Robert Allan Walker

On Sunday, July 8, 2007, Allan passed away of a massive heart attack at St. JosephÕs Hospital, Estevan, Sask. at the age of 53 years. Robert Allan Walker was born on March 3, 1954 at Virden, Man. He lived in Manitoba until 1957 when his family moved to Virden, Man. In 1994 the family moved to Moosomin, Sask. and then to Weyburn, Sask. where he made his home at time of passing.

On April 19, 1986 he married Cathy Linner of Virden, Man, at the Silver Bells Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. To this happy union two daughters were born, Candace and Brandy, and in 2006 a granddaughter Savannah.

Allan received his education in Virden, Man. and had taken a mechanics course at the Assiniboia Community College, Brandon, Man. He also had all the necessary certificates and tickets to work in the oilfield. One of his proudest achievements was receiving a certificate of excellence for placing second in the province of Manitoba on a math aptitude test.

Allan loved riding in his dadÕs truck at a young age and spent time on the road with him. He helped his mother at their cafe. He spent summers with his brother at his sisterÕs farm helping with the harvest. His sister, BevÕs pea patch was one of his favorite pastimes. For a summer he drove a water truck for highway construction work. In 1970 he began his career of 37 years in the oil patch, working for various service rig companies from roughneck, derrick hand, push/operator, rig manager to arrive at partners in K.D. Well Servicing.

During the crash in the oil industry, he diversified and built a water drilling business, Walker Well Services, but with oil in his blood he converted back to the oil patch creating his own company, Walker Oilfield Supervision as a consultant.

During this time he was involved with the forming of a service rig company, Laredo Well Servicing, but sold to partners in 2002. He knew a service rig inside out and could build and design one to make it work.

For the last 11 years, he had the contract work for the same oil company presently known as Advantage Oil & Gas. He was the first to do the completion work on horizontal deep wells in southeast Sask.

Through his years of consulting, he received a letter of Appreciation for work ethic, safety record and dedication he had put in for developing the Kabob/Windfall areas in Alberta. In the last two years, Allan had built and designed mobile catwalk/pipe racks. He was always thriving to find a way for making the job safer and easier for the rig crew.

In the last year, Allan was involved in the forming and the creation of a salt water disposal business as a shareholder in Palko Energy.

The most part of the oil patch life Allan enjoyed was the people. He loved the conversations and stories shared by the many friends that he made throughout his years in the industry. He always shared his experience and knowledge with them and said that you never stop learning.

Allan was proud of his two daughters, Candace and Brandy. He seldom missed a concert or school event and the many sports activities they were involved in throughout the years. He enjoyed watching them play baseball and volunteered as umpire or base umpire when needed. He helped the girls when they were in Girl Guides by constructing a cardboard arch and the bridge for their enrolment ceremonies. Allan had the joy to be a Grandpa and loved to tease Savannah.

Allan loved to golf with his friends, boating, carpentry, furniture building, carving and drawing in his free time. He loved to make a meal for the family and we looked forward to his delicious mashed potatoes.

Allan enjoyed the many trips with family traveling throughout Canada and the United States. His favourite place was the mountains and was always sad when we had to leave for home, but planned for our return the next year.

AllanÕs most treasured pastime was riding his Harley. It was his way of being free and any of the worry or turmoil that life had to offer was put on the back burner. So on many occasions you may have seen Allan and Cathy riding somewhere. The Harley Davidson creed ŌLive to Ride, Ride to LiveĶ describes his love for riding. Allan, thank you for the memories; for being my best friend, for the lessons you have taught us, your hard work over the years. You were an inspiration to us all and touched the lives of all who had a chance to know you. We will miss you deeply. You will never be forgotten, but will live on in our hearts forever.

Allan was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Anne Walker; father-in-law, Lavern Linner; family pet dog, Scamper. Allan will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 21 years, Cathy Walker of Weyburn, Sask. and their daughters, Candace Walker and Brandy Walker and granddaughter, Savannah, all of Weyburn, Sask.; sister Jean (Pete) Unraw of Carstairs, Alta.; sister, Bev (Wes) Tyhy of Sherwood Park, Alta.; brother, Gary (Pat) Walker of Brandon, Man.; mother-in-law, Joyce Linner of Brandon, Man.; sister-in-law, Carol (Doug) Pedlow of Thunder Bay, Ont.; brother-in-law, Harvey (Brenda) Linner of Brandon, Man.; brother-in-law, Brian Linner of Teulon, Man.; sister-in-law, Karen (Murray Lanz) Linner of Regina, Sask.; brother-in-law, Gary (Anita) Linner of Drayton Valley, Alta.; along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 2 p.m. from Knox Presbyterian Church, Weyburn, Sask. with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. The eulogy was given by Candace and Brandy Walker. Interment will be at a later date.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Allan to the Weyburn General Hospital or a charity of the donorÕs choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn, Sask. (842-5432).

Remembering Dad Remembering him with a smile today, And smiling through your tears Reflect on the many memories Of all those happy years. Recall to mind the way he spoke And all the things he said His strength, his stance, the way he walked Remember these instead. The good advice heÕd give us His eyes that shone with laughter So much of him that never dies But lives on, ever after. He was a man of honesty, integrity and pride Important, then, the way he lived Not the way he died. If a tear should fall today Perhaps it shall be shed For many years without him here That still lie far ahead.