Melvin Marcello Walker “Papa Mel”
May 10, 1939 - December 12, 2020
On Saturday December 12th at 10:35am, our family lost its pillar with the sudden passing of our incredibly loved and adored father and grandfather, Mel Walker.
Surrounded by the touch and love of his three children - Len, Chris and Melissa - Mel said goodbye to this world, and with his strong faith, embarked on his new journey. We know the path he follows ahead will be one filled with amazing stories he will share with all of us someday after he has finalized his acquisition of Heaven over a great bottle of Chianti.
Mel was hesitant to leave the people behind whom he cherished the most - his true love, wife and sweetheart of 62 years, Patricia Walker (nee Meldazy), his children Len & Andrea Walker, Chris & Laura Walker, Melissa & John Foley, and especially his inspiring grandchildren whom he adored, Leanne & Dave Van Herten, Jordan & Jennifer (nee Gill) Walker, Allyson & John Ramos, Justin & Brittany (nee Penny) Walker, Alivia, Victoria & Josh Walker, and Alicia & Adam Foley. Mel was fortunate to be able to welcome into the world two great-grandchildren Zoey Van Herten, Juliana Ramos and soon to be, great grandchild Walker number three.
Mel exemplified the meaning of celebrating life to its fullest and making the most of it. He did nothing small and reminded us all of the importance of working hard, accomplishing great things, celebrating the simple things and, most of all, always putting family first. He had a presence like none other when he entered a room with his boisterous laugh, heartwarming smile and hilarious storytelling.
From a little home and modest education in Toronto, Mel grew to be a dynamic success and leader, always remaining true to his own motto that, if he had an experience, everyone else should also and his generosity to others was unwavering.
In his career, he rose to be the President of Cambridge Towel Corporation and creator of Elco & Tesoro Home Fashions, all alongside spending his weekends volunteering as the President of Alpine Ski Club, Director at Collingwood Marine Hospital, Director for St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery amongst many other organizations throughout his career.
There was nothing this man could not do fantastically. He adored people and built relationships in every city, every town and every Ristorante. He rose to any challenge with the words, “Give me something difficult” and every day reminded us that there was always time in life to stand back and bbq on charcoal,to light a real wood burning fire, to drop everything to spend time with family on the first snowfall, to create traditions like an Annual Christmas Light Weekend, to pour a glass of red wine and bbq a steak, and above all, put family first. He gave his wife and family everything he possibly could and left us all with unforgettable traditions his children and grandchildren will cherish and celebrate for many years to come.
Living the last two years without his soulmate by his side, (taken to long term care as a result of Alzheimers) left his heart broken and his body weak. Only those who met or knew Mel will ever understand the overwhelming loss and empty space he felt in these last years and which his family now feels with his loss.
Our family has chosen a private ceremony to put our cherished and iconic Father to rest. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or as a special tribute to his wife left behind, the Alzheimer Society. To truly honor his life, family and friends, we look forward to hosting an official Celebration of Life in Fall 2021.
For now, wherever you find yourself Friday evening, we invite you to pour a glass of vino on Friday December 18th in honour of our dad, Mel.
As his granddaughter said so fittingly, Rest Well Papa Mel. You will forever be in our hearts and within the great things we embark on in the future.