James Walker

36 Responses

1. Jim Walker was a wonderful colleague and mentor and a very special and deeply valued friend. The hurt in my heart and soul at his loss will not be quieted anytime soon.

   Greg Koyl
   gkoyl@islandnet.com

2. My condolences to Jim’s family and all who loved him. What an amazing guy. A leader and an example to so many of us who joined government service in the 70s and 80s with his unwavering commitment and gentle humour. He cared so deeply about BC’s natural environment and passed that along to all of us who worked with him. His accomplishments are so many but his greatest legacy will be the legions of young resource managers that he mentored and inspired. We’ll miss you Jim and will continue to strive to live up to your example.

3. Jim was a wonderful “one of a kind” guy. His job, his passion, and his identity were synonymous. He was committed to the cause of wildlife conservation. Referencing a discussion on mountain caribou, I recall him stating . . . “Denis . . . we’re losing!” And that was decades ago before the effects of climate change were a recognized consideration. Jim viewed the state of wildlife protection to be an indicator of the state of the world.

   Jim was a guy his colleagues liked working with. He leavened his deep concerns with witty, incisive observations. He was a dedicated and determined professional. He also liked and sponsored a good party.

   Jim will be both missed and well-remembered.

4. I owe a personal debt to Jim both as a friend and as a colleague. Not only did he advocate for the environment and encourage his staff to stand up for fish and wildlife, he acted as a buffer between us and the politicians who thought we should do otherwise. One of his favorite sayings when speaking publicly was, “I refuse to answer on grounds that it might incinerate me.” He started off in the Fish and Wildlife Branch when there was an emphasis on habitat protection and helped to build an effective government agency to fulfill that function. He kept advocating for the environment and the fish and wildlife resource right until the week before he died as I can attest from the many emails we shared since he retired.

5. To Jim’s family I am sorry to learn of Jim’s passing, he was a truly unforgettable individual possessing such a keen mind and sense of humour and author of so many poems aimed at government and staff of the day. I met him at P.B.S.in Nanaimo in 1964 and remember he purchased the “student” car for $1 only to have it demolished by a fire hydrant.

   my sincere condolences. Ann Thompson, Nanaimo

6. In 1969/70, the Province was trying to build 7 “System E” dams on the Fraser River, and up into Wells Gray Park. Then with Federal Fisheries, I remember meeting in Victoria with Jim and his boss Ed Vernon. Our objective was simple. Keep those dams off British Columbia’s rivers. Ed suggested that we “feds” deal with the Fraser system dams – while Ed and Jim would work to protect Wells Grey Park. At the end of a 4 year struggle, none of those dams were built. The rivers continued to run free. And Jim and I had begun a lasting relationship targeted at “saving fish and wildlife”.

   I was privileged to benefit from Jim’s commitment to “Wild British Columbia” – in those early days –
   and after I returned to BC in 1989 (including many “meetings”at the Carriage House).

   A particular remembrance in the 1990’s – walking into his office to discover that Jim had sent a wolf pack to Yellowstone – a first to try to reestablish wolves in that Park – that a young US Fish and Wildlife employee had her hand seriously chewed while attempting to pet the Alpha Male – and that the Alpha had to be destroyed. Jim was apoplectic – swearing he would never sent another wolf south of the border! Later, I think he relented.

   Now Jim is gone – to minister to fish, animals and birds in other worlds. I will not forget him. Nor will the rest of “us creatures” in Wild British Columbia.

7. Annabel,

   So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. From the many condolence messages it is easy to see how he definitely was well respected by numerous communities. Cherish the memories you have of what I am sure was a loving brother.

8. Jim was my first introduction to wildlife protection – 1974 in Habitat Protection. His rally cries were: Take No Prisoners”** and “We are working for the environment; not the Ministry of Environment”. His passion and wit… his trademark. He had battle-scars, such as his bent nose from being hit by a poacher’s paddle in New Brunswick. It was an honour and privilege to know and work for Jim. He will be missed.

   ** I believe sourced from George Custer’s last orders to his Cavalry during the battle of the Little Big Horn, Montana

9. Jim was a tireless advocate for wildlife conservation. Full of good humour and wit. We will all miss him and be inspired to follow his lead.

10. Jim was undoubtedly one of the staunchest and strategic advocates for wild places and wildlife within the Victoria bureaucracy. He helped many of us in the ENGO community navigate the labyrinthine provincial bureaucracy, always with the goal of what was best for creatures and wilderness. He never hesitated to have strong opinions on the direction of the government of the day, and worked tirelessly for the places we shared a love for. Through the Ever changing landscape of provincial regimes, Jim remained an outstanding voice and effective advocate for the wild. He is greatly missed.
    The only thing out of character was hearing he had a new van, I think many of us thought both Jim and his old van would always be there. Jim had a class all of his own.