WALKER, Leonard “Russ”
Born January 31, 1923, passed away April 16, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia. He is survived by his wife, Wanda (James) Walker, his brother Lorne (Claudette) of Victoria, B.C., his four daughters: Annette (the late Dave) Leonard of Sarnia, Louise (Luc) Parisotto of Port Elgin, Grace (Brett) Beal of Woodstock, and Nancy Walker (Eric) (the late Frederic) of Switzerland; grandchildren: Brian (Stacey), Laura, Ashlen, Alexa, Lesliana and Kilian. He is also survived by his step-children: Patty Welsh (Glenn Gladu), Debbie (Don) Delong, Tim James, Steve James and their families. He was predeceased by his first wife Nellie (Sands) Walker, Evelyn (Partington) Walker, his sister Betty (Walker) Elliott, parents Frank and Agnes (Leonard) Walker. Dad worked 38 years for Bell Canada with a 3 year interval in the RCAF in England. After their marriage on September 15, 1945, he and Nellie spent 46 years together, raising their daughters, travelling extensively throughout Canada and Europe, sailing, flying (as they both had their pilots license) and enjoying life. Dad’s building projects and engineering pursuits were many and varied: most notably a boat for river rides and water skiing with family and friends, a single engine plane (Jodel) which he flew till he was 87. He also sailed in his Abbott 22 for many years – the last solo sail when he was 96. Many summer holidays were spent at Dorcas Bay at our family cabin. He was an avid member of the Sarnia Yacht Club, the Experimental Aircraft Association and a long-standing member of St. Giles Church. His marriage to Wanda brought him the love and joys of a whole new family, with whom he savoured many precious moments – at home and at their cottage. Wanda and Dad enjoyed many trips: to the Middle East, Cuba and cruise vacations. Special mention to Dad’s lifelong friend and flying buddy, John Percival and his sailing accomplice Dave Bell. During Dad’s nearly 99 years, he endured the passing of countless loved ones. After each heart-wrenching goodbye, he squared his shoulders and soldiered on. And now…it is our turn to say goodbye. God be with you. Goodbye, Dad. Au revoir. Bye for now.
Special thanks to the compassionate, caring medical staff at Bluewater Health in Sarnia and at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held. In Dad’s memory please do a kind deed for someone today and in his words, “make a wonderful, happy life.” Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (cheques only when donating at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.