August 23, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
Douglas George Walker, a wonderful husband, stepfather, grandfather, friend, co-worker, son and brother passed away on August 23, 2021.
Doug passed in peace with his family by his side. He fought a courageous battle with cancer, winning his first battle but losing the war in the second round. Throughout his illness, he remained his same old self, trying not to show the effects and keeping a positive attitude.
Doug started his career with Forests and Lands in Port Alberni in June of 1977. In 1998, he accepted a position as Operations Manager in Port Alberni and subsequently accepted a position as Operations Manager in the Mild Coast Forest District in September 1998.
In September of 2002, Doug accepted a position as Senior Wildfire Management Officer in Williams Lake, with the Cariboo Fire Centre. Then, in November of 2006, Doug accepted a Senior Wildfire Officer position in Parksville in the Coastal Fire Centre.
On February 1, 2013, Doug retired from Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations but continued to work on an "as and when" basis until March of 2020. Doug was a great employee who believed in "completed staff work'. He touched the hearts, souls and funny bones of all he worked for and with.
He had a wealth of knowledge and the experience to back it up. He was a great mentor and participated in many committees to help better his Forest Service family. Having been through many changes and re-engineering's in the Forest Service, he always had a good grasp on policy, procedures, statues, and regulations.
The ultimate go-to-guy! Doug was the first to offer a hand, to provide perspective, lead, coach, and mentor not only junior staff but colleagues and our partners. Doug had a brilliance about him and had an uncanny ability to recall his many stories to great detail. He made a big difference to the Forest Service family. He had a heart of gold. He was a camping enthusiast and ventured to many places towing his beloved trailer with his wife and friends.
Doug was often seen beside the barbecue with his Dog, Jake, right beside him. Doug was just a pleasure to be with in his working life as well as his off-hour personal life.
He was a very dedicated husband to his wife of 40 years, Loreen Walker. He was a committed parents to his 4 stepchildren, Dwayne, Brent, John and Marylee. He also loved his daughter in laws wholeheartedly: Cara, Kari, and Billie. His many grandchildren adored him: he loved to joke and laugh with all 18 of them!
He is also survived by his loving sister Vicki Walker and her Partner, Dan. He took pride in his family and in return his family loved and respected him. He had a heart of gold, his house was often full of family, and all enjoyed their great cooking, not to mention their fine gardening skills. Doug Walker will be missed by all that knew him.
Rest in peace, your job on earth is done. Save a cold one for us!!