Obituary of William Robert Walkden

Bob Walkden was born September 22nd 1936, in Lethbridge, Alberta to John and Amy Walkden. He was one of seven children. Shortly after the family moved to Salt Lake City where Bob spent his childhood. In 1953, at the age of 17, he ventured to BC and started his working careers. In the Lower Mainland he was a Cemetery care taker, a Rest Home owner and operator and owned a Greenhouse Florist business. There, he met Lorraine McLeod and was married in 1956. Wayne was born in 1959 and Linda in 1960. Bob worked these businesses until 1972. In 1973 he moved to Chetwynd with his brother, Hank and bought Keddings Boarding House. Later he built on a restaurant called "The Swiss Inn", known as the Red Lion today. At this point it seemed Chetwynd was booming so Bob started up R&N Construction and built the Grumpy's building which was a Chainsaw business in the front and the old Corral Cabaret in the back which he ran. The next building was the Arcade/pool hall with a Bowling alley in the lower level that was located where KFC's parking lot is today. Bob wasn't done yet. Next he put up the Dirty 30's restaurant which was next to where the 7eleven is; from there he built the Airport Inn which was Dr. Ternant's Medical clinic for a number of years, which today is the Brookside Inn. Bob held three tradesman certificates, electrical, gas and plumbing and was not afraid to try anything. In the 80's, Chetwynd went from Rich's to Rags overnight and Bob was right in the middle of it. Good things happened too. In 1983 Bob met Mavis and started to rebuild, which they did together, from project to project and business to business. Bob was very community minded. In Surrey he was President of the Lions Club and served on the Correctional Committee. In Chetwynd he served two terms as District Alderman. Bob was always willing to help out the destitute with a bed and meal. You may have to do some shovelling just to even up but you would be warm and fed. Bob passed away on Thursday, May 5th 2011. He will truly be missed by all. Bob is predeceased by his Mother, Father, Brothers; Bill and Jack, Sister; Dorothy and baby Derrick. Bob is survived by his loving wife Mavis, brother; Hank and two Sisters; Gladys and Doreen, Son; Wayne (Lisa) , Daughters Linda and her four legged companion Shadow, Kim(Ed), Grandchildren; Tammy ( Darren), Drew (Seanna) and Dwayne, Great-grandchildren; Brooklinn and Cruz. A Celebration of Bob's Life was held on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Chetwynd Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Bob to the Chetwynd Hospital Palliative Care Room. Memories presented by: Barry Kelm Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.