Bill Walker
August 28, 2017
Bill was the long-time sports editor and an award-winning journalist at the Owen Sound Sun-Times where his unimpeachable ethics -- dogged pursuit of truth, fairness and accuracy -- no doubt ruffled a few feathers in the local sports community.
He loved sports -- almost as much as he loved his family -- especially hockey. He covered it. He played it and coached it. The latter activity proved a most-enlightening endeavour providing him with way too many insights into the world of the Ontario Hockey League coaches he covered.
Bill, a true gentleman with a wicked sense of humour (sometimes inappropriately so), was a lifelong Springsteen fan who dragged his groaning family across international boundaries in hopes of converting them -- which he did at last.
He will be sadly missed by his many friends, colleagues, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Our hearts are shattered. But we shall endure, thankful for the all-too-brief time he added unending laughter to our days and lit up our dark nights with his enduring love. We shall press on with Bill\'s three-part blueprint for life -- Be Kind. Work Hard. Take care of your family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to an education trust fund for Bill\'s children, Abby and Lexi, (cheques payable to "G. Murray Townsend, in trust") or to the local Cancer Patient Services would be appreciated. Visitation will be held at the England Funeral Home Ltd., Mount Forest on Thursday, August 31st, 2017 from 7 – 9 p.m. A celebration of Bill\'s life will be held at the Mount Forest United Church (service location has been changed) at 11 a.m., with visitation prior to the service from 10 – 11 a.m. (Hope you don\'t mind Springsteen!)
"When they built you brother, they turned dust into gold. When they built you brother, they broke the mold." -- Bruce Springsteen
Condolences
My sincere condolences on Bills passing I worked with Bill at The Sun Times the past 13 years and we shared many a story of our coaching exploits on the hockey and ringette rinks. His passion for sports writing was second to none. He will be greatly missed.
— Rod Currie, September 8, 2017Tina, Abby, Lexi, I am shocked to hear of Bill's sudden death and so very sorry your loss. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family during these difficult times and the days ahead.
— Sandra (Dell) Fabrizi, September 3, 2017Christine and Family, I worked with Bill for many years at the Sun Times. I admired Bill's dedication to his profession and the readers in Grey and Bruce Counties. Many evenings as I was leaving work there was Bill arriving to cover a sporting event after having driven through blizzard conditions on his drive from Mount Forest. Bill was a true gentleman, with a quick sense of humour, and will be missed.
— Brent Radbourne, September 1, 2017Christine, Abby, and Lexi - my deepest condolences on your loss. It was a pleasure working in the same news room with Bill for many years, and you too, Christine. He was a lot of fun, a great reporter who never seemed to let the stress of the job get to him. Unlike me, I might add. In Bill\\'s case it was always \\"grace under pressure.\\" I recall not that long ago this summer calling the newsroom. Bill answered the phone, and it was the same, hearty, \\"Hi, Phil.\\" Also, as mentioned in the recent news-page obituary, Bill was instrumental in helping me stop one of my girls from making a big mistake. That was after he saw something on the way into work one morning years ago that he thought I should know about. One father to another. I was out the door in a flash and got to her maybe just in time. No telling what might have happened otherwise. I will always remember that, and always thank your good husband/father for giving me the heads-up. Never doubt that he is still with you, wanting to take care of you as best he can.
— Phil McNichol, September 1, 2017Shocked and saddened to learn of Bill passing. He was a lovely man, a fantastic husband and father. We spent time on field trips and school activities. He always had a smile and a kind word. He will be greatly missed by the community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Christine, Abby and Lexi. May your beautiful memories comfort you during this difficult time.
