Obituary of John Greenhill Walker

Walker, John Greenhill , LLD - Entered into rest Thursday, May 26th, 2016 at his home at the age of 77 years. Dearly loved husband of Carol Walker, dear father of David (Jennifer), Wendy (Michael) Mitchell, Ian and Geordie (Adrienne) Walker. Stepfather to Sarah (Scott) Reynolds and Rachel Polson. Loving grandfather of John, Liam and Ellie Mitchell; Benjamin, Mathew, Sean, Ewan, William and Audrey Walker; and Blythe and Logan Reynolds. Brother of Norris (late Marilyn) and the late David F. Walker. Fondly cherished former wife, Peggy Walker and her extended family. Brother-in-Law to Janice (Bruce) Johnson and step-uncle to Chris & Russ Johnson; and son-in-law to Trudy Angelson. Uncle and great uncle of Elizabeth (Steven), Kristen and David Casper; Sheila (Robert) Spencer and Brittany Bonapace and the late Jennifer Walker, Christopher, Heather, Luke and Tanya Robinson. Predeceased by his parents John (Jack) and Nora Walker. As a retired, fourth generation, co-owner of Walker Industries, John was as proud of the family legacy in business as he was in its community service and philanthropy. In addition to dozens of entrepreneurial and achievement awards, he served as chair and/or member of numerous boards including: Shaver Hospital (pre Hotel Dieu), Knox Presbyterian Church, Ridley College, Shaw Festival Theatre, AIDS Niagara, YMCA, Niagara Peninsula Children's Centre Foundation and Honorary Chair of St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation's Breakthrough Health Care Campaign. He was an Executive in Residence at Brock University, where in 2001, they bestowed John with a Honorary Doctorate; and was awarded Golden Jubilee Medal honouring his many philanthropic achievements in 2002. He was the Honorary Co-Chair of "It's Our Time" campaign for our new Hospital and Cancer Centre in St. Catharines. John's sparkle and zest for life was contagious to all whom he met. He touched many people throughout his lifetime, often unknown to them, with a quiet and compassionate gesture. He loved to encourage and help young people strive to reach their goals and be at peace with their choices. Above all, John loved and was most proud of his family. Special thanks to: NHS St. Catharines site Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Palliative staff, CCAC, outpatient Palliative nurses and the PSW's of Rose Hill Lane and Sandra's Home Health Care Services. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at Ridley College Memorial Chapel, 2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines on Sunday June 5, 2016 at 1:30 pm, with reception to follow in the Great Hall at Ridley College. Arrangements are entrusted to the George Darte Funeral Home, 905-937-4444. Memorial Donations can be made to the Niagara Historical Society, 43 Castlereagh St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0. Please go to this web link if you wish to watch the funeral ceremony of Mr. Walker being viewed live over the internet on Sunday at 1:30 pm: <a href="http://livestre.am/5nJZf" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Livestream</a> <iframe width="530" height="340" src="http://cdn.livestream.com/embed/johnwalker?layout=4&color=0xffad4b&autoPlay=true&mute=false&iconColorOver=0xe17b00&iconColor=0xb96500&allowchat=true&height=340&width=560" style="border:0;outline:0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>