William Walker
William C. (Caleb) Walker, III
Bill passed away at home in Redmond, WA on August 21, 2009. He was born on September 16, 1943 at Ft. Benning, GA.
Bill’s family moved to Minnesota in the 1950’s where they found their mutual love of boating on Lake Minnetonka. He built his first sailboat when he was 16, and never lost his passion for sailboats, trading up for bigger and faster ones.
His class graduated early from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point NY in time to sail to Viet Nam in February 1967 (to deliver rice). He sailed around the world 4 ½ times using celestial navigation.
He began his career in the marine insurance industry after returning to shore. He lived in Los Angeles until he joined an insurance company in Seattle. Bill later went into business for himself, managing three companies until the collapse of the Russian economy. He joined Commonwealth Insurance Company in 2002 as Senior V.P. and created the marine insurance division. He retired in 2004, following a debilitating stroke.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (his soul mate and high school sweetheart), son John W. (Kim) Walker and granddaughters Katelyn and Sarah Walker of Los Angeles, CA and beloved cats Jack and Spike. He was predeceased by his parents William C. Walker, II and Miriam (Mim) Walker.
We would like to thank the members of the Redmond Fire, EMS and Medic One who have consistently provided prompt, compassionate care since September 2004, especially last Friday. We would also like to thank the Redmond Police Department and Chaplain for helping Barbara get through last Friday morning as well, as well as Barbara’s good friends at Physio-Control.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations (checks only) on his behalf to either:
Redmond Aid Car Fund, c/o Debbie Gentry, 8450 161st Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052 (established in the 1980’s for donations to enable the department to purchase specialized EMS equipment to improve delivery of emergency services to our community).
Redmond Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund, P. O. Box 2493, Redmond, WA 98073 (established by the local firefighters’ union to allow donated funds to help them reach out to needy members of our community during some very difficult times that they may be experiencing).
You are invited to a “Celebration of Life” Friday, October 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 17440 Brookside Boulevard NE, Lake Forest Park, WA.
3 Responses to “William Walker”
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We are so sorry to hear about Bill; please let us know when the memorial is held as we would like to be there to support you.
Our sincere condolences,
Diana and Jim Blackmore
We were saddened to learn about Bill’s passing. We have many happy memories of Bill at work and at play. His love of boats, and particularly sailing, was something we had in common, and Bill was always quick with a joke and a laugh.
Bill encouraged me to become a marine insurance broker and encouraged my daughter, Allison, to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. I gained even more respect for Bill when I found out how challenging that school is and what an accomplishment it is go gradute. Little wonder he was so proud to be a Kings Pointer!
We feel privileged to have known Bill, and we cant think of him without seing that big smile on his face.
I met Bill in the late 70’s when we were both working in the Los Angeles Marine Insurance community. He was the Branch Manager of Talbot, Bird and Company and I was the assistant Branch Manager of MOAC……..a competitor.
When Bill decided to move to the brokerage side of the business, he recommended that I replace him at Talbot Bird as the Branch Manager, which I did. As a company underwriter or an insurance broker, Bill was someone you could trust and respect. Pam and I were saddened to hear of his passing. He was a man of his word and a true marine insurance professional.