Obituary of Michael (Mike) Anthony WALKER

May 30, 1957 – Brandon, Manitoba
February 27, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Mike Walker, beloved husband of Lynne, and father to Andrew, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at the age of 63.

Mike was born in Brandon, Manitoba and attended school there, graduating from Neelin High, then attended Assiniboine and Red River Community colleges.  He earned a diploma in computer technology, as well as many other technical diplomas throughout the years.

He married Lynne (Kendrick) of Reston, Manitoba, on July 15, 1978.  Lynne’s family’s farm became one of his favourite places to be.  He had a very special bond with his father-in-law and took pride in acquiring ‘farming skills’ from him. The Kendrick family farm meant a great deal to him and Lynne’s family became a ‘second family’ to him. 

During their forty-two years of marriage, they moved numerous times, living in Winnipeg, Regina, Toronto, and finally settling in Calgary in 1985.  It was here that Mike’s greatest pride and joy, his son Andrew, was born in 1990.  Mike loved being a dad and this was evidenced by how he took part in all of Andrew’s activities, volunteering as a Scout Leader, school field trips, etc.  He passed on to Andrew, many of the practical skills he had acquired and among the great life lessons he taught Andrew, was a compassion for animals and a love of the outdoors.  He often remarked that the best times of his life were spent camping, fishing and hiking in the mountains with his wife and son.

Mike had numerous personal interests and the saying ‘get a hobby’ applied…except he got into that line several times!  He was actively involved in model rocketry and train clubs, where he was known for always lending a hand to other members.  Astronomy and constellations fascinated him, and he spent many hours ‘telescoping’ the night skies.  Mike loved sharing his enthusiasm for these hobbies with other people.

From a young age, Mike had a passion for helping others and volunteering, and lived his life accordingly.  He gave generously of his time and talents, to so many charities and service organizations.  For the past three years, he enjoyed helping with organizations that were dear to Andrew’s heart, the most notable being Variety - the Children’s’ Charity of Alberta.  He spent many hours helping at casinos and building playgrounds.  His work ethic and skill set will be sorely missed.

He loved all living creatures but especially dogs, and devoted many hours volunteering at various humane societies over the years.  Since his retirement two years ago, he was a regular volunteer at the Cochrane Humane Society.  He also delighted in helping to care for the dogs that Lynne brought to their home as part of her pet sitting business.  Dogs weren’t a ‘business’ for Mike, however… he lavished so much care and attention on each one.  He was patient and calm with every dog. His favourite breed was German Shepherds and he took great joy in owning two beautiful ones in his life, Duchess and Cinder.  

He loved playing cards and board games and delighted in spending many evenings doing that, with family and friends.  Mike always made time to help friends and was the ‘go to’ guy for other peoples’ computer problems.  His exceptional technical skills served him well in his long career in as an IT professional.  He won many awards for customer service but the friendships he forged with co-workers meant so much more to him.  His work took him to some interesting places in the world and he was happy when circumstances allowed Lynne and Andrew to accompany him.  Some memorable trips included Japan, France, Holland, England, and points across the U.S.A.

Mike will be well remembered for his intense love for his family and his kindness and compassion for his many friends, including the four legged ones, his wry sense of humour and his lifelong loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Besides his loving wife and son, Mike is survived by his brother, Tom, and sister Gloria (Cliff), as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Tony and Peg, as well as his sister Diane Walker, and his in-laws, Allan and Irene Kendrick.

A Private Funeral Service will be held, on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so wish, memorial tributes in Mike’s name to the Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Pointe, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3, Telephone: (403) 932-2072, www.cochranehumane.ca, or any animal rescue organization, would be appreciated.

In living memory of Mike Walker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.