Obituary of Douglas Gordon Bertram Walker

July 22, 1939 - Claresholm, Alberta

October 15, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Douglas “Gpa” Walker, beloved husband of Joanne Walker of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the age of 83 years. Doug lived an amazing life; his journey was full of many adventures and memories. With his family at his side, he left this world peacefully, and most importantly on “Doug’s terms.

Doug was born in Claresholm, AB on July 22, 1939. Doug’s family was the light of his life. Doug and Joanne had just celebrated their 61^st wedding anniversary. To Doug, Joanne and his family’s well-being was always his number one priority. Doug was so proud and delighted in his family, especially when he became “Gpa” to his three wonderful grandchildren and “Gpa-pa” to Sophie his great-granddaughter.

Doug is survived by his loving wife Joanne, his two daughters, Bonnie Cartmell (Tim) and Shelly MacDonald (Graham); his grandchildren, Spencer Cartmell, Carleigh Cartmell, and Sydney Blake (Tom) and his great-granddaughter, Sophie Blake.     

Doug blessed our lives in too many ways to write down, but he did have a message he wanted us all to know:

“I am grateful and thankful for all the gifts given to me in this life, and I love you all.” - dgw

Doug was eternally grateful for the fellowship of “Friends of Bill W.”  By the grace and love of this fellowship, he spent almost 43 years in his quest to be the best version of himself.

Doug and Joanne travelled extensively in their retirement, some of the highlights were exploring Alaska and camping under the stars at Ya Ha Tinda Ranch near Banff National Park. They met many long-time friends and enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors. Doug grew up on a farm which created some of his fondest memories of Southern Alberta. He was passionate about farming and agriculture. Doug loved the outdoors and his many hobbies and passions over the years paying tribute to this, including, fishing, spending time in his beautiful garden, horse riding, hiking, mountain climbing, long drives with Joanne through the backroads of Southern Alberta and North Glenmore Park, motor biking, mountain biking and snowmobiling, sailing, gliding, and owning his boat where he spent time navigating the ocean. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and wonderful neighbours in the residential community of Lakeview. Doug had an artistic talent for carving, and painting, especially the landscapes of Southern Alberta.

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Celebration, please email us at dgbwalker@gmail.com. It would be an absolute honor to share his wonderful life, and memories with all of you.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alpha House, 203 15 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, Telephone: 403-234-7388, https://alphahousecalgary.com/donate/, or to the Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, P.O. Box 430 Cochrane, AB, Telephone: 403.932.2012, https://mountstfrancis.ca/donations-and-payments/.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of the ICU and Unit 82 at the Rockyview General Hospital, for their kindness and exceptional care.

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