Archie Walker
March 27, 1924 – October 11, 2009 Passed away peacefully on Oct 11, 2009 at the age of 85 years. Archie will be remembered with love by his wife, Catherine of 57 years, their daughter Gail Watson ( Dave ), son Stuart ( Nancy ), grandchildren, Sheena, Scott, Melanie, Sara, Stefanie, great grandchildren Maxwell, Mikaela, sister Mary Smith ( Jim ) along with many friends and family.
Born in Glasgow Scotland he served with the British Army as a Tank Driver in WWII. He immigrated to Canada in 1954 and served the majority of his working years with the Vancouver School Board.
Always willing to lend a hand and to help those less fortunate, Archie is remembered for his laughter, stories, wit, friendliness and kindness. His motto, “live and let live.”
Our sincere gratitude to each and everyone who walked caringly with Archie and our family during this difficult time. Special thanks to his neighbours Jeanette and Arlene for their kindness, help and support over the years. Please celebrate the gift of Archie’s life at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel, 4276 Hastings, Thurs Oct 22, 2pm.
Please leave your comments and stories at Online guestbook at www.bellburnaby.com
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Hi there
We just wanted to express our condolences to the Walker family. We only met Archie briefly a couple of times as we purchased the property on Albert Street but his kindness, wit and charm were evident. My husband is still recounting stories told to him by Archie during the house inspection. His memory and spirit will live on in the house forever.
God bless.
Pauline, Jason and Carmen Flowers
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I never met Archie personally, but through his caring and loving daughter I learned much about a man who lived with integrity and authenticity, qualities he passed on to Gail.
Our prayers and love are with you,
Anne-Marie Dekker and family
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Archie, I know the kind of man he was through my friendship with Gail, the daughter he raised who embodies his values his values ….caring, kind, and hard working.
Sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed by all of you.
Nancy Fraser
Sincere condolences on the passing of Archie Walker.
I was very fortunate to have met Archie, through Gail, in my late teens. There are so many good memories of times with the Walker family on Albert Street – Gail and her mum in a lively debate while Archie would be sharing funny stories with me at the kitchen table. Archie was always friendly, always willing to lend a hand, and always ready to listen.
Truly a wonderful man who will be missed and remembered with great affection.
Trena Pepper
I had the abosolute pleasure of meeting Archie a few times through my friendship with Gail. I remember a truly wonderful Thanksgiving that was hosted by Gail and her family including Archie and Catherine, inviting those of us whose families lived far away and would otherwise spend the holidays alone.
I will always remember Archie’s stories and laughter and how obviously proud he was of his family. Archie’s qualities shine ever bright through Gail through her wit, charm, humour and neverending caring for her friends and family.
I am sorry for your loss and the pain you feel now but find comfort in having made this amazing journey with your dad and all the wonderful times you have shared.
Dear Gail, Dave Sheena & rest of family,
We know that Archie must have been a very special Dad to you, Gail, as he raised a fine,beautiful, sensitive, caring and focused daughter, and a great grandpa. He was fortunate to have you with him also. I wish we could be there to give you all a big hug. thoughts and prayers with you, Love your “Watson-Blasioli” family, Juls, Blas, Ali & Matt oxox
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Archie personally, as a friend of Gail’s I can see clearly the reason Gail is the caring, giving and supportive person she is. Archie left a legacy in Gail that others dream of leaving.
Our prayers and love are with you,
Jo-Ann and Family.
Some of my first memories as a little boy in glasgow where of Archie and Cathy. I remember being at their wedding and as a kid listening to him telling me stories about driving his tank in France and Holland in WW11. I used to think of him as real hero along with the other veterans in our family and he somehow always finished all of these stories off with some humour.
We appreciated them both at our childrens weddings and he will always be remembered in our family .
He will be missed ,but remebered with fondness for the light hearted view he had of life. We never left him without having him telling us the latest joke (some recycled) I should have remembered them better as some were real keepers.
Looking back on the years of visits with your dad and mom, they were
so much fun to sit and talk with. The old stories, the jokes, and of course the laughs we shared were wonderful. He was always so full of life, he wanted to know how everyone was in the family, and what they were up to. He seemed to take life with good cheer and was just a happy go lucky kind of person, he was a gentle soul. We will miss his smile and good humor, and of course his hugs. We are very happy to have had him in our lives.
Gail we were so sorry to hear the news about your dad. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I feel lucky to have met your dad a few times in the early years of our friendship and now our hearts go out to you and your family with his passing. I remember him always being so sweet and fun, with a very loving open heart. His wonderful energy will keep shining through you and your children…and I know that from time to time, you’ll still feel him right by your side…
I have been a neighbour to Archie and Cathy Walker for 23 years.
Over the years I came to know Archie well as we would frequently pause to chat in the lane on garbage collection day.
During the past two years, it has been a pleasure for me to spend more time visiting with Archie and getting to know Gail and her family. Archie certainly retained a wonderful memory. He told me many stories of his experiences in Europe during the war when he was in the British Army; never the same story twice and he could still recite the names of his troop mates and officers.
