Obituary of Walter Frederick Goodkey

November 9, 1929 - Calgary, Alberta

August 5, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Walter Goodkey of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the age of 93 years.

Walter was born in Calgary, AB on November 9, 1929. He attended school at King George School. In 1953 he married Barbara Joy Goodkey (nee Rayton). He was a member of the Calgary Transit ATU 583, Calgary CT Retirees and had volunteered for many years with Nifty-Fifties, later was a member of the Forest Lawn Seniors.

Walter accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of his family, his 35 years of driving bus, 20+ years of reunions, and helping build the addition onto to Parkdale/Nifty-fifties building. He had a passion for driving, camping, dancing, family, and family history. Walter’s favourite pastime was being with family, travelling, telling stories of family, history, and the transit system days. He will be most remembered for his willingness to help others, his booming voice, and various hats for any occasion.

Walter is survived by his two daughters and one son-in-law, Linda S. Goodkey and Nancy (David) Esselmont of Calgary, AB; one son Kevin Goodkey (Carol Rees) of Calgary, AB, two grandchildren, Katelynn Esselmont and Emily Esselmont of Calgary, AB; as well as his in-laws, Pat and Polly Bellingham, Bob Rayton and Connie, and Ron and Bonnie Rayton. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Walter was predeceased by his wife Barbara Joy Goodkey (nee Rayton) in 2005, and siblings, John “Jack” (Dorothy) Goodkey, Georgina (Joe) Lockett, Nina (Jack) Rowe, Joan (Paul) Duros, June (Al) Shearer, Ethel “Pep” (Fred) Whitburn, Minnie (Reginald) Sheard, and Mary (Clancy) Yahn.

Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens (1605 100 St SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow at McInnis & Holloway (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Dr, Calgary, AB).

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Walter’s family here.

In living memory of Walter Goodkey, 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.