WALKER, Donald Guy “Pat” 1927 – 2020

Donald Guy (Pat) Walker, born March 17, 1927, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2020 with family by his side and a beautiful sunset in the sky outside his window. As his 7 year old great grandson Jaxon noted, “Big Grandpa was born and also died in Vulcan”.

Pat was born on St. Patrick’s Day (thus the nickname Pat) to parents, Ross and Gail (Waterstreet) Walker. He grew up on the family farm 9 miles east of Vulcan, first attending the nearby school of Sunny Glen and then later at Vulcan. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Alberta, where he graduated with a Degree in Agriculture. In 1951, he married Shirley Rushfeldt, a pretty nurse who worked at the Vulcan Hospital, and they resided and raised their family on the farm. Farming was in his blood and he ran the Prairie Vista Farms Ltd. grain and cattle operation until 1984, when he and Shirley semi-retired and moved into Vulcan. Over the years, Pat and Shirley hosted many parties and get-togethers with the Reid Hill neighbours and Vulcan friends. They were both ardent bridge players and enjoyed hosting these card playing nights.

In his younger years, Pat was an exceptional athlete in hockey, baseball, curling, and track and field. It was quite an achievement for this country boy to participate in the 200 yard and Relay races at the 1954 British Empire Games in Vancouver, BC. Shortly after this, the annual Milo Race-meet held a special event where Pat and a quarter horse raced each other. The winner is somewhat disputed, but the quarter horse might have overtaken Pat in the last few yards! In 2004, Pat was inducted into the Vulcan County Central High School Sports Hall of Fame for his athletic accomplishments.

Over the years, Dad was involved in many local organizations including the Lions, Masons and the Shriners. In retirement, he got serious about his golf game and belonged to the Vulcan Men’s League and enjoyed many happy times on the courses. A memorable game in his life was at the Coyote Wash Desert golf course in Yuma, AZ when he shot his age of 83 in December of 2010. He and Shirley became Snowbirds and spent time RV’ing around the sunny U.S. southern states. He continued to travel south after Shirley’s sudden passing, and purchased a park model trailer in the West Winds RV and Golf Resort in Yuma, Arizona, where he made many special friendships. Every November, Dad would drive to Laughlin, Nevada and participate in the Great Canadian Golf Shootout and then continue down the highway to Yuma, where he would spend the rest of the winter months. Pat enjoyed the summer months in Vulcan and he lived in his own home right up until late September this year.

Pat is survived by his four children, Pamela Briemon (Len) of Nanton, Patricia Walker, Brad Walker (Karen) of Dewinton/Arcola, Sask, and Joanne Kettenbach (Ed) of Vulcan. He was also proud of his grandchildren: Erin Jacobs (Lealand), Caitlen Briemon, Kyle Briemon (Amanda), Jesse Hubbard (Chantilly), Bryce Hubbard (Catherine), Reece Hubbard (Chantelle), Don Walker, Alexzandra/Muffy Walker, Adam Kettenbach, and Coleman Kettenbach. The next generation of great grandchildren includes Nolan Jacobs, Jaxon Briemon, Bo Shirley Hubbard, and Scarlett Hubbard.

Pat was predeceased by his parents, Ross and Gail Walker, wife Shirley, brother Allan and his wife Myrtle, and brother Ralph and his wife Diane. Dad, in his 93rd year, was the last of his generation on both the Walker and Rushfeldt sides of the family.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and all staff of the Vulcan Community Health Centre, who took such good care of Dad, and put up with his joking over the last month.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Al Azar Shriners Children’s Hospital, the Vulcan Junior Golf Program or the charity of your choice.

A graveside gathering to lay Pat in his final resting place at the Vulcan Cemetery was held by the immediate family. When the world is better able to cope with Covid 19, we will have a Celebration of Life and will extend an invitation to all who want to honour his memory.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca