Obituary of WALKER – Keith Warren

February 14, 1958 – August 20, 2011 Keith Walker passed away Saturday, August 20, 2011 in Calgary from a spinal infection. Keith was born in Ottawa, Ontario. He was an athletic young man, competing at the national level in singles and doubles sculling, when he was struck down in his prime by an automobile accident in 1979 at the age of 21. The strength of will to compete at that level carried him through a long recovery process from the brain injury sustained in the accident, and then through the following years as a brain injured adult. Keith showed a brave, kind, gracious and positive character that uplifted everyone around him. He didn’t dwell on his disabilities and had a sense of humour that lifted everyone’s spirits, no matter what the situation. He loved to laugh and to make people laugh. He was always so much more concerned about those around him than himself. Even if you only knew Keith for a day, he touched each life deeply. He cherished his family and close friends and was exceedingly grateful for all of life’s blessings we so frequently take for granted. Keith was predeceased by his Dad Douglas in 1999, and Mom Lynn in 2010. He is survived by his brother Doug (Jayne), sisters Lisa Nemeth (James) and Janice Walker, niece and nephews Alison and Andrew Walker and Matthew, Jordan and Justin Nemeth, caregivers Romelia and Santos Corpuz and close friends Len and Louise Esau. Keith’s Memorial Service will be held at Oak Park Church of Christ (11263 Oakfield Drive S.W.) on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. An afternoon Graveside Service will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. The family extends their appreciation and gratitude to the incredible staff in Unit 72 at the Rockyview Hospital for the wonderful care Keith received these past few weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Vecova (vecova.ca, formerly VRRI) 3304, 33 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2L 2A6. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Keith Walker, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200.