Wayne Walker

WAYNE WALKER January 7, 1942 – October 19, 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Walker on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the age of 66 years. Remaining to forever cherish Wayne’s memory are his wife Elaine of 43 years of marriage; daughter Melody and son-in-law Brad; son Christopher McKellar; two wonderful grandsons Kyle and Kristopher; mother Nellie Yosyk; sisters Brenda and June; as well as cousins, relatives and many, many friends. He was predeceased by his brother Peter Yosyk in 2007. Wayne Walker made his mark in 1954 as “Mr. Rock N’ Roll” and hadn’t stopped since. Starting out playing school dances and teen hops, Wayne survived all the musical trends over the years from the 60’s British Invasion, 70’s Disco craze, New Wave 80’s, Hip Hop 90’s and the New Millennium. 1963 was the year when the Wayne Walker band started playing hotels and clubs. This eventually opened the door for other local bands, as hotels were introduced to LIVE music in their rooms, which soon became the demands of the patrons. Through the sixties and seventies, Wayne worked at many Rock N’ Roll revival tours. Playing with the likes of Buddy Knox, Ronnie Hawkins and Johnny Rovers, not only establishing Wayne’s credibility on an international level, it created a friendship among Rock N’ Roll pioneers. When Wayne Walker hit the stage, it became ALIVE with those good old 50’s and 60’s sounds. In June 1987 while performing “Shakin All Over” (A Manitoba musicians reunion of the past 30 years), it was very evident that Wayne was heavily respected by his peers as “Mr. Rock N’ Roll”. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Thursday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Pony Corral, 1700 Pembina Highway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. WOJCIK'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 1020 MAIN STREET 586 - 8668