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 161^st 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.