"Sending belated condolences--and especially regrets that I did not share my memories in time for Mr Walker to read them. I had the great good fortune to be in his grade 5 class at Mallow Rd in 1960-61. Maybe because we were in a portable, he brought in a radio for the World Series! My strongest memory, though, is that he told us about the horror that was the apartheid regime in South Africa--a shocking lesson that I have recalled many, many times over the last 60+ years, most recently last month, when SA presented its case to the ICJ. Have just now looked to see if there was some event that might have prompted him to do that, and found the infamous Sharpeville massacre of March 1961. For a teacher to bring the real world into an elementary classroom at all was pretty unusual, in my experience. That he thought we needed to know about apartheid, and were capable of taking in what he told us, is a massive tribute to him."

Mr Walker is the reason why I love sport. Every chance we had to go outside to play, he took it. He taught us sport skills and sportsmanship. He was stern, fair, funny and scary. I do think that he questioned being a teacher on the over night trips to Albion Hills - we really tested his patience. We loved him. I will forever be grateful that myself and 2 sisters had him as a teacher. Grade 6 Mallow Road Public. 

Our sincere condolences to Ron Walker’s family. Uncle Ron was a great man who brought a smile and a laugh to anyone around him.  I loved listening to his stories and could sit and listen for hours. I have many fond memories of listening to him and the family telling stories of their younger days. He was definitely someone to look up to and someone I will miss very much. 
Our prayers are with the family for peace and healing during this very sad time.
Lots of love,
Sarah and Hannah 

Mr. Walker was my mentor. He was like a second father. He supported me in elementary school from grade 3 onwards. He was a great father figure and coach….a life coach as well as a sports coach. For me he was the most important influence to help me make it through elementary and into high school . I have always thought of him through my adult years and I always will. I have sooo many fantastic memories of our relationship, too many to write about and not enough space. If one could love a teacher or coach, I loved Mr. Walker.
I am sooo sorry for his family. I’m sure his spirit will remain forever with you and guide you. God bless you all 😢!

Grade 6 class with Mr. Walker, Mallow Rd. PS. To get all of us to hold still that long even deserved a medal. He was the best. Never forgot him as I am sure all of us feel to this day. Such a great era. Sincere Condolences. (4th from L back row).

My Grade 6 teacher at Mallow Rd. PS. He was the best and never forgot him. He taught us so much more than textbooks as he treated us, and expected us, to act like young adults as we were on the threshold. There were always classes where students would come back from DMJH to say hello. Sincere condolences.

Condolences to Roberta, Ron Jr , Marnie, Greg and the rest of Ron's family. His passing will leave a hole in the lives of all he touched.
He's been a part of our lives for more than 70 years. He was a dear friend, a much-loved brother-in-law and uncle. He was a wonderful artist, a hilarious storey-teller, a constant support for all the children in the family.
When we first met, he was a young man with plans to become a teacher. How fortunate for his students to be taught by and have a role model like Ron.
He will be dearly missed by all.

Shirley Walker and Janice Stoppa 



I was never a student of Mr. Walker, but the memories many have written here make me wish I had been. I knew Mr. Walker through playing lacrosse and hockey with his son, Ron. Mr. Walker was at most, if not all, of our games. He always had a kind word, he was always supportive and pleasant to talk with. 

My sisters played lacrosse with Marnie, and one of my younger brothers played with Greg. I know that Mr. And Mrs. Walker were at as many of those games as they could attend. They were both so nice, to everyone. Everyone knew who they were, and which child of theirs was playing in the games. They were part of a great group of parents we all had supporting our fun and games. This was a great childhood that they all collectively provided.

In recent years, I was fortunate to see Mr. And Mrs. Walker out watching their grandson, Lukas, at curling.  Just like in the old days, they were saying hello, and generally making everyone they talked to a little happier. 

My wife Analyn and I send our condolences to the Walker family. 

After my older brother & sister both enjoyed his class, I couldn’t wait to get into Mr Walker’s Grade 5/6 class. Lucky to have him the last year before Mallow Road PS closed, then Gr 6 at Norman Ingram. I loved being in his class, learned so much, not just the academics (mechanical tests every Friday!) but also sports and art. He was fun but firm, patient and kind. One of a kind, and I will never forget him.

Mr. Walker was my teacher, and he had an enormous impact on me. 

He was my first male teacher, and I was pretty intimidated when I knew I would be in his class. 

He was firm, and fair, and he expected the best out of each of us. For me that meant, I started to believe I could do more, and be better. And I did.

