My Grandfather, David Keith Walker

My Grandpa Walker passed away on Friday, April 29th at 8 am. He was just a few weeks shy of turning 81. He went out fishing the day before and he slipped and fell loading the boat and broke 3 ribs, one in 3 places. He finished loading the boat and then went to urgent care. They told him to go home and get some rest, to wear his brace and come back in the morning. The next morning when he woke up, he told Grandma that he was in no pain at all. That's pretty rare for a rib injury, so Grandma was a little concerned. She asked him to get up and use the bathroom and when he stood up, he collapsed and was unresponsive. Grandma called 911 and then called Aunt Barb, Grandpa's sister who lives near. My mother also got a call since she is always quick to respond and be there for her dad. When Grandma went back to check on him, she noticed his breathing started to become labored and he was taking a turn for the worse. Before the ambulance arrived, he had died. We are terribly sad to miss such a wonderful man. Grandpa was a big part of all of our lives and he will be greatly missed. He taught Caleb how to fly fish, he taught Shelby how to play patty-cake with her feet. He also taught me how to drive his riding lawn mower at a young age. He was a man who loved to serve and help out people who were in need of assistance. Most people who know  my Grandfather would know that he was a simple man and didn't have very much. He worked as a logger and money was always tight. Regardless of his lack of funds, he would always do work for others and give to people that he felt needed more than he did. He's a great example of patience and understanding. My Grandma is a very sweet lady and he took care of her and supported her. He showed her love and understanding throughout their marriage. Even when Grandma wanted something that most people would call ridiculous, Grandpa would do it without hesitation. There are many stories of the silly things that Grandma would request, and Grandpa would drop what he was doing to be by her side. Here are a few of my favorite pictures and his obituary at the end.

June 10, 1930 — April 29, 2011
David K. Walker, 80, of Sweet Home passed away Friday.
He was born in Lebanon to Loyal “Jack” and Esther (Barrette) Walker.
He was the third of seven children. He graduated from Sweet Home High School, class of 1949, lettering four years in baseball. Dave served in the Army during 1951-53.
He met and married Elizabeth McMurdie in 1954. They have five children, 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He worked in the woods logging and was an avid hunter and fly fisherman. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife served a mission for the church in 1995.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Tish”; children Pauli, Rhonda, Debbie Gay, Kim and Gordon; sisters Caroline and Barb; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Marie and Betty, brothers Al and Roger, and two grandsons.
Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 2, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1155 22nd Ave., Sweet Home. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements (www.sweethomefuneral.com).