Obituary of Barry Sheldon Walker

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Sheldon Walker in his 74th year. Predeceased by his loving wife of 43 years, Marsha (Henderson), in 2014. Loving Father of Bob Steele (Melinda) and grandson, Mitchell. Barry was the loved son of George and Lillian Walker and was predeceased by Grace, Gladys, Ted and Lillian. He is survived by brothers Jack, Earl and Grant. He is also survived by his partner Rose and furry friend Sasha.

Barry was born in Hamilton on February 28th, 1949, and grew up in the east end attending Ballard Public School and Delta Secondary School. He apprenticed as a carpenter with Local18 of the United Carpenters Union and later became the Business Manager of the Local for Hamilton and the Niagara Peninsula. It was in this position that he later purchased property for the Local and relocated the Union Hall on the east mountain leaving a legacy of which he could be extremely proud.

Barry was not really interested in sports, however, he coached Bobby when he played in the Saltfleet Minor Hockey Association and later they coached together. Barry and Marsha used to run a bingo game during the Winona Peach Festival with the proceeds donated to the Saltfleet Minor Hockey Association. He loved to play euchre with Marsha and later with Rose and visited many euchre events around Hamilton and Stoney Creek. He would usually show up at the Local's yearly Golf Tournament and was normally in my group, me being his older brother. What a sight he presented in his penny loafers, black long pants held up by wide suspenders, white dress shirt with a plastic pocket saver in his shirt pocket full of pencils and pens. A real Dorf on Golf. Another favourite thing Barry had was eating. Not gourmet fare but anything he could wash down with a Diet Coke.

Many years ago, he and Marsha bought a piece of property at Miller Lake in the Bruce Peninsula. It was here that they built their second home, a place where Barry was able to build to his hearts content. He held many family events along with visits from their friends. He loved it and it filled many a day and night and it gave him many hours of comfort. Although he claimed Grant and I burned too much of his precious firewood.

As per Barry's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private inurnment for the family is to follow. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Barry's family wishes to thank the staff at St. Peter's Hospital for the wonderful care they provided during his stay. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Peter's Hospital, Hamilton/Burlington SPCA or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

In loving memory of Barry, we invite you to celebrate his life and legacy on May 4, 2024, from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Carpenters Union Local 18, 1342 Stone Church Rd. E. (rear parking lot). Please join us and share your memories, and of course it wouldn't be a Barry celebration without food and beverages.

Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca