Obituary of Robert Douglas WALKER

August 24, 1934 – Swift Current, Saskatchewan

July 2, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Robert Douglas Walker, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday July 2, 2020 at the age of 86 years.  After an extended period living in a care facility, he passed peacefully in the presence of his wife Shirley and with his son Gregg by his side. 

Robert (Bob to his friends, Bobby to his sisters) was born on August 24, 1934.  He grew up in Swift Current, SK with his parents, Julia Danielson Walker and Police Chief Robert Walker.  Bob had three older sisters, Isabel Walker Newton, Irene Walker Mabbs and Ruby Walker.       

Growing up, Bob attended Elmwood School.  He played trumpet in the Swift Current Junior Boy’s Band and went on several trips with them, including to Toronto and Calgary, where they won some competitions at the Calgary Stampede.

Bob began his accounting career articling as student for Wick, Jeffery, Stark and Millard Chartered Accountants in Swift Current.  He enjoyed helping Stan and Irene Mabbs build their cabin at Cypress Hills Provincial Park and also enjoyed going to Arling and Isabel Newton’s quarter horse ranch near Hollonquist, SK.

In 1961, Bob moved to Calgary, AB to work for the accounting firm Christenson Morrison Company and to continue articling to become a Chartered Accountant.  He was admitted to the Alberta Institute of Chartered Accountants on September 4, 1964 and later became a specialist in the practice area of Bankruptcy and Insolvency.  After an extensive series of accounting firm mergers and acquisitions, Bob retired from the professional services firm KPMG.

Bob married the love of his life, Shirley Murray on September 26, 1964.  The following summer, Bob and Shirley embarked on an adventure road trip to Alaska driving a new AMC Rambler sedan.  For context, the highways into Alaska during this era were not paved and camping was a necessity because motels were scarce.  These details were often recounted by Bob when he spoke of this trip.

During the 1970s, Bob was as actively involved in service work with the Calgary Jaycees.  He took on the role of Jaycee Pot of Gold project Treasurer at the Calgary Stampede for the 1975 exhibition.  Bob made a number of close long-term friends who were fellow JCI Senators.

In 1978, Bob sold the Walker family grain farm in Morris Saskatchewan.  He had been managing the farm for some time remotely, using hired farmers, but the logistics of doing such from Calgary proved to be a challenge, especially when the unpredictable Saskatchewan weather graced the farm.

Bob was an amazing father.  He shared his love of road trips made sure that his children got to take long journeys in the summer to go camping with pop-up camper in tow.  In the winter months he made sure the family got out frequently to enjoy skiing near Calgary and at least once a year there was a week-long winter road trip so we could ski some of the more distant resorts like Whistler and Big Mountain (Whitefish).  Spring and Fall were filled with many family hikes where Bob loved to explore the outdoor landscapes.

Grace Presbyterian Church was Bob’s place of faith during all his years in Calgary.  He served as Treasurer for Grace Presbyterian Church and later for the Presbytery-Macleod.  During the final years whilst Bob was still able to attend church events, he particularly enjoyed the fellowship of the Knights of Grace program.

Bob is survived by his wife Shirley Annabelle Walker, three adult children, Neil (Lisa) and Karen (Peter Brogan) of Portland, Oregon, and Gregg (Jen) of Invermere, BC; as well as grandson Hayden of Invermere, BC.

Funeral Services will be held in Calgary once two of Bob’s children return to Canada and fulfill a quarantine period.  Please check back to for updated information. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Bob’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1, Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca.

The family would like to extend our appreciation to the staff at Garrison Green Fourth Floor for the high caliber of service that Robert received while under their watch and care.

In living memory of Robert D. Walker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.