WALKER, Kelly Walker

“I have had a wonderful life and have been gifted with many talents, friends, and I have enjoyed my time on this earth.” Patrick Kelly Schuett Walker.

Kelly Walker, age 84, died suddenly Saturday, November 29, 2025.

He was participating in a Stratford Concert Choir event at St. James Anglican Church in his home town, Stratford Ontario. The concert, titled Christmas in Canada, featured music, songs and readings from various regions of the country from the 1700’s to the present. Kelly was one of four readers. He died to The Twelve Days of Christmas, moments after us all singing “Hark! The Angels Sing”!

Born in Walkerton Ontario August 11, 1941; Kelly was the son of Lucille Eleanor Lettner and Leonard Edward Schuett (died 1942). They lived in Mildmay, Ontario. His mother remarried a few years later and Harold Walker became his adoptive father. In 1951, he became the brother of Michael who lives with his wife Betty in Mono, Ontario. In 2006, Kelly and Ray Harsant married. Together for 30 years, they have lived in Stratford for the past 20.

Once a Dominican friar, prior, and priest, he left the Order in 1983. Drawn to a more secular altruism on a larger palette, he continued to spread his messages of generosity, love, compassion, peace, acceptance and much more to thousands of people throughout Canada and far beyond.

When hearing him, in seeing him, in being hugged or held by him, he was with you.

Kelly died living – just as he hoped.

Kelly’s spirit of generosity supported a multitude of causes and communities. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to a charity that holds meaning for you.

A Celebration of Thanksgiving for Kellys life will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm. The afternoon will be a continuous tribute to Kelly’s legacy, beginning at Avondale United Church (194 Avondale Ave, Stratford, ON N5A 6N4) and concluding at The Arden Park Hotel (552 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3J3) Stratford.

This time of remembrance will feature some of the things Kelly loved most: live music, storytelling, and the sharing of memories among friends.

Due to venue capacities, we kindly ask that all guests register their attendance in advance. Please use the link below to reserve your seat:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kelly-walker-a-celebration-in-thanksgiving-tickets-1984248456548?

For those unable to attend in person, we want to ensure that everyone who loved Kelly can participate, regardless of distance. A live-stream for the ceremony at Avondale United Church (only) will commence at 12:30 pm on June 1.