From 1948-1974, Don Walker established himself as one of Ontario's top bowlers and subsequently, transferred his on-lane success to become a force off the lanes as well. In fact, Don Walker was originally recognized as a Builder of the Bowling Industry in the program that preceded this Hall of Fame program. That recognition took place in 1977, before Don's formal induction to the Builders Division of the Five Pin Hall of Fame in 1989.
On the lanes, Don actually began his bowling career in 1945 at a four lane centre under Ritchies Cigar Store in Brockville. Through his job with United Cigar Store, Don bowled in Kingston, Belleville and Peterborough before settling in Oshawa. In each location, Don bowled as often as he could and his average rose to 250.

In 1958 at Peterborough, Don won the Open Mixed Doubles, bowling with Hall of Famer, Bea Milton at one of the annual all-events tournaments that were popular at that time. Also, that same year, Don attended the formation meeting of the Ontario Bowlers Congress (OBC) and he drew the attention of the top Toronto bowlers, Red McQuaker, Mabel McDowell and Bill Graham. Don made such an impression that he worked full time for the OBC in 1958 before moving to Double Diamond, who were distributing the first automatic pinsetter. As bowling looked at a global expansion, Don was chosen to travel to Scotland and, in 1960, opened a 5 pin bowling centre in Glasgow, offering instruction locally and demonstrating recommended bowling technique. Upon returning home, Don was named Chief Instructor for the Master Bowlers' Association of Ontario, a position he held from 1966

Don Walker was born in Oshawa, Ontario, November 3, 1927. As a small child, his family returned to the family farm near Brockville, Ontario, where he received his education. While still underage, he left home for a 2 year stint in the Canadian Army. Upon his discharge, he attended the Rehabilitation School in Brockville, Ontario studying drafting and working part time in the local bowling lanes. After completing his training as a draftsman, he was employed by Pye Canada Radio, Ajax, Ontario. He has also worked at Hudson's Bay Co. as a Furniture and Appliance Manager and later at Cherney Bros. Furniture in Peterborough.

Don and his wife, Dorothy, have one daughter, now married and living in Hamilton.

His bowling career really began in 1958, after attending a meeting of the Ontario Bowling Association, at which time a new group known as the Ontario Bowlers Council was formed. Don left his job to join the O.B.C. as a field representative to help organize the bowlers in the Province. This is where his true "love affair" with five pin bowling began. Because of the O.B.C.'s lack of funds, the Double Diamond Co. was persuaded to give Don a summer job. This summer job lasted for 15 years, during which time he was employed by that firm in many capacities including the advertising and opening of many new bowling centres in Ontario and one in East Kilbride, Scotland: the Double Diamond Advisory Staff, instruction clinics and bowling centre management. While managing the Victoria Bowl in Kitchener, Ontario, Double Diamond sold its bowling centre interests to the Bowlerama chain, and Don continued with Bowlerama as a District Manager. In 1974, he left Kitchener for Hamilton where he managed Sherwood Lanes for 2 years. In 1976, he purchased Pla-Mor Bowl in St. Catharines, where he now resides.

During his six years in Kitchener, Don was instrumental in forming the first Bowling Association in the city. In 1964, Don became a member of the Board of Directors of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of Ontario and served on that board from 1964 through 1976. During that time, he devoted six years to the Y.B.C. , serving as Provincial Chairman. In 1969, he was elected President of the B.P.A.O. for a two year term and remained on the Board until 1976.

Don is an ardent bowler who wholeheartedly supports organized bowling on every level. He has been aa major league bowler for 30 years carrying a lifetime average of 265. During this time, he amassed twenty-two , 1,000 triples, twenty-four, 400 singles and one perfect 450 game. In 1961, Don won the Bowlerama Matchplay 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 a five game record of 1642.

Don has other interests as well. He is an avid golfer who has enjoyed the thrill of a "hole in one", enjoys cross country skiing, when time permits and serves on the Board of Directors of the big Brothers.