Bud Walker

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Bud Walker, the youngest of five, at the age of 86, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. Bud was the beloved husband, of 61 years, to Vivian, dearest Dad to Kevin (Shelley), Karilyn, and Trevor (Erica Sangster); devoted grandfather to Trent (Cassandra), Haeden, Anton & Viola Walker & Emmett and Madeleine Anctil. He will be missed by his sisters Joan (Bill) Stephenson, and Jean (Don) Smith, Brother-in-Law-Donald Hauser (Connie), Sister-in-Law-Eileen Wood (Gary), Sister-in Law, Eleanor Fair, Brother-in-Law Gordon Hauser (Barb) and many nieces and nephews. Bud was predeceased by his sister Eileen Close (Lawrence), his brother, Graham (Leah), his nephew, Larry Close, bother-in-law Richard Fair (Eleanor), and his son-in-law, Greg Anctil (Karilyn).

Bud was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan to George Keyes Walker and Annie Viola Sled. He attended school in Stranraer, Saskatchewan. Bud was an avid curler. He attended the College of Agriculture, U of S, and worked on the family farm in Stranraer, with his Dad. In his 20’s Bud was a car salesman in Saskatoon where he met his wife, Vivian Hauser. They were married in Cutknife, Saskatchewan and lived in Saskatoon, Regina, and Victoria. He was involved with many companies; in real estate, investments, the mining sector, and for many years he was a partner/stockbroker/investment advisor with the investment and securities firm of Houston Willoughby in Saskatchewan (now a part of the Royal Bank Financial Group). Bud was Manager of Norfolk Trust in Victoria. He was also a periodic guest lecturer at Camosun College. Bud was the founder and President of Pacific & Western Trust Corporation in 1980 (now VersaBank TSX:VBNK). Bud was a director of Claude Resources Ltd. and Shore Gold Inc. both of which are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. He was formerly a member of the Board of Trustees for the Saskatchewan Pension Plan, and was the Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and a Director of 49 North Resource Fund. He was a life-time member of the Saskatoon Club and an affiliate member of the Victoria Union Club. For over 20 years, Bud and Vivian were active members of the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs. Bud and his brother Graham were written up in Peter C. Newman’s “The Canadian Establishment”.

Upon retirement, after open heart surgery, Bud became restless and helped his oldest son, Kevin, start Mid Island Mortgage. In 1993 Bud bought the Great Canadian Dollar Store name from a Saskatoon Company and enticed Vivian, and son Kevin, to join him in franchising over 100 stores across Canada, coast to coast. The company was sold in 2015 to a valued franchisee from New Brunswick. Bud possessed many outstanding qualities which were an even fuller measure of the man. First and foremost was his deep, joyful love for his family. He adored Vivian for her spirit, family devotion and organizational skills. She was his best friend and most trusted partner. Of all his accomplishments, he was proudest of each of his 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Bud had optimism, integrity, dry humour, and was a mentor to many, as he was practical, wise, and fair. He was kind-hearted and generous to a fault. He was a friend of Bill W’s for over 44 years. He thoroughly enjoyed family ski vacations, holidays in Maui, being at the family cabins in Jackfish Lake and most especially Tofino. He loved spending time in Tofino with his family and going for long walks on the beach. We value and cherish so many wonderful memories. He will be sorely missed by his grieving wife, his loving family, his business associates, and his many friends, but forever in their hearts and memories.

The Walker/Anctil/Sangster families would like to extend particular thanks to the attention and care Bud received over the past 5 years at the Sunrise Senior Living home and in his final days at The Summit long term care home. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received in Bud’s memory by the Alzheimer’s Foundation https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/take-action/donate#Donate_online , C.H.I.L.D Foundation www.child.ca or https://www.leukemiabmtprogram.org/. A private family service will be held to honour Bud’s memory.