Rev. Joseph Walker
Born In: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Passed in: Red Islands, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: August 10th, 2011
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son and brother, Rev. Joseph Walker, 47, of Edmonton, Alberta, following a courageous but brief struggle with cancer.
Joe passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the home of his parents in Red Islands, Cape Breton, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he was the son of John and Carmaine (Tucker) Walker. He was raised in Sydney where he received his early education. Joseph proved to be a true academic from a very early age. He participated in many school activities while attending Sydney Academy, including debating model parliament. He was class valedictorian at his high school graduation. Following high school Joe attended University of King’s College, Halifax, from which he graduated with a BA (Honours) in Classical languages. Besides receiving both a Masters in Classical languages and a Masters in Religion from the University of Toronto, he was also the recipient of awards for his thesis. Joe was an excellent writer and received an award for his blog, “Felix Hominum,” on which he had many followers. He had a great love for music, especially jazz. He loved to sing and had a talent for both the piano and guitar.
Joe was ordained an Anglican minister on June 3, 2001. He was an Anglican Chaplain at the University of Edmonton prior to becoming pastor at Morinville. At the time of his passing, he was Rector at St. Timothy’s Church, Edmonton.
Joe was well respected by his colleagues, loved by his parishioners and touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a true family man and exemplified this in his dedication and devotion to his wife and children.
Besides his parents, Joe is survived by his loving wife Alisa (Ketchum) and four beautiful children, Emily, Sarah, Adam and Justin; sisters Rhonda Walker Whidden (Brian), Halifax, Carolyn (Bill) Bagnell, Warman, Saskatchewan, and brother David (Paula), Burlington, Ont. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16 at Sacred Heart Church in Johnstown, reception to follow in the church hall. Burial to take place at a later date from All Saint’s Anglican Cathedral, Edmonton, Alta.
