Russell Lawrence Walker

Russell Lawrence Walker was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Russell always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Russell was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Russell was born on March 23, 1939 at Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. His parents were Clarence and Myrtle Walker. Russell was raised in Toronto, Ontario. Always able to express himself well, Russell possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Russell was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Russell was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Russell was raised with four siblings. He had four brothers, David, Douglas, Donald, and Alexander. Russell had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Russell showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Russell enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in hockey. He was a lifeboy and member of the AYPA at St. Marks Anglican Church, Toronto.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Russell was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Friends and acquaintances found Russell an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Russell was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Paul Vella, Fred Colbeck, and Jack Moss. Later in life, he became friends with June and Dave Goodfellow, and Doreen and Rich Moir.

      On October 31, 1959 Russell exchanged wedding vows with Mary Ethel Travis at the St. Marks Anglican Church of Toronto, Ontario. Russell was attentive to Mary's feelings, and he charmed Mary and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Russell was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Russell identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Russell was blessed with two children, two daughters, Cheryl and Linda. He was also blessed with three grandchildren, Daniel, Emma, and Matthew.

      Russell was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Russell’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Russell was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Russell could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was a sheet metal worker. He was employed for many years as Vice President of Principal Heating Company.

      Russell enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were golf, boating, and the stock market. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Russell was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Russell worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Russell was a retired member of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 30. He received his 50 year pin in 2009 and was a member of the Quarry Golf Club.

      Russell was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Russell was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Grandview Park Social Committee for many years.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Russell truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included boat trips to Georgian Bay, Family cruises in the Carribean and spending time in Florida.

      When Russell’s retirement finally came in September 30, 1992, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Hudson, Florida for the winter months. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing golf, spending his winters in Florida and his summers with his family at Grandview Park in Ennismore, Ontario.

      Russell passed away on November 19, 2012 at Greater Niagara General Hospital. He fought a very brave and thankfully short battle against lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary; his daughters Cheryl and Linda; his son-in-laws Michael and Paul; his grandchildren Danny, Emma, and Matthew and his brothers David and Donald. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Russell was laid to rest in Groveside Cemetery in Whitby, Ontario.

      Russell was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Russell had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Russell Lawrence Walker.

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WALKER, Russell Lawrence

(Retired Member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #30)

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Russell Lawrence Walker, in Niagara Falls, with his family by his side, on Monday, November 19th, 2012, in his 74th year. Devoted husband of Mary (nee Travis) for 53 years. Adored father of Cheryl Gibbons (Michael), and Linda Walker (Paul Kok). Treasured Grampie of Daniel, Emma, and Matthew. Dear brother of David (Emily), Donald (Joan) and the late Douglas and Alexander. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Friday, November 23rd, from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, November 24th, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Lung Cancer Research.