WALKERLEY, Edward John

April 21, 1943 – December 2, 2022
 
After putting up the good fight and with his family surrounding him with love, Dad left us to go be with Mom and his fur babies on December 2, 2022. We are left broken-hearted and devastated at the loss of our one-of-a-kind Dad. Dad passed away at 79, pretty good for a man who was told he wouldn’t see 60.
 
Loving husband, best friend and soul-mate of the late Sandy Walkerley. Exceptional, funny, loving and one of a kind Dad to Helen (Gail MacDonald), Jennifer (Stephen) and his best buddy Luke (Rochelle). Most wonderful Papa to Samuel and Sara Eastman (Dad Sandy Eastman), Alee Chapman (Zachary Gruyters), Harley Chapman and Zoe Walkerley. Great Papa to Jada Eastman, Emma, Ella Chapman and Lily Gruyters. Son of Edward Walkerley and Gladys Clark Brother of William, Colleen, Betty the late Darlene Walkerley, Vincent Gallant and Angela Batstone. Brother-in-law of Jim and Gloria Sherratt. Loving Uncle of Leslie Sherratt, the late Dennis and Denise Sherratt and Emma Walkerley.
 
Dad was born in Toronto April 21, 1943. Dad first saw Mom at the age of 14, he didn’t know her name but said he knew he loved her already. They were married May 27, 1961 and through all of life’s struggles they still loved each other and made each other laugh. He was devastated when his love passed in 2015 and was very lonely and lost without her. We know they are together again with all their fur babies. We used to joke that we thought the dogs came before everyone else. He loved his animals so much and they brought him so much joy. It was his fur babies that kept him going after the passing of Mom. Mom and Dad relocated to St. Joseph Island in 1969 and then to Sault Ste Marie in 1982. Mom and Dad’s favorite place to live was when they resided in Goulais River. They loved being on the water and hosting Canada Day parties at their place. While growing up on St. Joe Island Dad ensured our yard was a fun place with archery, pellet shooting competitions with little green army men, ropes from tree to tree, a fort he built for Luke by himself, tents in the yard, a red truck just to play on and so much more. We spent many nights around a bon fire eating the best marinated steak ever and marshmallows or jiffy pop popcorn. He convinced us when we were little that he had invisible friends called Thing and The Water Buffalo, a tradition he carried on with his grandchildren. Dad made us believe in Christmas with his “Good Fairy” gifts left at the door to let us know we had been good kids and Santa was coming. We were blessed to have young parents, who like to do things with us in the yard and make our home fun.
 
Dad worked for Algoma Steel for most of his life, he was an exceptional welder. He built a garage and welded many unique things that we still have. Dad loved having a CB Radio in the car when we lived on the island, called himself White Wolf and loved calling Mom Swamp Witch. He was very proud of being a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Hilton Beach. Dad was also a Cub Scout Leader in Hilton Beach, past president of The Fraternal Order of Eagles #3991 in Sault Ste. Marie.
 
Dad was an exceptional artistic man; you name it he could do it. He could paint, draw, carve wood figurines, his painted dragon eggs, his bonkers and so much more.
Dad had a wild and hilarious sense of humor; you just never knew what he was going to say or do. We had a life of fun, love, and beautiful memories and were blessed to have him for a Dad.
 
We love you Dad, forever and a day and then some.
 
Thank you to Dr. V. Murdoch for her exceptional care of our Dad the last few years. We know how stubborn and challenging he was for you, and we greatly appreciate everything you tried to do for him. Thank you to the nursing staff of 3C and the ICU and the many doctors who tried to keep him here with us.
 
Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke or Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family.
 
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or share photos for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O'Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St James Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7. 705-759-8456).