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Don Walker was honoured as a builder of the Bowling Industry at the sixth annual awards dinner in 1978. Tonight, with induction to the Hall of Fame, Don caps off his brilliant career.
In his builders role, Don started as a field representative for the Ontario Bowlers Council, a group that was the forerunner of the OFPBA of today. Wit the invention and development of the automatic pinsetter, Don was hired by Double Diamond to advertise and promote the opening of its new bowling centres. One such venture was to East Kilbridge, Scotland, perhaps the only commercial five pin centre outside of Canada. Don also served on the Double Diamond advisory staff, giving instruction clinics as well as seminars on bowling centre management.
In 1972, Double Diamond sold it bowling centre interests to Bowlerama Ltd. and Don stayed with the chain for two years as a district manager. At that time, in 1974, Don moved his management base to Sherwood centre in Hamilton, and followed that in 1976, with the purchase of Pla-Mor Lanes in St. Catharines. Only this past year has Don semi-retired from his bowling centre operation.
During his years in Kitchener, Don was instrumental in forming the first bowlers association in the city. In 1964, Don became a member of the Board of Directors of the Bowling Proprietor’s Association of Ontario, and served on that board from 1964 through 1976. During that time he devoted six years to the YBC, serving as Provincial Chairman. In 1969, he was elected President of the BPAO for a two year term, and remained on the board until 1976.
Don also served at the national level with the Bowling Proprietors Association of Canada as both president and treasurer and a member of the their standards and liaison committee.
Don is an ardent bowler who wholeheartedly supports organized bowling on every level. He has been a major league bowler for 30 years, carrying a lifetime average of 265. During this time, he amassed twenty-two one-thousand triples; twenty-four found hundred singles; and one perfect 450 game. In 1961, Don won the Bowlerama Match play title. As a Master Bowler, he was winner of the Mixed Triples event in 1965, and in 1966 set a triple record of 1096 and rolled a give-game score of 1642. Don also served as the MBA chief instructor for 1966-70 and, as well, its tournament chair.
As part of his semi-retirement, Don has chosen to consult with the industry and currently is coordinating the management training for the Super Bowl chain. Don and his wife Dorothy now reside in Horseshoe Valley.
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