Walker James LYNCH

WALKER JAMES LYNCH June 4, 1929 - February 17, 2023 Walker James Lynch has passed away peacefully after a short illness, his family at his side. He is predeceased by his wife, Connie; and parents, Walker T. and Dolly Lynch. Walker is survived by his sister, Beverly Hall; son, Scott (Judy); daughter, Susan (Pat); grandchildren, Kyle, Genevieve, Alysia, Nadine, Emma, Ellis, Mitchell and Spencer; and six great-grandchildren. Walker grew up in the Beaches area of Toronto and attended Malvern Collegiate, where he formed lifelong friendships. He met Connie at a dance at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club and knew immediately that she was the only one for him. They married and remained in Toronto, devoted to each other for 61 years. In 1942 his father, Walker T., established W.T. Lynch Foods Ltd. He rented 900 square feet at the foot of Jarvis Street in Toronto. Lynch Foods took root despite wartime rationing of critical sugar and gas, winning valuable customers including iconic Toronto stores Kresge's, Woolworth's, and Sunnyside Amusement Park concessionaires. Walker worked part-time at Lynch Foods throughout his school years. He started full-time after graduation. He did almost every floor job, though admitted to being very bad at some. Learning on the job, he had the wisdom to bring experienced voices to the organization and to listen as he matured into the role of company president. Walker's key strength was an intimate knowledge of supply and demand markets as he built the small but thriving business into one of Canada's largest independently owned food manufacturers. Under Walker's leadership, innovative new products were developed and brought to market. His vision established Lynch Foods as a leader in the industry. Lynch Foods moved to North York in the late 1960s where it remains today. Despite many offers to relocate elsewhere, Walker never wavered in his commitment to Toronto. His faithful employees often included several generations of extended families who, like Walker, knew the value of a hard day's work. Walker's commitment and success in business was equally matched by his devotion to quality time with family and friends. Summers at the cottage on Lake of Bays were all about family time, from early years with his parents and sister Bev to family gatherings of 4 generations. There was always a boathouse and a classic wooden boat, and the enduring image of Walker motoring across the lake, sitting up on the gunwale. A natural athlete, Walker was a passionate golfer, enjoying memberships at Scarborough, Rosedale, and Bigwin Island golf clubs over the years. He let off steam with regular squash games at the Carlton and TCS&C Clubs. As a Jester he enjoyed the game as much as the camaraderie of the Toronto squash community. He and Connie travelled extensively and enjoyed evenings with lifelong friends, both in Toronto and later in life, in Florida. The family cannot fully express their thanks for the love and support Walker received after Connie passed, and again during his final months. To all who knew him, Walker was a true gentleman; kind, intelligent, unwaveringly ethical, with a dry wit. He related to people of all ages, with genuine interest and respect. Walker expressed his thanks for a long and fulfilling life, with no regrets.