Four days before Archie passed away, my sister and I were able to visit him in Gail’s home. Archie’s physical body was weak but his spirit shone through. Archie amazed us at how he seemed to delight in telling us a couple of jokes and making us laugh.
Right up to his last days, Archie still gave me that very familiar and cheerful greeting: “Oh, Hi, how ya do-in’ Jeanette”.
Archie was a fine Scottish gentleman and it has been a privilege for me to know him.
My sincere condolences to the Walker and Watson families.
Gail, although I never met your Dad, your incredible relationship with him is something few people ever have had the opportunity to experience. Through you, I know that Archie was an incredible man, and I will be honoured to attend tomorrow and join you, Dave and family to celebrate his life.
Dear Gail,
You have had to step up and be a strong advocate for your parents. I like your stories about Archie. And he must have been a very special person to have raised a vibrant, sensitive, loving person like you. Archie has been such a huge part of your lives, for you, David and the kids, especially in the last while. May he rest in peace.
Love KK, Brad, and the girls, Katy and Micaela
I’m a friend of Gail’s – I so enjoy her sense of humour and now I know where she got it from! What a loss to have to say goodbye to someone so full of life, stories and laughter. I never knew Archie but feel like I know him after having read the above words and the comments from friends and family. I’m not able to attend the celebration of Archie’s life tomorrow, but my heart will be there, supporting Gail, Dave and her family.
My blessings and condolences to you all,
Susan
Dear Gail, Dave, and family,
Our deepest condolences to all of you at this difficult time. Gail, you were an amazing support to your dad – and Dave and the kids were equally amazing at allowing you the time to be with your dad. As I’ve said to you many times your devotion, love, and support towards your dad – especially during his final days when you set him up in your own home was unparalleled. His spirit and zest for life will live on through you Gail – a truly remarkable daughter who cared so deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Barbara, Mark, & family
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IN MY YOUTH WHEN I FIRST CAME TO BE AWARE OF ARCHIES PART IN THE LIFE OF HIS WIFE, MY AUNT KATE TO WHOM I WAS ALWAYS SO VERY CLOSE, I SOMEHOW KNEW THAT THINGS WERE ABOUT TO BE DIFFERENT…
LIKE MOST AWARENESSES IN HINDSIGHT I CAME TO SEE THAT THIS WAS A PERSON WHO WAS QUITE DIFFERENT TO SO MANY PEOPLE IN THE AREA WHERE WE LIVED…
HE HAD AN INTEREST IN FOLK MUSIC AND PLAYED A GUITAR AND TO ME WAS A PERSON OF SENSITIVITY…
ARCHIE WAS A GREAT STORY TELLER OF INTEREST TO LISTEN TO, ESPECIALLY OF HIS ESCAPADES IN EARLIER TIMES & IN HIS WAR EXPERIENCES…
OVER THE MANY YEARS SINCE, I OBSERVED A MAN WHO HAD GREAT PATIENCE AND GENTLE SKILLS WITH YOUNGER PEOPLE AND CHILDREN…
HE WAS A COMMITED PERSON IN HIS WORK AND DEDICATED TO HIS FAMILY… YOU COULD SEE WHERE HE ADDED TO THEIR LIVES …
SAD TO SAY IN THAT IN THE LATER YEARS WHEN KATE HAD TAKEN ILL HE WENT THROUGH MANY EMOTIONAL DILEMNAS AS REGARDS TO HER DIAGNOSIS…
BUT THAT WAS MET WITH A RESOLVE RIGHT UP TO HIS DEMISE THAT CAN ONLY BE ADMIRED BY SUCH AS MYSELF…
MY PLEASURE WAS IN KNOWING THE MAN AND I AM SURE HE WILL BE MUCH MISSED BY THOSE CLOSER TO HIM IN CANADA…
I AM THE BETTER FOR KNOWING PEOPLE SUCH AS HE… MAY HE REST IN PEACE
When I lived in Burnaby in the early 70′s I was a close friend of Cathy and soon became aquainted with Archie. I have very fond memories of both of them. They enriched my life and I will always be grateful.
Gail was only a small child when I last saw her.
In 1973 my late husband Michael & I and two daughters were transferred to Alberta.
My deepest condolences to Cathy, Gail, Stuart and the rest of the family.
Nona
Stewart, Gail & families,
Rita and I want to extend to you our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dad.
We only really met Archie and Cathy a couple of times, the one being at Stewart’s 50th birthday celebration. Notwithstanding, it was memorable as Archie shared his thoughts with warmth and humor, talked music (I played a couple of silly songs for Stewart that night) and military memories. We even spoke a little bit of German together on the patio as the sun was setting–he was very good at it, even after all those years!
The service for Archie was truly a celebration of his life. Stewart, we can see that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree when it comes to a quick wit and a sense of humor; and Gail, you have a tender and thoughtful heart and that showed through very powerfully in the words you shared yesterday. Rev. Edgecombe’s words and the songs chosen and played were very meaningful and filled with Christian encouragement and hope.
Please be assured that you will be in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss and missing.
Our love to you both & to all of yours,
Brian & Rita Rapske