WALKER, Ken
We are sadly announcing the passing of our loving father, grand father and great grand father Ken Walker. He passed away peacefully at Georgian Bay General Hospital with family by his side on Thursday May 30th, 2024 in his 91st year. Beloved husband to late Eleanor. Dear father to Debra and her husband Wilfred, Howard and his wife Brenda, Cathy and her husband Mike and the late Dale. Loving grampa to Justin (Cheryl), Megan (Pat), Simone (Nick), Tyler (Leanne), Brenna, Josh and the late Daniel. Cherished great grampa to Joseph, Hannah, Luca, Carter, Brynlee and Charlotte. Brother to Gordon, Alan, David, Joyce and Margaret. He will be fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Ken was the first-born child of Edwin & Isabel Walker, arriving on May 23rd, 1934 in Baysville, Ontario.
The family moved to Midland in 1935 when he was a year old and lived on Hugel Street between Russel and Manly. Very close to Hillcrest where he lived last. After a few years they moved to 335 King Street with Walkers Electric behind the house. The house is still there today with the store beside it and Cellarman’s behind. At a young age, Ken’s first paid job was just a simple task – he would go across the road to Holden’s Bakery and light their wood stove. Ken attended high school in the old Parkview school – now Mundy’s Bay. He excelled in school and was top of his class in grade 12 in mathematics. Ken worked after school for Walkers Electric at the Boat Works wiring boats. He was so happy to be able to work with his father and brothers, and enjoyed seeing the company grow over the years. He then decided to go work in Toronto, where he met his wife Eleanor. They moved back to Midland in early 50’s to start a family. Ken was a committed community person. He was a Rotarian for many years; a few as president. Ken was always involved with the annual Rotary town dock BBQ as he not only volunteered his time but also material to wire to the town dock. Ken was honoured to be the recipient of the Rotary Club Paul Harris award. Ken not only was a Rotarian, but was a lifetime member of Power Squadron where he taught the boating course. He was also involved in the Mason’s with his father and all his brothers.
Ken was an avid hunter and fisherman. At a young age he would make his own dried foods and go on canoe trips portaging thru Algonquin Park. In 1955, Ken’s fellow hunters and himself had built themselves a hunt camp. This is only one of the legacies he created. To this day his son, and 2 grand sons are members of the camp with more to get involved soon. Three generations this hunt camp has enjoyed. He loved going to this camp and spending time fishing, hunting in the summer, fall and winter.
Ken also loved boating and spending time on the water with many friends for a very long time. After many years of boating, he traded it in for a motor home and pool. Ken and Eleanor loved having their grand kids over for a swim in the pool and enjoyed this for many great years. They loved travelling around Canada and Ontario especially in the fall and would often follow the fall colours from the north working their way down south in the motor home. They spent many winters in Florida. Many times, Dad would tell me he would have strawberries every morning for breakfast in Florida. Our dad was a great person who was always positive, loving, he was accepting and accommodating of others. As a champion Dad to his children; Debra, Howard, and Cathy; his love and support was never ending and unconditional. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great grand father.
Friends will be received on Saturday July 6th, 2024 at Nicholls Funeral Home starting at 11 am. A chapel service will begin at 12 noon. Interment at Lakeview Cemetery. A Celebration of Life to follow at the Midland Recreation Centre from 1 pm – 3 pm. If desired, donations in memory of Ken may be made to the Georgian Bay General Hospital.