William "Bill" Walker

Bill Walker, of Mount Forest, Ont., passed away at Louise Marshall Hospital on Monday, March 11 at the age of 80. He was surrounded by family and friends until the final moment.
Bill leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara, (nee Lane) of 60 years and his most precious granddaughters, Abby and Lexi Walker, and daughter-in-law, Christine Rivet. Bill was pre-deceased by his sister, Anne (2022), by his parents, Bill and Jean, and by his only son, Billy (2017) whom he loved dearly and was his pride and joy.
Bill was brother to Audrey, Margaret, Al, Janet and Linda. He leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews and so many dear friends.
Bill worked at Dofasco in Hamilton for more than 30 years. He and Barb moved from Stoney Creek to Mount Forest in 2004 to be closer to Abby, Lexi, Billy and Christine. Bill served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the early 1960s. Upon retirement from Dofasco, he volunteered for the Mount Forest Community Pantry, delivering food to those in need for close to 20 years.
People lucky enough to have met Bill will never forget him. He was gruff, loud, opinionated and had a tender heart beneath it all.
He spent many hours in local hockey arenas cheering on his granddaughters and their teammates and verbally holding the referees to account.
Hockey was Bill’s jam. He loved the Maple Leafs, even though he took great exception to some of their tactics. In the summer and fall months, he cheered faithfully for the Blue Jays and his beloved Hamilton Ticats.
Special thanks to dear family friends Michael and Cathy Mooney who dropped everything in Michigan to be here for Bill and Barb, like they have done for some 50 years.
The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful nurses and staff at Louise Marshall and Dr. Weinstein who went above and beyond to care for Bill.
A celebration of life will be held at Mount Forest United Church, 175 Queen St. East, Mount Forest,  on Wednesday, March 20. Visitation is at 10 a.m. Service will be held at 11 a.m.