George Allen Walker III

George “Allen” Walker III passed away peacefully at home on January 19th, 2023. He was born to Mary-Jo (Harris) and George Walker Jr. on August 28th , 1958 in Tacoma, WA. Allen was raised in Shoreline, however fondly remembered living in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey for a short time at a very young age. He was diagnosed with Infantile Autism at the age of 14 and was home schooled as well as attending Shoreline public schools. Allen lived with his exceptionally supportive parents until the age of 22, when he was admitted to Fircrest School in 1981.

While residing at Fircrest, Allen overcame numerous challenges through his own self-determination and self-advocacy in addition to the development of trusting relationships along with clinical support, all of which paved the way for him to do what most people who knew him at the time thought was not possible; becoming a community member in Kirkland in 1996. His roommate Chris soon followed and as Allen put it: “The dream came true!”. In 1999 Allen and his parents found a home in Bothell that Allen could call his own. With the support of his family and community support staff, Allen blossomed. Thanks to his own desire to be retired like his parents plus the creative planning of his retirement schedule implemented by staff at Ambitions, Inc., Allen led a truly adventurous life for the next 27 years.

Allen loved living in the community. Seattle was his city. He was indeed the “Big Cheese” and was the “Shot caller” in his life. He was intrepid, attending the implosion of the Kingdome in 2000, the WTO riots in 1999 as well as travels to Canada, numerous trips to Leavenworth - especially Octoberfest, the Seattle waterfront, trips on his parent’s boat “Singapore Fling”, Folklife Festivals, visits to state parks as well as weekly visits with his parents and family and everywhere in between. Allen loved to dine out, especially at Ivars and having “Date Night” every Saturday with a preferred staff member. His love of Vienna Sausages, smoked baby clams and Pepsi was lifelong. Staying on his schedule was his highest priority.

Allen liked anything mechanical and was curious about how things worked. He had a love for the moon, and for music, especially German folk and the Beatles. He was always up for a good banter! He had an uncanny memory for remembering past events in his life, people, music and dates. Swimming, bowling, trips to “The Office” (at Ambitions) and shopping were also high on his weekly to do list. A highlight for Allen was when he was profiled in a multi-part series produced by Seattle’s KING 5 TV investigative journalist Suzanna Frame in her series “Last of the Institutions”, which showcased both his previous challenges through an interview with his father as well as his triumphs living in the community successfully. He was interviewed for the series while on a routine weekly shopping excursion. In 2018 Allen celebrated his 60th birthday by arriving to a catered event in a Silver Cloud Rolls Royce, greeted by all who loved and cared about him and to rousing applause. A live German folk band was included because he loved to dance!

Allen was a loving, courageous, intelligent and inspiring man whose life touched everyone he met. He will be missed very much!

Allen leaves behind a legacy of fond memories for those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his brother Greg ( and wife Janet) and nephews Doug and Kyle as well as other family members, friends, care providers and admirers. Allen was certainly right 27 years ago when he said: “The dream came true!”.

In his honor, a graveside service will be held at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home on Thursday, February 23rd at 11am followed by a Celebration of Life Service at noon, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA