Philip William WALKER
WALKER, Philip William Passed away peacefully with his family and close friends by his side on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at Innisfree House hospice, in Kitchener, in his 61st year. Son of Shirley and the late Howard Walker. Brother of Raymond (Faye Stemmler) Walker. Uncle of Graham Scott Walker, Bridgett Ann Walker, Kaitlin Sara McCracken, Great-Uncle of Kayden McCracken. Few people who met Phil failed to connect with him right away. He disarmed strangers with his impish grin and sparkling eyes. He was mentor, landlord and drinking buddy to more than one summer student at the Waterloo Region Record where he had a remarkable 32-year career as a photojournalist – preceded by four years working as a photographer at the Woodstock Sentinel-Review. Phil was as adept at shooting sports (Calgary Olympics, 1988), news events and human-interest photos as he was orchestrating complex illustrations to enlighten and delight Record readers. His talent behind the lens and tenacity earned him too many professional awards to mention. Phil contributed top-notch pictures right up to the time that chronic illness burdened him to the point he could no longer haul his body or his cameras to assignments. Phil’s family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, medical staff and all others who have helped with Phil’s medical care over the decades. On Christmas Day for the past half-dozen years, Phil volunteered at St. John’s Kitchen with his friend and fellow Record photographer David Bebee. So, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Working Centre’s, St. John’s Kitchen, or to the Grand River Hospital renal dialysis unit, or to St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener. A reception will take place in Keffer Memorial Chapel at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (corner of Albert Street and Bricker Avenue in Waterloo, at Wilfrid Laurier University’s campus. No permit required for parking adjacent to the seminary.) Saturday, January 28, 2017, from noon to 4 p.m., with a short celebration of life program at 2:30 p.m. Interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date.