Obituary of Arthur William Walker
ARTHUR WILLIAM WALKER
February 12, 1930 – January 12, 2018
Our Dad, Arthur William Walker, was a man of character, wisdom, generosity and wit. He was gifted with intelligence, thoughtfulness and a never-ceasing desire to learn. He loved to use his talents to benefit others, both his family and those he mentored in the business world. He had an accomplished and fulfilling career in business and community service. His Christian faith was foundational, and while expressed quietly, it informed and guided his life.
Art loved his family and appreciated each of his five children, Paul, Pam, Susan, Chris and Carol and his 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Some of his favourite times were the great family dinners enjoyed on special occasions, including Thanksgiving and Christmas; at each of these dinners, Art would make a point to tell everyone how proud he and Mom were of them and how grateful to God they were for them. He was openly thankful for God’s blessings in his life. He loved to share his experience with his family and helped to guide each of his children in the course of their lives.
Art was born in Brantford in 1930, son of William and Emily Walker. Living in very modest means, Art experienced some want in his early days. At times, coal was gathered along the train tracks and used to supplement heat for the house. We always thought that this background influenced his desire to provide generously for his family. He met his beloved wife Doris in high school. They married in 1952 and started their family in 1953. Unable to afford a University education, he was self taught using text books that he bought with his savings. He was permitted to write the exams where he excelled and became a Chartered Accountant. He started his career as an accountant in Brantford and moved the family to Toronto in 1962 to accept an executive position with Hardee Farms, an agricultural company. He subsequently took senior positions with Algonquin Mercantile Corporation and later became a successful and valued director, officer and consultant to a variety of food, health care and transportation companies; most recently Creation Technologies, from which he resigned only weeks before his death.
Serving others was a significant part of Art’s life. On the business side, he served on a number of boards of hospitals and health care organizations, providing his judgment, experience and expertise. His gift of diplomacy was a huge asset throughout his career. His ability to hear both sides made him a skilled mediator, a true problem solver. On the personal side, Art took great pleasure mentoring younger people in their careers and took much satisfaction in their success. He also contributed substantially to the church congregations to which he belonged, most recently playing a pivotal role in the arrangements through which St. John’s Presbyterian Church facilitated the development of a seniors’ residence on its land.
He genuinely cared for the people he came in contact with. He would listen intently and invest in conversation that was meaningful, looking for what advice or story would add significance. Whenever people met Art for the first time, they would come away saying ‘what a kind gentleman he was.’
An avid reader with a huge book collection, Art never grew tired of learning; he had a special love of history and theology. He also had talents that were never fully developed. He was a talented woodcarver, and showed a talent for painting and drawing.
One of the last things Dad said before he died was how much he loved Mom, whom he affectionately called Dodie. She was his greatest confidante and support.
He will be greatly missed by us all. We love you Dad!
A celebration of Arthur’s life will be held at the St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2940 10th Sideroad, Bradford on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 1 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation or to the charity of your choice.