Biography:
Dr. Thomas L. B. Walker was born to Thomas and Emily Walker, in Toronto, on May 3rd, 1923, in Toronto. Dr. Walker attended Malvern Collegiate in Toronto, before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. As a pilot in the R.C.A.F., Dr. Walker was stationed overseas until 1946.

Upon his return to Canada, Dr. Walker enrolled in the University of Toronto. He graduated with a medical degree in 1952, and spent the following year doing an internship at Toronto General Hospital. He then interned for a second year at Wellesley Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, and Sick Children’s Hospital, all in Toronto.

In 1954, Dr. Walker began his first medical practice in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario. In addition to his full general practice, Dr. Walker also assisted a local surgeon with anesthesia. Dr. Walker and his family moved to Chatham in 1956, where he took over the Grand Avenue medical practice of Dr. Samson.

Dr. Walker was the Secretary of the Kent County Medical Society from 1956 to 1961, and served as the Chief of Staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital from 1965 to 1971. In 1979 Dr. Walker became the youngest recipient of the Glen Sawyer Award, given to physicians who have greatly contributed to their local community, and the medical profession.

Dr. Walker retired in 1993. After his retirement, he continued to see his patients at the Meadow Park and Copper Terrace nursing homes. He also assisted in surgery at the Public General Hospital, and St. Joseph's Hospital until April of 2006.

Dr. Walker was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honour Medical Society, and his hobbies were golf, gardening and fishing. He and his family also enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Georgian Bay.

Dr. Walker passed away in July of 2006. He is survived by his wife Ruth, and children: Rob, Bill, and Christine.