I remember nervously showing him my assignment book, to see if my handwriting was up to his standard, so that maybe I would be allowed to get a pen from the cupboard, to start using it in class. 

He seemed to make the lesson (beneath the lessons) about hard work, perseverance, goal setting and dedication, leading to a reward. If I wanted something, I had the ability to do what was needed to get it.  The more I tried, the more I received rewards that mattered to me - positive attention, good marks, pride in my achievements, being allowed to use a pen in class!

He was a powerful, yet understated role model, and his lessons have stuck with me throughout my life, and I am 60 years old. 

I have thought of Mr. Walker often, always with fondness, and gratitude.  I felt special in his class, and I know I was not alone.

To Mr. Walker's family, I offer my condolences, along with my gratitude that you shared him with so many children, like me, who needed what he gave us.

He was a lovely man, and his legacy will carry on.

Gord Williams
Mallow Road PS student

Dear Ron's Family,

Ron taught our three girls at Mallow Road, and were very fond of him, and as a parent we knew he was an excellent teacher and had beautiful handwriting.  Our girls names are Jeannine, Jane and Julia Pasquill, and the eldest one went into teaching and believe or not she is retiring at the end of June. Ron must have instilled something in her as she was very much liked and finished up as head of the Girls Phys. Ed. They looked up to her as a mother and would confide in her.
Ron has had a wonderful life and to reach 91 is a real achievement. Our girls would like to be included in our sympathy to you all and we shall be thinking of you in the coming months. Fond memories, Jenny & John Pasquill.

Mr. Walker left an imprint on my childhood that I carry through to this day. It was at a little Don Mills School that closed before its time. My love for basketball came from him. I remember how all the kids wanted to be in Mr Walker's class and while I never was, I always wanted to be in the gym playing (especially) basketball with Mr. Walker and the other kids. I have thought of him often over the last several decades. I am sad to hear he has passed, but I am happy to know he lived a happy, long and fulfilling life. Rest in peace Mr. Walker. 

To the Walker family,
Mr Walker was the best teacher ever!! But some how I feel you have heard that before.  I was in his class in grade 6 at Mallow Public School in 1979.  He taught me how to problem solve and to this day that is one of my best traits!! He showed me how to draw/paint by using a Christmas card with a grid, however I can’t say I quite got it like the problem solving.  
I always enjoyed playing basketball and floor hockey in the school gym. He was one of those teachers that every parent wanted to have their child in his classroom.

He also had the most wonderful handwriting!!  I remember trying to copy it and hoping I could be as good as him. 

To this day I can still remember his kind voice.  He was stern yet also gentle.  I consider myself so lucky to have known him and be taught by him. 

I wish I could come to say goodbye and wish him well on his next journey but I’m in Vancouver.  So I will say this from a distance.  Thank you for everything you did for us kids!!!

I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Walkers passing. He was my grade 6 teacher at Norman Ingram and is certainly the reason I have been an avid reader my whole life. 
I’ll never forget him. 
My sincerest condolences to his whole family. The void left by his absence must be vast. 
Rest in peace Mr. Walker. 

I’m very sorry to hear this news… 

Mr. Walker was my favourite and most inspirational teacher!  I was fortunate to have him as my teacher for grade 5 and grade 6!  He taught us the most impressive cursive handwriting skills and could shoot a mean basketball :). 
I ‘ve often thought about him and referred to experiences in his classroom over the years.  

He was a wonderful teacher and I bet a wonderful father, grand father and husband!

Thinking about him and your family.

Sincerely,
Julia (Pasquill) Harvey



I had Ron as a teacher for grade 6 at the old Don School (SE corner of Don Mills Rd and Lawrence) in1956-57.  Our classroom was a portable. I was a problem for teachers up to that point, but he straightened me out, not in a nasty way, but in a firm way. Halfway through the year, we moved to Mallow Road PS. We just cleaned out our desks and walked to MRPS (couldn't do that today!). He introduced me to sports, which I never had time for before then ... I thank him for that ... led to a life of being fit and healthy. He participated in our sports at recess and noon hour. EVERYONE wanted to catch a fly ball that he hit (I never succeeded). He read "The Winning Basket" to us, sitting on the corner of his desk. He drilled us with our multiplication tables and timed us as we went around the "multiplication clock". If we didn't qualify on Friday's test, we had to write out the table of the particular number we were having trouble with. We had to know the multiplication tables right up to 12x (I guess a leftover from Britain ... just 1-10 would do). He was a fair guy, tough and firm with us, but commanded respect ... a GREAT teacher. He was an inspiration for my teaching career. RIP, Ron ... see you later in that great classroom in the sky.

