Joseph J. Walter, known as Kook, disappeared from High Prairie, Alberta, in late winter 1996. Reports differ on his last confirmed sighting—some say March 1, 1996, others March 25, 1996—but everyone agrees he was last seen that March evening at the Cozy Corner Lounge. After leaving the lounge he never returned and has not been heard from since.

He was described as a Caucasian male, 5 feet 3 inches tall, about 158 to 159 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Witnesses said his hair and face were often unkempt; he had early beard growth when last seen, a crooked nose from a prior break, and a four-inch scar on his chest. Typical clothing reported was blue jeans, a blue jean jacket, rubber boots and a plain dark cap or a blue or black ball cap reading Schell’s Carpets.

Few specific details about the circumstances have been released by the High Prairie RCMP, and the case remains open. If anyone knew Joseph, saw him around High Prairie in March 1996, or has information related to his disappearance, contact the High Prairie RCMP.