ROBERT SMITH WALKER

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ROBERT SMITH WALKER Peacefully with his family by his side Robert (Bob) Smith Walker passed away at the Riverview Health Centre on Wednesday, August 8, 2001 at the age of 71. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years Betty; daughter Patti; son Robert (Bonnie) and mother-in-law Nell McKay; brothers, Hugh, Victoria BC, John, Doug (Sophie) sisters, Ann and Beatrice (Lawrence) Lajeunesse of Kenora, ON and brother-in-law Mike Balichowski and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and his many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Hugh and Jessie; sister Jean; sisters-in-law, Jeannie and Ilene; father-in-law Reg McKay and nephew Kirk Walker. Bob was born in a house on Ralph Avenue in Transcona on August 3, 1930 and lived in Transcona until 1967. He was employed four and one-half years at CN at Transcona Shops. He then began his retail career by owning and operating Walkers Mens Wear on Regent Avenue in Transcona. He was the first Manager of Mens Wear at Sears in Polo Park. Bob and his family moved to Minneapolis in 1967, then Kansas City in 1969, returning to Winnipeg and was employed by Macleods. In 1976 he purchased and operated Mac Tools in Winnipeg. After retirement he returned to the retail trade with his children in the operation of Cricklewood & Co. stores. Together they expanded by purchasing another store in Grand Forks called Bjornson Imports. In his younger days, he was actively involved with the hockey team from the Pirates Community Club. He was co-founder and manager of the Transcona Trojan Juniors Baseball team and won the Winnipeg Junior Championship in 1953. Bob was a "people" person, who loved to talk to everyone and especially have lunch with his friends and business associates. He loved telling a good joke and could often be heard singing many songs. He longed to be a grandfather, which will happen in January, when his son Robert and wife Bonnie will have the first grandchild. Bob and Betty enjoyed the cottage at Lester Beach, MB along with their many friends at the lake and Senior Scene at Victoria Beach. They travelled extensively in Canada, the US and parts of Europe. The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff on the 5th floor at Health Science Centre and the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre for all their special care and support. A sincere thanks to Dr. Janice Mulder. Also the support given to the family by Phil and Olga Rizzuto and Wilf George, Hugh Lowery, Jo Lopuck, Dennis and Yvonne Kehler, and many caring friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. with his friend Paul Martin officiating (Chaplain). Internment will follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens and a reception will be held in the Chapel Lawn Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bobs memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society at 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, R3C 0S6 or the Riverview Health Centre at 1 Morley, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2P4. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 10, 2001