Robert (Bob) R. Walker

Dad was born the youngest of three to Percy and Alice Ridd Walker. He had a sister Elaine and a brother Ralph. His mother died when he was 18. His wonderful sister Elaine took him into her home. Dad and Ralph, his brother, were mischievous, fun, and best friends. His parents and siblings preceded him in death. Watch out Heaven! The Walker brothers are together again!

Dad graduated at 16 from South High School. He also graduated from the University of Utah, in June 1951. Mom graduated from high school the same week. Dad swept mom off her feet and married her March 12, 1951. He joined the army two days later, just before he was drafted, which allowed him to go to officer training school. Dad served for 3 years in California, Kansas, Indiana and Colorado. He left the army a captain, and continued to serve in the army reserves. In Indiana their first child, a daughter, Christine was born. After the army, mom and dad settled in Salt Lake City, where Laurie, Shelley and Blake were born. Dad started selling insurance with his brother Ralph. Also, in the evening he sold shoes, which was a job he hated! He eventually went to work at Primary Children’s Hospital as a controller. He enjoyed working in the hospital so much, he decided to get extra schooling in Minnesota, to become a hospital administrator.

When they returned to Salt Lake, he sold insurance, as he looked for work in a hospital. Scott Parker, whom he met in Minnesota, offered him a job in Mesa, Arizona, to work with him, as an Assistant Hospital Administrator. The family made the move to Arizona, where Todd and Mark were born. We lived in Mesa for 10 years, where the oldest three girls graduated from high school. Chris and Laurie were married in Mesa. Once again Scott Parker offered dad a job. This time back in Salt Lake City at IHC, where he had a very successful career, until the day he retired.

Mom and dad enjoyed dancing, boating, big family trips, family events, parties, and they loved to play games. They also enjoyed long lasting friendships from everywhere they lived. Dad belonged to the Sertoma club, and served in many church callings. He was in three bishoprics, served on the high council, and was high priest group leader. His favorite calling was young men president. He had many wonderful memories of their activities together. They continued to live an active life. They enjoyed everything about their 33 grandchildren and 79 great grandchildren. Each grandchild has memories of him cheering them on at games, graduations, recitals and every event in their lives. He has laid his hands on many heads during blessings, baptisms, confirmations and priesthood ordinations. He was an example to us of hard work, kindness, integrity and love. Mom and dad were happily married for 68 years or as dad said, “Well there was that one year…” We love you dad!

We will celebrate his life on Friday, March 8th at 2:00 pm. The funeral will be held at the Centerville 3rd Ward, 900 S. 400 E. Centerville, Utah. The viewing will be held at 12:00 pm prior to services at the same location. Interment, Centerville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, dad requests donations be made to Primary Children’s Hospital.