RAYMOND WILLIAM WALKDEN

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RAYMOND WILLIAM WALKDEN Peacefully on the evening of April 18, after a tenacious battle against an overwhelming foe, Ray passed away in the Grace Hospice with loved ones at his side. Ray will be remembered forever by those he left behind: his son, Morley of Calgary; daughters, Janet Parks of Penticton and Heather Donaldson of Winnipeg; grandchildren, Alison Walkden, Carly Walkden, James Donaldson; his devoted companion for his last decade, Iris Sawiak; and many others whose lives he touched with his gentle and undemanding friendship. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Irene (Menu) in 1987; and brother Charles Walkden in 1993; both of whom he shepherded through terminal illness with his astonishing personal strength. Ray was born in Winnipeg on November 13, 1918 and spent most of his life in the city except for several years after graduating from university. During the Second World War, his attempt to follow his brother into the RCAF was redirected to the Meteorology Service because of his proficiency in mathematics. In the Met Service, he met his future wife of 43 years, began a career that he never left and made friendships that lasted a lifetime. His life was guided by simple principles and unpretentious ideals. He was proud to be a Canadian and to live in Winnipeg. He strongly supported nature and habitat conservation programs. Above all, he believed in people, especially young people, and many were recipients of his unconditional generosity, support and friendship. Ray enjoyed flowers and the outdoors. While he was able, his daily routine included a walk through Assiniboine Park, a place he loved. Summer was devoted to his garden where his green thumb generated a bounty of flowers, raspberries and strawberries. Warm summer evenings would often find him enjoying his gardening handiwork with a well deserved "cool one" in hand and friends and family close by. The family would like to thank the staff at the Grace Hospice whose warm care and compassion made Rays final weeks comfortable and peaceful. A memorial service and reception will be held on Friday, April 30, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2004