Obituary of Dennis Walker

It is with deep sadness that the family of Dennis Walker announces his passing on August 17, 2008 at the age of 83 years after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Dennis was born in England on August 5th, 1925. He immigrated to Canada in1927 with his parents Frank and Lucy Walker. Along with four siblings, Margaret, Mary, Pete and Alec, they settled in the Rosthern area where they lived from 1927 to 1937. During this time, five more children were born: Tobe, Ken, Betty, Mick and Pat. From there he moved to the Spiritwood area where he worked for Harold Cattle. In 1942, he joined the Royal Canadian Army. As he was under age, he was not allowed to serve overseas, so he worked as a mechanic and ambulance driver with the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineering group. For fun, Dennis raced motorcycles. In 1950, he met Jean Taylor and swept her off her feet. They married on October 17, 1951 and farmed north of Bapaume where their three children were born: Gayle in 1953, Marcia in 1956 and Les 1959. Everyone worked hard on the farm and had chores to do. The least favorite job of all was cleaning out the pig pens. Dennis' joke on the kids was buying new shovels as a surprise gift. In 1975, Dennis and Jean moved in to Spiritwood where he built and operated North Central Sales and Service, a small engine repair shop as well as maintaining a Ski Doo franchise. Dennis sold the business in 1980 and then went to work for Martodam Motors. Then he went to work at the Spiritwood Golf Course where he did maintenance work and golfed many rounds. He admitted he was not a very good golfer, but he enjoyed it anyway. Dennis coached the Spiritwood Elbow Benders hockey team for many successful seasons. Fishing trips were also something he enjoyed doing. Dennis was also very active in the community and community affairs over the years. His biggest pleasure came from family and he was a very devoted brother, father, grandfather and husband. Losing seven siblings and other family members was devastating to him. It left a huge hole in his heart. Les' dog Lucky gave him the greatest pleasure as he walked miles with him. As his mental health failed, Lucky became his loyal sidekick. Dennis traveled with Jean on many trips. He was a skilled carpenter and his family's homes have many items he made with love. Dennis also spent a lot of time with the grandchildren and was patient with them and fun to be around. He liked to visit and spend time at the coffee shops at exactly 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or there about. Dennis became a resident in the Spiritwood Health Complex in May of 2006 where he resided until his passing. Dennis is lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean Walker, his daughters Gayle (Jim) Tennant of Erskine, AB and Marcia (Forrest) King of Spiritwood, SK and their children Dane and Derek of Edmonton, AB, his son Les (Teresa) Walker of Spiritwood, SK and their children Madison and Blake; his sisters Pat Gunderson of Spiritwood, SK, and Mick (Brian) Stephens of Imperial, SK; his sisters in-law Lil Walker of Medstead, SK and Mae (Bill) Moore of Spiritwood, SK; his brother in-law Carl Schweitzer of Lloydminster, SK as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loyal friends. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Lucy Walker, his brothers Pete, Ken and Alec, his sisters Mary, Margaret, Tobe and Betty, his brothers in-law George, Ralph, Jack and Jeff, his nephews Ken, Wade and Randy, his great nieces Amanda and Jana, his great nephew Darwin and his father and mother in-law Roy and Zoe Taylor. The funeral service was held on Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 2 p.m. from the Spiritwood Civic Center with Rev. Leigh Sinclair officiating. The pianist was Carolyn Voss who accompanied soloist Barb Szasz. A duet was performed by Linda Pilling and Betty Ann Taylor. Honorary pall bearers were the Spiritwood Elbow Benders Hockey Team and the urn bearer was Les Walker. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Spiritwood Health Complex Foundation. Dennis was laid to rest in the Spiritwood Cemetery.