Charles Tupper Walker

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Charles Tupper Walker of Halifax on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 84 years 10 months. Charlie was born April 17, 1932 in Carleton Corner, Bridgetown. He was a son of Harriette (Borden) and Newell H. Walker. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Frances Arlene (MacRae) of Truro; his only daughter, Deborah Ann (Alex McGowan) of Victoria, B.C.; his sons, Charles Paul, Toronto; Stephen Robert (Cindy), Ottawa; Alan James, Aylmer, Que.; and grandchildren, Jonathan Robert "Sampson", Lauren and Sarah, and Brittany and Ashley. Charlie was predeceased by brothers, James Arthur, Phillip Newell (Joyce), and sister, Annie Sutherland. He is survived by sisters, Eva Dow and Doris McNaughton (Sid).

Charlie joined the Royal Bank of Canada in 1950 and proudly served for 40 years. He was on the Bank Inspection Team for two and a half years in both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland before being appointed Branch manager in several jurisdictions in Atlantic Canada including Gander, N.L., Almon and Agricola, Halifax, and finally Bedford and Area.

Charles was a member of the Canadian Bankers Association and the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and also served with many community organizations throughout his banking career including the Lions and Kinsmen Clubs. He gave generously to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Salvation Army and The War Amps.

Charlie was a loving husband and devoted father. Family always came first. He looked forward to coming home to Frances' welcoming smile after a busy day at work, cherishing the privacy and comforts of their home. She was his "rock". Charlie had a dynamic personality, always living life to the fullest. He was a connoisseur of fine food which his wife Frances lovingly prepared each day. Occasionally they savored a glass of fine wine and frequently entertained family, friends and business associates in their home. In the evenings he regularly watched his favorite news programs on CNN and the CBC. He also loved watching NHL hockey, especially during the playoffs.

A great storyteller, Charles enjoyed conversing with friends and acquaintances alike. He loved music, especially sounds from the "Big Band" era, to which he and Frances danced regularly. A great skater, he looked forward to playing hockey each winter with his sons on Frog Pond off Purcell's Cove Road (Armdale), a stone's throw from his Fleming Glen home. Charles and Frances delighted in going for brisk walks in the Dingle, savoring the magnificent foliage, especially during the autumn months.

Charlie had a keen interest in business and politics at the local, national and international levels, regularly tuning into CBC radio for his morning news and weekend entertainment. Last but not least, he dearly loved his cat Puffy who always accompanied him when he sat out in the summer sun listening to his radio.

Upon retirement in 1990, Charlie's entrepreneurial spirit and vision were never more evident than when he and Frances purchased idle farmland (including a farmhouse) at Sand Point (near Tatamagouche) and started their own company, Sea Sands Development Ltd., selling large waterfront lots for upscale homes (generating a new municipal tax base for decades into the future). Charlie was never happier than when he was riding his big "John Deere" tractor working his fields and developing his lots. During the summer months he was often accompanied by his young grandson Jonathan and his part-time dogs Rowdy and Sparky, who delighted in chasing field mice.

Sand Point was Charlie's favourite spot in the whole world. He loved watching the sunset on Tatamagouche Bay while he barbequed the evening meal for family and friends. We will miss Dad's ready smile and laughter more than he could ever know. His presence will always be with us.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the health care professionals at the QEII and the VG who cared for Dad during his final days, especially to the nurses on the 9th Floor of the Abbey Lane. They brightened his days and made him feel special.

Visitation has taken place in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. A celebration of Charlie's life will take place this summer at his farm (Sand Point) overlooking Tatamagouche Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie's name to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Salvation Army or The War Amps