My name is Fiona Luscombe nee Young I am the one smack dab in the middle with the blue dress and dark rimmed glasses. Mr Walker was an awesome teacher. I remember him well. This school picture as you can see was taken 55 years ago. Condolences to all if Mr. Walkers friends and family. RIP😔❤

Coach Ron Walker was a kind and skilled educator, who cared very much about people.  He held us all to a higher standard in terms of ethics, integrity, and sportsmanship.   Like all great coaches, Ron was competitive and aimed to bring out the best in both the individual and the collective.   Mr. Walker had a way of influencing your soul, just as all terrific teachers, coaches, and mentors do.

Condolences to the Walker family.

Bruce Mahony and Lisa (Farrow) Mahony





My biggest disappointment in my Mallow Rd school days was not having  Mr. Walker as my teacher . EVERYBODY wanted to be in his class . My greatest memories - being lucky enough to have him as my coach on the various sports teams . Basketball is still my go to memory of those years . Lunchtime , afterschool  , anytime , all times he  played ,coached and showed us his love for the game  and for us .  For many years after we would still meet him on friday afternoons for a pick up game in the school gym, the highlight of our week!  His enthusiasim ,knowledge, kindness and support carried me for many years and still does to this day in many ways!  A super guy ! everyone should have a Mr. Walker in their young life . I did , and i'm so blessed for it . Thank you Mr. Walker . God Bless . RIP.  
iain hillier

Now this is a life well lived! 
I have thought of Mr. Walker many many times over the years since I was in his grade 6 class at the old Don School and transferred the same year to Mallow Road P.S.  Ever since, I’ve aspired to have the same superb penmanship as was demonstrated in his classroom.  As the years went by, I became a teacher myself and tried to emulate Mr. Walker’s outstanding ability to develop rapport with his students.  My husband also taught with Ron at Norman Ingram P. S. 
What an amazing legacy! 


Mr. Walker was someone who had a lifelong effect for all the kids who had the privilege of being in his class. Such fond memories of Mallow Road and in particular Mr Walker giving his time for us in the gym. Floor hockey and basketball in that tiny gym. We never knew how lucky we were. 

Mallow Road is sadly only a memory now as it has been bulldozed but the memories Mr. Walker left us will be with us forever. Thank you the memories Mr Walker. 

Scott Stacey (1977)

I am very sorry for your family’s loss.
Mr. Walker was my grade 5 teacher at Mallow Road Public School in 1961.  Our class was in the portable.  I have very fond memories of that year! Mr. Walker was, by far, my favourite teacher throughout my school years!  I used to get teased all the time that I was “the teacher’s pet”…. A name tag that I was very proud to wear! RIP Mr. Walker. 


Mr. Walker was, without a doubt, the best teacher anyone could ask for. Firm but fair, personable and always willing to organize baseball, floor hockey, football and basketball in the gym @ Mallow at lunch time. He made sure everyone could take part too. Just a genuinely happy and caring man. . He had a huge impact on a lot of lives. When your number is called, most people just want to know they've left a mark; he certainly did. Condolences to his family. 

Ron will always be Mr. Walker to me. He truly changed my life. As a student at Mallow Road public school I was dealing with health issues. Mr. Walker found ways to include me in sports (putting me in goal for floor hockey to reduce the risk of injury), and made me a timekeeper for our basketball team. I’m 65 but still remember  the sound of his voice. Gone but never forgotten.  RIP

Heartfelt condolences to the family for your loss.
Ron Walker was my grade 5 teacher at Mallow Road Public School in Don Mills. At the end of the school year his daughter Marnie was born.  Since my name is also Marnie I  was thrilled. 
“Mr Walker” was the only teacher out in the field playing baseball with all of us  , or basketball indoors.   I’ve never forgotten the enjoyable year 
I had in grade 5.  Thanks Mr Walker!
Dr.  Marnie McArthur 
Caledon and Muskoka. 

Very saddened to here of cousin Ron’s passing. Our condolences on your loss. He was a great guy. Always enjoyed our conversations and particularly listening to his many stories about the family particularly involving  him and Uncle Tom. We have made a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in his honour. Paul & Kathy Gallagher

Greg, Louise, Sarah, Emily (and family), my condolences for your loss. It’s been a number of years, but I distinctly remember Mr. Walker as a kind, smart man. I’ve made a donation to Heart & Stroke Foundation  in his honour. Thinking of you, Paul, Cole and Elle. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ronald Harvey Walker

18 octobre 1931 – 6 mai 2023

Jerrett Funeral Homes - Scarborough Chapel

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