Bruce Walker

With profound sadness, the Walker family announces the passing of a husband, father and grandfather, Bruce on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at St. Joseph's Hospice Care.

Bruce was 83 years old. He was born in Winnipeg, MB on January 25, 1934. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marilyn, of 59 years and their 4 children: Kim, Michael (Rachael) Toronto, David (Sandi) Kelowna BC and Chris (Nicole) Thunder Bay, and his two grandchildren, Jordan (Toronto) and Summer (Kelowna), of whose achievements he was especially proud. Bruce will also be missed by his sister-in-law Janice (Rob) of Ste. Anne, MB and nieces and nephews.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Ida and Fred Walker. Fred was an organist and choirmaster at St. Mathews Anglican Church in Winnipeg. Bruce developed a love for choral music at an early age while serving as a choirboy at St. Mathews. He later was a tenor in the Fort William Male Choir. He and Marilyn enjoyed the travels, concerts, competitions and fellowship of those memorable years.

Bruce and Marilyn met at the University of Manitoba. They married in 1957, as they were each beginning their final year of studies. Upon Convocation, they moved to Port Arthur, where Bruce was employed by Wardrop Engineering of Winnipeg to develop a Civil Engineering Division for the company, in Northwestern Ontario. During the 1960's and into the 1990's Bruce was chief engineer for the design and build of many housing subdivisions in the Thunder Bay area. He was appointed Vice President and Manager of Wardrop's Thunder Bay operations in 1975. Other projects included sewage and water treatment plants, bridges, design of roads and highways, recreational facilities such as Chapples Recreation Centre, construction management for all facilities for the World Nordic Championships at Big Thunder, design for energy conservation of Government buildings, and facilities planning and supervision of Canada Summer Games venues. On his final project, Bruce was project coordinator working with the owner and architect for the design of Whitewater Golf Course and housing subdivision. This was exciting and memorable for Bruce. He retired after 40 plus productive years. 

Bruce had a zest for life and a passion for golf, boating, fishing, duck hunting, skiing and curling. There were many great family and personal friendships forged through these activities. 48 summers at Amethyst Harbour and family travels to vacation areas were magical. In later years winters spent in Venice FL were filled with golf, beach, family and laughs with their Waterford community friends. 

Bruce loved Thunder Bay. His efforts as a volunteer were greatly appreciated. He served on the Board of Directors for Port Arthur General Hospital, St. Joseph's Care Group, TBR Hospital and Whitewater Golf Course. Bruce served 2 terms as President of Port Arthur Country Club and was Chairman of Freestyle Skiing for the Canadian Ski Association and an enthusiastic President of Jeux Canada Games in 1981. Bruce was honoured by all three levels of Government, the Professional Engineers of Ontario and was awarded the Canadian 125 Confederation Medal for exemplary service to his community in 1992.

Bruce's dedication and perseverance set a wonderful example for his children. He faced challenges head-on as evidenced by his tenacity dealing with physical difficulties following a brain aneurysm in 2008 and his more recent affliction, pancreatic cancer. He was our Champion.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street, to accommodate family and friends. Arrangements are entrusted to Sargent & Son Ltd. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

Memorial donations to TBRSC Foundation-Northern Cancer Fund or St. Joseph's Hospice will be greatly appreciated.