J. Malcolm Walker

August 12, 1937 - November 25, 2021

Our Dad passed away quietly on Thursday, November 25, 2021 in North Vancouver. Those who loved him gathered in different ways and we know he felt their presence allowing him a buoyant release.

Dad is survived by his children, Paul (Theresa) and Alison and his cherished grandchildren, Tyler, Mackenzie, Eric, Avery, Cassidy and Luke. He was predeceased far too early by his beloved wife, Rosemary – who was the love of his life. His two adoring sisters Joan (Tom) and Eunice (Andrew) in Scotland and England, respectively will miss their big brother, as will his many nieces and nephews.

Born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland on August 12, 1937, Dad remained proud and forever influenced by his homeland. His family roots ran deep in Ireland, yet he chose Canada as home. Dad sought opportunity and adventure in Canada – but the true reason he left his home in Ireland was our Mom – then a young lady of sixteen – and a wonderful first kiss they shared on a warm, summer evening in Donaghadee in 1957.

Mom’s father, Papa John, wrote to Dad in 1958, shortly after immigrating with his family to Canada. Papa John wrote “Life in Canada, is great. We have fresh meat, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables. All year around! Come and enjoy it!” An extraordinary letter to a young man from a father who knew the heart of his little girl. He wanted her to be happy and to be with her young man from Northern Ireland.

Dad made his way to Toronto in April 1959 and he, with that beautiful young lady who became his bride, embraced life with the gift of youth and much promise. Through all their years together, one thing remained a constant for our Dad – the love sparked by that “Donaghadee kiss” with a special young lady, our Mom.

Dad worked with Ontario’s Ministry of Health for many years, overseeing Long Term Care facilities. Dad moved our family in the late 70’s, and Dad managed a chain of nursing homes in Tyler, Texas for a few years. Texas was a job, but Canada was home, and in 1981, our family returned to Toronto and Dad resumed his work with the Ontario government. His keen interest and knowledge in the operations of care facilities continued even after he was admitted as a long-term resident himself – he became an unofficial supervisor and inspector of sorts at Lynn Valley Care Centre and, later Cedarview Lodge where he would randomly fire people for not doing their jobs to his satisfaction (he had high standards) only to then hire them back (he had a big heart). It tells us that he found much satisfaction in what he did which made a good living providing a very comfortable life for his family. He was clearly happy to keep doing his “job”.

Business trips to the West Coast over the years were impactful to our Dad. He was introduced to the beauty of our Province and would be heard to remark, “if I ever have the chance to live there, I will take it”. That chance presented, and without a blink, Dad and Mom packed up (grown children following their beloved parents) and settled for good in West Vancouver in 1989.

After struggling with the immeasurable loss of our Mom in October 1997 – with the help of his children and the magic healing of his grandchildren Dad found a new love. Our American angel, Annie Singer, rekindled our Dad’s zest for life, and Annie and Dad enjoyed a special, magical decade together.

Our Dad was witty, sharp, tough but fair, bold, charismatic, charming (flirty at times), kind, generous, tenacious and had an unwavering faith – he was that and so much more, and to us he was imperfectly, perfect. He was well-read and he could contribute to any discussion with Irish civility – if you didn’t agree with his view, he’d let you know you were wrong. He only saw the best in his children and would push us in the direction he thought they would thrive and succeed. He couldn’t have been prouder of his son, Paul – the best tax accountant that ever lived. Oh, how he bragged about him with a glowing smile on his face. And, his daughter, Alison, he knew her worth and all that she was capable of reaching and he was steadfast in supporting her journey to find her way to a better life all the while supporting her three beautiful children.

Dad loved any opportunity to sit with his grandchildren collectively or one-on-one and take the time to talk to them sharing trivial tidbits or substantive knowledge. He spoke often about his special relationship with his own grandfather and aspired to be in the same league.

Our wonderful Dad began to slip away in late 2017 when things he knew so well, he no longer knew at all. In 2018, Dad was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a relentless and unforgiving disease.

The pandemic accelerated our Dad’s deterioration; denying him so many more visits, physical touch and smiles from those he loved so dearly. We are saddened beyond words, but we are relieved our Dad is now free to fly where he can be himself again. Fly high, Dad.

We are all at such peace knowing Dad is now home with his “darling Rosie”. Smiling, dancing, holding hands and, of course, singing and looking over us.

Especially amidst the pandemic, we wish to send a heartfelt thanks to all the amazing doctors, nurses and care aids at Lynn Valley Care Centre, Lions Gate Hospital and Cedarview Lodge. They are to be commended for the essential work that they do each day.

Come home, come home | Ye who are weary come home | Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling | Calling, “O sinner come home”