March 19, 1943 - October 31, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Dickson Walker on October 31, 2026, following a brief illness.
John was born 83 years ago in Stirling, Scotland, to Joseph and Catherine Walker. He was the third of six children and grew up alongside his siblings Margaret, Joseph, Francis, Catherine, and James. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Catherine, his siblings Joseph, Francis, and Catherine, and his son Steven. He is survived by his wife Madeline, sons Mark, Michael, and David (and their spouses and families), his sister Margaret and brother James, as well as by the many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family in Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
John's schooling began at the age of three in Stirling, before the family moved to Glasgow and John was enrolled at the Jesuit school St Aloysius’ College, where he developed the discipline, intellectual curiosity, and strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. Completing secondary school early and too young for university admission, John spent time training with the Merchant Navy, before switching to MechanicalEngineering at the University of Strathclyde. Following graduation, he married the love of his life, Madeline, in1965. Together, they moved to Wolverhampton, England where he started his engineering career with Tube Investments – Raleigh.
They embarked on a lifelong adventure that would span continents and sixty plus years of marriage. In 1967, John (with $14 in his pocket) and Madeline, and their infant son Mark (with Michael on the way), immigrated to Canada, where they built out their family and lives. Career opportunities took them to Kapuskasing, Ontario (where John started his forest products focused career) workingwith Kimberly-Clark; White River, Ontario, with Abitibi-Price; Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan and later Olympia, Washington with Simpson Timber, while he moved up in leadership roles. Wherever they lived, he embraced new opportunities with quiet confidence and dedication. In each community, he donated his time help lead the creation or significant improvements of rinks, pools, golf courses, and more.
Following retirement, John and Madeline, determined to play golf more than 6 months a year, settled in Arizona. They spent many happy years enjoying sunshine, golf, travel, and the friendships they made there before eventually returning to Alberta to be closer to family, first in Calgary and most recently in Sherwood Park.
John remained proudly Scottish throughout his life. He maintained a deep appreciation for Scotland's history, inventors, and diaspora. As well, he spent countless hours researching his and Madeline’s families’ ancestry - taking great pride in preserving its details for future generations.
John's legacy is found not only in the engineering projects he completed or the many places he called home, but in the values he lived every day: integrity, curiosity, and a steadfast belief that meaningful accomplishments are earned through hard work and perseverance. He often reminded his sons that success was built on "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." Although never one to seek recognition, he was always willing to help others, often offering his time or support quietly behind the scenes.
Above all else, John was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a supporter. He will be greatly missed by his beloved partner in life, and wife, Madeline; his threesons, Mark (and Tammy), Michael (and My-Linh), and David (and Dominique); and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immeasurable pride.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, caregivers, and staff at Rivercrest Care Centre, whose compassion and care focused on his comfort and dignity at end of life.
The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers you might consider a tribute donation to the Terry Fox Foundation, Alzheimer Society, or to any charity of your choice.
Care Entrusted to Pine Box Funerals Inc.
pineboxfunerals.ca