September 25, 1946 – June 25, 2023
Our amazing “Go Big or Go Home” Nick passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 25, 2023. Nicholas David Walker was born in Shrewsbury, England to Evelyn May Pinches of Shropshire and John David Walker of Sussex New Brunswick. His father was a Lancaster pilot with the 101 Squadron of the RAF when he met Evelyn while stationed in Shawbury. After Johnnie completed his studies in Fredericton as a Forestry Engineer the family relocated to Gaspe, then to Val d’Or Quebec where Nick made many lifelong friends and graduated High School. He moved to Montreal in his late teens and worked in a succession of jobs before joining Transport Canada in 1969 to train as an Air Traffic Controller. He obtained his VFR licence in Quebec City, then transferred to Montreal Area Control Centre where he qualified as an IFR Controller working both Enroute and Terminal sectors. In 1978, Nick and his family moved to Toronto where he worked in the Area Control Centre as a Controller and later as a Shift Manager. In 1999, another transfer resulted in a relocation to Edmonton as a Shift Manager and General Manager of Airport Operations before a final move to Vancouver in 2001 as the General Manager of IFR Operations. Nick retired from Nav Canada in February 2004. These are the Bio sheet facts of Nick’s life, but they don’t tell the essence of the man.
Nick always said that he could not have found a better job than Air Traffic Control. He loved the work, the camaraderie and the sense of purpose and accomplishment. He was the ultimate Sports fan forever loyal to his Raiders. Although he grew up with the Habs, he had transferred his loyalties to the Oilers when it became obvious that Edmonton was his new home. But for participation – Golf was his game. He loved to play it, watch it, study it and talk about it. He played many of the top Canadian and American courses over the years and had great stories about all the wonderful and interesting people he met along the way. But, above all Nick loved his family and friends. He was a doting “Girl Dad” to Carrie, Christy and Samantha, long before the phrase was contemplated and had the same love for his grandchildren who sadly lived some distance away. He was his wife Arlene’s biggest cheer leader, always encouraging her to take on new challenges while he happily sat in the shadows.
Nick’s circle of family and friends was large, and he cared for and valued them to the last day. He was the guy that everyone wanted to have at the party and was usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. He never wanted to miss an event and usually over committed, hoping that somehow, he could magically fit it all in and see everyone and do everything – he hated to disappoint. His love was repaid tenfold over the last months and years and has continued to bring warmth and support to his family. We are heart broken to say Goodbye too soon to a wonderful, husband, father, grampie, son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle, but are left with many lifetimes of great memories and stories for the ages. We can all take a page from Nick’s book and look for the goodness in people and enjoy the blessings of life.
Nick is survived by his Mother Evelyn Walker who is in her 99th year, as well as sisters Sandra Walker (David Fox), Donna Arsenault (Ellery), brothers Barry Walker (Cheryl) and Blair Walker (Cathy). Also, brothers in law Rick Yakeley (Pat), Ron Yakeley (Janet) and sister-in-law Norma Jean Walker. He was a favourite Uncle to his nieces and nephews, many of whom visited for the summer and one who moved in and stayed – that’s you Jessica Huff (Daryl).
Nick’s immediate family - wife Arlene Yakeley, daughters Carrie Walker Boyd (Rob), Christy Walker and Samantha Walker and grandchildren Ethan, Isabelle, Carson and Beckett all wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and kindness; we are humbled and grateful. Nick always thought that he was a Dog man, but it turned out that he was a Cat guy and donations to the Humane Society would be his charity of choice. A private service will be held later.
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