— Christine Arsenault, September 1, 2017To the family of Bill, While I haven't met you personally, I couldn't help but share my deepest condolences and let you know that you are on the minds of many. My heart is heavy for you in your time of loss. I hope that scriptures like Revelation 21:3,4 & John 5:28,29 prove to be as a great comfort to you as they have to many. As you read those scriptures, just imagine what life will be like- especially imagine a reunion with your dear Bill. May you hold close these promises from God. Much love, Autumn
— Autumn, September 1, 2017Christine so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure you will be blessed with many happy memories; he sounds like a wonderful man! Al Taylor and all your friends at the Tri-City Outlaws Football Club
— Al Taylor, August 31, 2017Christine, girls and family. The world is somehow a lonelier place this week with the untimely loss of Bill. He made everyone around him a piece of the happiness he found in life. His love for family, sports, music and profession set him apart, he will always be remembered with a smile; the one he wore and the one he gave. While I am unable to join you for his send off my heart will be with you all as he leaves on his next glorious road trip. " Tramps like us baby we were born to run." - Springsteen
— Larry Lynch, August 31, 2017So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Owen Sound in 2002. He was passionate about the sports he covered and was the ultimate professional. It was a pleasure to know him and he will be sorely missed by all. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers always. Mike Stothers
— Mike Stothers, August 31, 2017My deepest condolences to you and your family during this very difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for the past 25 years. He will be greatly missed.
— Laurie Symon, August 30, 2017Dear Walker family and friends, Everyone at No Stomach For Cancer would like to extend their deepest condolences on the recent passing of Bill Walker. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your friend and loved one. May God bless you during this difficult time. Sincere regards, Jonathan (Jon) Florin No Stomach For Cancer Executive Director
— Jonathan, August 30, 2017My condolences to Bill's family at this difficult time. I met Bill working in Owen Sound and he always had a smile and a witty comment for me! He was passionate about his job and local sports. I last saw Bill at Hanover Raceway a couple of summers ago with Christine and his family. He was happy, relaxed, smiling and in his element: At a sports event with the people closest to him.
— Tony Ambrogio, August 30, 2017I failed to provide email for my message, please see as above Thankyou
— Teresa Ghent, August 30, 2017Christine and family: there are never words sufficient to express the sense of loss and sadness we the community feel for your tremendous loss. Bill will be missed greatly in the hockey net on Fridays, not only for his skill, but for his smile , spirit and encouragement that he always offered to me. May the Lord provide comfort during this time of loss and the days ahead. to you and your family. Praying for you and your family.
— Teresa Ghent, August 30, 2017I worked with Bill in the press box at the Owen Sound Attack. He was a great guy always kidding me and always asked to accompany him in going down to the visitor's dressing room with $the game sheet. He was funny and enjoyed the hockey scene and always love to laugh. He will be missed this season So sad he is gone and I personally will miss him, R.I.P. Bill and condolences to Christine and the kids and the rest of family.
— Bill Wade, August 30, 2017Our condolences from Abby's A&W family. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Patrick & Cathy Torpey
— Patrick & Cathy Torpey, August 30, 2017Sympathies to family and friends of Bill. Appreciate his covering and recording Owen Sound activities all those years
— Bill White, August 29, 2017Shocked and saddened- our hearts are broken for you and your girls, Christine. Bill truly was a gentleman and I enjoyed bumping into him in town now and then. He always had a smile and cheery hello. He will be missed by many, gone too soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
— Lyn Chappel, August 29, 2017Our deepest condolences to you, the girls and your family. We hope all the cherished memories that you and the girls have of Bill brings you some light during this dark time. Varallo Family
— Varallo Family, August 29, 2017Our heart felt condolences to Christine, Abby, Lexi and to your entire family. Bill will live on in the hearts of the many, many young people who's lives he touched through his devotion to coaching and his love for sport. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Erin & Steve Tosh, Emily Allair and family
— Erin Tosh, August 29, 2017Dust to gold and broken moulds. You brought Bruce's lyrics to life. You...your smile...your positive and upbeat nature are missed. Thank you for your time, the things you taught me, the laughter and your friendship.
— Axy Leighl, August 29, 2017Bill is and always will be an inspiration to me. I worked with him briefly at the SunTimes in 1999 and have gave me a glowing recommendation that started me on my way in the sometimes crazy world of sports journalism. But more than a recommendation he gave me advice and help along the way as I was finding my voice in this business and any time I came back to cover a game between the Colts and the Attack he always took the time to catch up and see how I was doing on my journey. I have always and will always appreciate everything Bill has done for me. I am so sorry for all of your loss.
— Dan Charuk, August 28, 2017You have no idea how much we love you & will miss you.Bailey says me too.
— Your ladies from next door, August 28, 2017Christine, family and friends; Many memories of Bill past and present -all of which will continue to put a smile on my face. I can't begin to imagine your grief and hope you too can someday smile at the memories of an amazing man. Hugs
— Tali McGovern, August 28, 2017