Spence Walker

Spence was born in Winnipeg, September 15, 1930, a first child for John and Violet (Fotheringham) Walker. The family moved to Indian Head in 1942.

Spence attended school in Indian Head from Grade 7 to 12 graduating in 1947. He then attended United College in Winnipeg (now the University of Winnipeg) for a year before heading to the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1952.

He took a position at the drugstore in Indian Head and then, in 1953, teamed up with Aubrey Jealous to buy the store. The two men ran Jealous and Walker Drugs together for 36 years when they retired and sold the business.

Spence married Shirley McDermaid on May 19, 1955. They had three children together – Dan, born in 1956; John in 1960 and Pam in 1963. They were excited to move their family into their newly built house in 1968 - the home where Dad remained until last August. They enjoyed spending time in the summers with the family at their cabin at Katepwa Lake.

Spence was active in the community, serving in various capacities over the years. He was on Town Council, was a local Scout leader, as well as District Commissioner for Scouts Canada, golf course executive, Chamber of Commerce, St. Andrews United Church council member, choir member and Sunday school teacher. As a piano player, he was part of an orchestra, playing at various dances in the area for nearly ten years; and played in the band concerts held downtown. He loved to play the piano, and continued until recently when the arthritis in his hands interfered.

After Spence’s retirement, he and Shirley enjoyed traveling through Western Canada, visiting family and friends at their leisure. Once the grandchildren started to arrive, it meant more frequent trips to Gravelbourg, Peace River, Humboldt and Russell, MB as their children moved with their families.

Spence also used his creative talents to build furniture and toys in his backyard woodworking shop, a hobby he had started when he was in high school. He and Shirley traveled around Saskatchewan for a number of years to many of the different craft shops with his Walker’s Woodworks creations, where they were sold on consignment. He kept busy creating furniture pieces for himself and his children and grandchildren until last year.

Although Spence was devastated by the loss of his life partner, Shirley, in 2014, he continued to keep active in the community. He took great pride in maintaining his house and yard, planting a small garden and bedding plants to beautify his home. He still traveled to visit his children and grandchildren, and was pleased to welcome the great grandchildren into his home whenever they could come to visit.

Last summer, Spence began to have some mobility issues and he was not able to manage in his home. He moved to Hayes Haven where he renewed some acquaintances and made new friends. He was very comfortable in his suite there for the last nine months.

Spence was predeceased by his wife Shirley in 2014, and recently by his brother Jack, and granddaughter-in-law, Kim Thauberger. He is survived by his son Dan Walker (Lorie) and his son, Cam Thauberger and his children Adam and Caden; Lorie’s son Dustin Kelso (Stacey) and their children, Owen and Connor; son John Walker (Laurette) and their children, Joel (Adrianna) and their children Dawson and Corbett; Emilie (Christine) and their child, Juno; Marc (Melanie), and Sylvie; daughter Pam Elliott (Ray) and their children, Ian (Jacquelynn) and their children Graeme and Malcolm; and Colin (Aliah) and their child, Remington. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Lois Walker and Lila McDermaid, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad was always interested in people and took time to visit with them, regardless of their gender, age or supposed status. He was well known by staff at all the businesses in town. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A private interment service was held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to The Indian Head and District Hospital Foundation, Inc. Box 1547 Indian Head, SK S0G 2K0, or etransfer to [email protected] or Hayes Haven Personal Care Home, Box 1090 Indian Head, SK S0G 2K0.