Obituary of Robert John Walker

Robert John “Bob” Walker passed away peacefully on May 22, 2019 at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, of complications with Alzheimer’s.

Bob was born to Ray and Helen Walker on July 7, 1946 in Seattle, Washington.

He graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton, Washington in 1964, and joined the Army Security Agency during the Vietnam Era. He returned home to Bayshore Golf Course after his tour of duty and went to work at Lumbermans/Pro Build in Shelton as a contractor salesman until his retirement.  With a dad as a golf pro and living on a course since age nine, Bob embraced the game and enjoyed other sports as well, including basketball, football and baseball. When he played basketball in high school, his face would turn red with exertion so he was nicknamed “Rosie” by his teammates.  The first golf course the family lived at was called Earlington close to the old Longacre’s Race Track near Renton; they would sit in the orchard on the edge of a hill and watch the races, listening for “And There They Go” at the start of the race. Later on in life Bob, took up the hobby of handicapping horses.  He celebrated one of his birthdays at Emerald Downs, where he was able to go into the paddock and meet the jockeys and horses, and have his picture taken in the winner’s circle after a race.

Bob was a good, generous man with a quick wit, sense of humor, and a kind heart. When he wasn’t working or playing golf, he spent time with family and friends.   

Bob is survived by sisters, Teresa Bracy of Tumwater, and Gloria Gaetz of Olympia; brothers, Richard Walker (wife, Denise) of Elma and Neal Walker (wife, Danette) of Kingston; and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents.  Bob’s presence will be missed, but he will always remain in our hearts.

Services will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.