Don Walker

Donald A. Walker died peacefully in his 93rd year at The Summit in Victoria, BC on September 15, 2023. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Faye of 64 years, his children Scott (Valerie), Ross (Beth), Lori (Susan), and grandchildren Cameron and Benjamin.

Born in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario, Don graduated from high school in Flin Flon, Manitoba where he was awarded the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company scholarship, which enabled him to attend university and obtain his Mining Engineering degree from McGill in 1951; the first person in his family to do so.

Seduced by the allure of jet airplanes and instead of pursuing a career in engineering, he promptly joined the RCAF upon graduation and became a jet fighter pilot. A highlight of his Air Force service included flying the F86 fighter jet in West Germany, captaining the Argus anti-submarine patrol bomber in the North Atlantic during the Cold War, and breaking the speed of sound.

Retiring from the RCAF in 1967, Don moved with his family to Victoria, BC where he became a licensed Land Surveyor, mapping the remote mountainous regions of Northern BC with the BC Government until his retirement.

Don enjoyed travelling the world with Faye, racing and cruising his sailboat “Pytheas”, spending time with his grandchildren and spent many happy hours fraternizing and enjoying weekly walks and lunches with friends from the Vancouver Island Air Crew Association.

Special thanks to the staff of The Summit, 4th Floor Hummingbird House, who provided compassionate and loving care to Don while he was a resident.

A Gathering of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday October 4th from 2pm to 4pm at First Memorial Royal Oak, 4725 Falaise Drive in Victoria. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.