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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.

 

Condolences

  • Craig Meister on January 4th, 2012

    “He was someone that always seemed to have a smile on his face at university. I just found out about his death, but am not surprised to hear he had a positive effect on so many others. My condolences.”

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  • Brian Cormier on January 3rd, 2012

    “I have fond memories of "Joey" (as I knew him) from King's in the 1980s. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

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  • Condolences

    Danielle Moffat on September 11th, 2011

    “I just learned today. I am so sorry to hear it. I knew Joe a number of years ago when he was at the university and on a couple of ski weekends in Jasper. He inspired me to look at the world in a different way and for that I am grateful.”

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  • Reverend

    Ed Stover on September 10th, 2011

    “Joe and I conducated an Alpha program for students in an internet cafe on Whyte Avenue - certainly a different venue, but it worked out well. I remember Joe had such enthusiasm, and seemed so at home with the students and those who came out. I appreciate the opportunity he gave me to work alongside him!”

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  • Bob Stonehouse on September 9th, 2011

    “I first met Rev. Joe just over a year ago, and he brought a sense of peace and understanding of the love of Christ in my life, through his warmth and explanations of what Christ means to us. He taught me to look into my heart and to allow Christ to lead me and guide me on this one portion of my journey in life.
    I will miss you, Rev. Joe. You were so young, but God has called you home. Rest in Peace. ”

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  • Rev.

    Carl Bergstrom on September 3rd, 2011

    “Pat and I continue to hold the Walker family close in our thoughts and prayers. May all find strength and blessing from a loving God.”

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  • Diane Sekuloff on September 2nd, 2011

    “My condolences to Alisa and the Walker family, and the Ketchum's. I never met Joseph, but recently heard of his passing. I know he was a beloved son in law, and father. Walk slowly with your grief. Know that I remember you in my prayers.”

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  • Jill and Delaney Vinet on August 30th, 2011

    “We have only just heard of Rev. Joe's passing. We wish to pass on our sincerest condolences to his wife, children and family. We attend "Messy Church" at St. Timothy's in Edmonton and have been inspired, touched and embraced by both Rev. Joe and his exceptional family. God must have needed him in Heaven more than we needed him here but the loss is great and he will always be remembered. ”

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  • Lisa Barrowclough on August 23rd, 2011

    “My heart breaks with so many! I am committed to honoring Joe by seeking to be - to at least one soul, one day - the kind of constant and abiding friend Joe was to me. He taught me a lot about life and love. What joy there must be in heaven!”

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  • Jim Nemeth on August 19th, 2011

    “Rhonda and Carolyn. So sorry to hear of your loss. Much too young to leave this world. Condolences to the whole family. ”

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  • Sam & Anne Biro on August 17th, 2011

    “Alisa, in this time we pray that somehow the Lord brings you great peace and wisdom. We pray that Emily Grace, Sarah, Adam, & Justin will remember their dad's great love for them and the joy you have shared as a family. We also pray they will be blessed with a spirit of love and peace now and in the years ahead. ...With our love to all of you.”

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  • Carmen Los on August 17th, 2011

    “Dear Alisa and children -
    I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. I only just heard that your husband was ill. We are thinking about you and praying that God and all your closest family and friends will surround you with love and help. 'Praying for you, Brian, Carmen and Faith Los”

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  • Deepest Condolences

    Laura Lee Langley on August 17th, 2011

    “To Rhonda and all the family - My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to you and your family at this time. I know from recent experience, the pain and loss you are feeling - and it is my hope you will take comfort in the thoughts and love from those around you. He will never truly be gone as he is here in the wonderful memories you will have forever. ”

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  • Joyful Joe

    Sean Taylor on August 17th, 2011

    “Joe was a friend & a talented Canadian Anglican blogger; this sudden loss brings real sorrow. God be with his wife & children.

    Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him.

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  • David Estok on August 16th, 2011

    “Truly sorry to hear of your loss. I remember "Joey's" incredible wit and sense of humour at King's. My condolences to Alisa and all of his family. ”

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  • Neil and Kim Clarke on August 16th, 2011

    “Our hearts go out to you Alisa and family. Joe was instrumental in giving us hope, belief and faith. Every word he spoke carried such power and grace. We are grateful and honored to have had him marry us (twice) and to have shared the Anglican experience with him in Morinville. Praying for you and your loved ones.”

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  • Bill Greenlaw on August 16th, 2011

    “Rhonda,
    My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family during this time of loss.”

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  • Thinking of all of you

    Deborah Skilliter on August 16th, 2011

    “Rhonda, John, Carmaine, and family - I am so sorry for your loss and hope that you are able to find some peace and comfort during this time. Please know that you are all being held in our hearts. ”

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  • Thoughts and prayers

    Brian/Carol Graham on August 16th, 2011

    “Our thoughts and prayers to Alisa and family. Rev. Joseph was a gracious and wonderful person with great gifts of music; love; caring for people and I always enjoyed listening to him when he preached and played his guitar and sang. May you rest in peace in God's love.”

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  • Bonnie Patterson-Payne on August 16th, 2011

    “Thought and prayers to Alisa and Walker family from those in Edmonton. Joe touched the lives of students, parishioners and fellow clergy. Special thoughts to Alisa & memory of a recent evening at All Saints while Joe was being official she and her daughter were exploring nooks and crannies and some comment of similarity to a cupboard in Narnia.”

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  • L'Arche

    Grant Kaminski on August 15th, 2011

    “Joe and his beautiful family added so much to our celebrations at L'Arche Edmonton. I will miss the coffee and discussion times. We will hold you in our hearts forever. ”

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  • Capt.

    Christine Herman on August 14th, 2011

    “I remember Joe from Clericus and what a light he was to all who attended those meetings. He will be sadly missed in all our lives. May our Lord bless and protect Alisa and the family. Til we meet again. ”

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  • Fr. Raphael Johnston on August 14th, 2011

    “My condolences of Alisa and all Joseph's family. I am honoured to have known Joe and to have called him a friend. I remember visiting the Buddhist Monastery on 97th Street as part of a pre-ordination retreat and Joe's observation, "Nice, but there didn't seem to be much joy." May he know now that joy which is Christ our true God, and may his memory be eternal. ”

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  • John, Carmaine and family

    Carron & Helen Coleman on August 13th, 2011

    “So sad to hear of the passing of Joey our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. May god bless.”

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  • Tim Chesterton on August 12th, 2011

    “Joe, my dear friend, we will never forget you, but look forward to seeing you again on the resurrection morning!”

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  • david holehouse on August 12th, 2011

    “Joe was and always will be an inspiration to me, and no doubt many whose lives he touched here in Edmonton. His love of God and people spilled over in his laughter and jokes, his guitar playing and singing, his skill as a University chaplain, his love of family, his amazing contributions to the men's Cursillo weekends. Thank you, Joe, and God's peace to your family and all who mourn the loss of your presence in this world. ”

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  • John A Curry on August 12th, 2011

    “My heartfelt condolences to Alisa and family as well. Joey was a miracle on this earth and is now certainly at rest and seeing incredible things in his new life with God. I am so glad to have seen him at U of A six years ago, but so sad to have to wait to see him again on another shore. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.”

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  • The Rev.

    Edward Rix on August 12th, 2011

    “My sincere condolences to Alisa and all the family. May his rest be in peace and his dwelling place in the Paradise of God.”

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