Slip Away

I will slip away,
and that is OK.

But for now, still use
my old familiar name
the way you always have;
force no air
of solemnity nor sorrow;
instill no difference
in your tone of voice.

Let us laugh,
as we have always laughed,
at the little jokes we tell.
Speak to me as it always was,
with no trace of shadow.

Days mean now
what they have always meant,
are the same today
as they ever were.

And when I slip away,
that will be OK.

- Owen Walker, inspired by Henry Scott Holland



(Winston) Owen Walker slipped away peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2017 at seventy-three. Mary, his cherished friend and companion, survives him. He is also survived by his daughter Stephanie (Danny), grandchildren Connor and Lauren and son Timothy. Having accepted the ALS diagnosis with equanimity and bravery, he lived each day to its fullest despite the limitations imposed by this disease. Owen was an avid reader, a world traveler and always in search of more knowledge. Music in all its many forms was a major enjoyment; this was derived from personal performance as well as attendance at many of the excellent productions in Ottawa. Owen was predeceased by his father, Gladney, of Nottinghamshire, England and his mother, Zylma, of Hillsvale, Nova Scotia. He is also survived by brothers Ronald, Vernon, David and sisters Beth and Barbara. A Celebration of Owen’s life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 2 to 4pm. All are welcome to attend. Donations in Owen’s memory to the ALS Society, CAMMAC or the May Court Hospice would be appreciated by the family.