Obituary of Dr. George R. Walker

Walker- Dr. George R.

After a lengthy illness, Dr. George Walker passed away at Riverview Gardens in Chatham, Ontario on Wednesday September 1, 2021, at the age of 88.  

The beloved husband of the late Joyce (Glen) Walker (2015). 

Loving father of David (Karen) Walker of Wallaceburg, Dr. Mark (Jane) Walker of Sparta, Dr. Stephen Walker of Setauket, New York, USA, and Susan Walker of Chatham. 

Cherished grandfather of Erin, Denise (Chris), Kristin (Brendan), Justin (Jennifer), Robin (Jeff) and proud great grandfather of Hudson, Lucas, Cole, Ava and Max. 

The son of the late Dr. Ralph Hiram Walker (1986) and Ruby (Crosbie) Walker (1995), George was raised in Thamesville, Ontario. He was predeceased by his siblings James (Gwen) (2021), Theodore (1927) and Margaret (1944). 

Survived by his sisters-in-law Heather Arnott, Lynn (Peter) Lingard, brother-in-law Dan Thornton, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters and brother-in-law Dorothy Anne (Harry) Daniels, June (Wm.) Rispin, Donna Thornton and Clifford Arnott. 

George studied medicine at the University of Western Ontario and graduated in 1958. He and Joyce married and moved to Chatham, joining his father (Dr. Ralph) at his practice on Victoria Avenue. During his 55 year career, George held hospital privileges at both the old PGH and St Joseph’s Hospital and subsequently at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. He worked tirelessly in his private practice, the emergency room, delivery room, making hospital rounds, and visiting his long-term care patients, throughout Chatham. George’s passion for medicine and care for his many patients over the years was a true calling. He even continued to make house calls, long after that practice was a thing of the past. 

As an avid sportsman, George enjoyed sailing and windsurfing on Lake Erie and Lake St Clair. He skied Whistler and Sunshine with enthusiasm, played tennis regularly with friends and enjoyed travel with Joyce over the years. George and Joyce were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Chatham. George truly lived life to the fullest and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. 

Special thanks for the wonderful care given to George by Dr. Dixon and the staff on 4E at Riverview Gardens.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A service and interment will take place at Mayhew-Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Thamesville on Saturday September 18th, 2021 at 1:00pm with Rev. Michael Maroney officiating. Those planning to attend or asked to register by phone (519-351-2040) or via the following link: 

CLICK HERE

Donations made in memory of George to the First Presbyterian Church or the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario would be appreciated. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040