Michael "Mike" Walker

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Walker of Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, October 9, 2014 after a six year illness of congestive heart failure.

Michael Walker was born in Wolseley, SK on July 28, 1951.  He was the oldest of seven children born to Donald George Walker and Inez Elaine (McTaggart) Walker.  He was predeceased by his father in 1995 and his brother, Donald ‘Pat’ in 2002.  Mike is forever and always lovingly remembered by his wife, Dianne; “the lights of his life” daughters, Vanessa and Leanne; mother, Inez; brothers, Daryl (Patricia) and children Ben, Mattie, and Emily, Grant (Susan) and children Maria and Julia; sisters, Leslie (Peter) and children, Greg, Rebecca, and Christine, Wendy (Jim) and son, Jeffrey, and Jill (Mike). He is also survived by uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Mike’s early years were spent in Windthorst and Maryfield before the family settled in Estevan. They moved to Regina in 1964, where he attended Campbell Collegiate High School, graduating in 1969. While living in Regina, Mike played hockey with the Regina Pat B’s and in 1970-71 was recruited to the St. Louis Blues farm team, the Billikens, and picked as their #1 Goaltender while attending St. Louis University.  Mike’s summers in Saskatchewan were spent running the family confectionery at McLean Campground.  Mike moved to Calgary in 1974 and shortly thereafter began his training as an electrician and received his Master Electrician Certification in 1982.  Mike was well respected in his industry, working with many of the major contractors in Alberta and enjoyed the last 15 years of his career with Allied Projects Ltd. as Electrical Foreman, then promoted to Project Manager

Mike married Dianne Louise Svarich on Aug 11, 1979 in Calgary, AB where they settled and raised their two daughters, Vanessa Emily Walker, and Leanne June Walker.  In the early Calgary years before marriage and children, Mike enjoyed playing commercial league hockey and baseball.  In the last few years he was an avid baseball fan and few things gave him greater joy than to watch TV ballgames with his two daughters.

One of Mike’s passions was working with wood.  Numerous decks, fences, lattice work, stairs, and planters were built by him at their homes over the years.  He always estimated so thoroughly and correctly that rarely was there ever more than a foot of 2X4 left.  Mike’s integrity, generosity, and love of “his girls” were immeasurable.  Michael will be remembered for his quick wit, engaging sense of humour, deep love for family and friends, and his perfect memory and timing of jokes. 

An informal Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Four Points Sheraton West, 8220 Bowridge Crescent NW, Calgary, AB on Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.  There will be a Memory box provided for cards and/or stories if you would like to have them shared with the family and friends.

Mike will be deeply missed but in our hearts forever.