Tribute to a beloved Vancouver Island broadcaster
The media community on Vancouver Island is mourning the loss of Mike Walker, a familiar face on CHEK News and the founder of Roll Focus Productions. Walker passed away in the early hours of a Saturday, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with brain cancer. His wife, Amanda, shared the heartbreaking news with a message that spoke to the man behind the public persona: a husband, friend, and unwavering optimist whose smile lit up rooms and newsroom floors alike.
A life spent telling stories
Born in Victoria, Walker became a fixture in local sport and news coverage, earning affection from colleagues and viewers for his humor, work ethic, and infectious grin. He joined CHEK News in 2010, taking on roles as a sports and news anchor, camera operator, editor, and writer. His versatility made him a respected and versatile member of the newsroom—a storyteller who could adapt, create, and connect with audiences across platforms.
From television to entrepreneurship
After years in front of and behind the camera, Walker launched Roll Focus Productions, a company that grew into a major player in south Vancouver Island for local sports and community event coverage. Through Roll Focus, he carried his passion for storytelling into a new realm, providing high-quality production and a personal touch that reflected his philosophy of kindness and shared humanity.
A battle fought with dignity
Walker was first diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 20, a challenge he faced with remarkable resilience. Even after undergoing a craniotomy, radiation, and chemotherapy, he returned to his craft, continuing to document moments that mattered to his community. In interviews, Walker spoke about living with the disease while maintaining his signature optimism and work ethic. His mantra, he said, was simple: don’t be a jerk—be kind and respectful. It was not just a motto but a guiding principle for his life and business, shaping how he approached colleagues, clients, and audiences alike.
Legacy and lasting impact
Walker’s early career with CHEK News laid a foundation for a life spent amplifying local voices and stories. His work with Roll Focus allowed him to document a broad spectrum of community events, fostering a sense of connection across the South Island. In his own words, shared in late interviews, he wanted to be remembered as the “smiley guy who was nice and kind to work with.” Those memories are what many in the Victoria media community hold onto as they reflect on his contributions.
A community remembers
Amanda’s poignant post announcing his passing highlighted the two people who stood by him—an enduring partnership and a shared commitment to community. The note also referenced an upcoming Pipes Strong wake event that would have featured Walker delivering his own eulogy—an emblem of the humor and humanity he brought to every aspect of his life. Colleagues from CHEK News and collaborators at Roll Focus are expressing condolences, underscoring how deeply Walker touched those around him and how widely his work resonated across the Island.
What this means for Victoria’s media scene
Walker’s career offers a blueprint for how local broadcasters can evolve without losing sight of their core mission: storytelling that informs, entertains, and unites a community. His transition from on-air personality to producer and entrepreneur demonstrates a path for future generations of journalists and creatives who wish to balance resilience with generosity. In times of loss, the best tribute is often to continue telling the stories that matter with openness and kindness—principles Mike Walker championed every day.
Condolences and remembrance
CHEK News extended its deepest condolences to Amanda and the entire Roll Focus team, along with Victoria’s broader media community. While headlines may move on, the imprint of Mike Walker’s smile, generosity, and dedication will endure in the people he inspired and the stories he helped tell.
