild and hot peppers. His passion for gardening motivated him to grow more than enough plants so there were always extras for family and friends. Until the very end of his life, he painstakingly prepared and served gourmet meals for his family and guests for Sunday dinners. There remains an unfinished renovation project he started, carpentry by touch alone! He fiercely contested every yard as he aged and was successful as he continued living independently in the house he loved and knew so well right to the end. As a young adult, Dad sought adventure and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in the early 1950s, serving over 13 years. During that time, he found himself working and sailing on a variety of the Tribal Class Destroyers and doing his part to safeguard the integrity of Canadian Sovereignty while representing Canadian principles, interests and values. He would rise to the rank of Leading Seaman before releasing in 1967. After becoming a civilian, he moved his young family to Winnipeg, settling here in 1968. He fell in love with his community and never left, abiding in the same cozy home for nearly 50 years. Through trying his hand at a few different jobs, Dad discovered that bartending was the occupation that liked him the most. My Dad was a gregarious, kind and honest man, fitting qualities for the demands of the job and Dad was highly regarded and well respected by management, co-workers and customers alike. Our Dad's strongest, undisputed passion however was his love and fidelity for family and close friends. The happiness and joy he radiated was easily visible whenever he found himself in the company of those nearest to him. He revelled in social events and was in his element regaling us with his amusing stories and comical anecdotes. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Avenue with Rev. Fr. Eric Giddins presiding. Our family wishes to acknowledge the special place our Dad held in his heart for the following people: Greg and Maria Anderton, Koren Kines, her father Lorne, Steve and Adele Wall and Corinne Weber. Rare and exceptional individuals, they exemplify the finest qualities of neighbourliness. Our gratitude for your kindness and concern knows no bounds and collectively, you have elevated the standard to new heights in the "Good Neighbour" category. We would also like to acknowledge the very high level of professionalism and empathy shown by attending members of the Winnipeg Police Services. While flowers are accepted, donations may also be made in lieu of flowers to The CNIB, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of one's choice. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com A Final Farewell to Leading Seaman John Walker who has now crossed the bar. Be at Peace.
Publish Date: Mar 14, 2017

JOHN PHILIP VERNON WALKER On Wednesday, March 8, 2017, John died at his home at the age of 82 years. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Avenue with Rev. Fr. Eric Giddins presiding. A longer obituary notice will follow in Tuesday, March 14, 2017 newspaper edition. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Mar 11, 2017

JOHN PHILIP VERNON WALKER On Wednesday, March 8, 2017 John died at his home at the age of 82 years. A longer obituary notice will follow. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

Publish Date: Mar 10, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2017