Dr. Gregory Link Walker

Dr. Gregory Link Walker, age 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by his sons, loving family, and friends on Tuesday, March 26, at 4:28 pm at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing Michigan, we can all agree, much earlier than expected.

Greg, or “Walks” as he was known to his friends, was born on December 15, 1958 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Frank and Barbara Walker of Birmingham, Michigan. He and his soul mate, Jamie were blessed by the arrival of their sons, Samuel and Andrew.

From an early age, Greg possessed an abundance the qualities and skills that would serve him well and prepared him to become a highly skilled, compassionate and phenomenal Physician, Leader, Educator and Mentor. His relentless work ethic, an iron will to succeed at all goals he set, his unfaltering optimism, enormous patience and kindness to those less fortunate was undeniable. Greg unconditionally believed that helping those less fortunate was an inherent duty as a moral and ethical person. To his friends and family, he was an endless reservoir of optimism, inspiration and pride, and made more salient by his no nonsense mannerism, and his will, conviction and trust, that accomplishment of worthy endeavors are only possible if one is committed and keep trying until you find the way to succeed. He had a deep interest and compassion for humanity often describing himself as a student of society and life.

Greg attended Pierce Elementary, Barnum Junior High, and Seaholm High School, where as a student athlete he wrestled, played football and excelled in his true passion, hockey. Walks preeminence at Hockey and his undeniable skills and talent enabled him to be an integral member of several traveling hockey teams. Walks completed and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, where he also played hockey. He went on to pursue a Medical Education and attended St. George’s University, and began his clerkship in New York and then transferred and completed his medical education at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Medicine Degree. With his M.D. in hand, Walks eagerly entered his residency training and Greg interned at Cook County General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, and Sparrow Hospital in East Lansing, Michigan. After his internship he started practice at Owosso Memorial Healthcare and became intricately involved in Emergency medical care leadership and education. He quickly became involved with the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians and also a leader in the Michigan State University Emergency Medicine Residency program. Walks soon received numerous laudable and distinguished awards, including Ronald L. Krome Meritorious Service Award and Emergency Physician of the Year just to name a few from the impressive and extensive list of commendable accomplishments.

Greg was a Diplomate and Oral Examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) and an integral member and leader in the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and Michigan College of Emergency Physicians (MCEP) where he lobbied both at the state and national level for the improvement and the development of excellence standards in emergency medical care and education. Walks passion and true joy was however, being a mentor and educator of fledgling and developing medical students and resident physicians in his capacity of Residency Director of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Emergency Medicine Residency Program.

Although Emergency Medicine was a very important priority in his life, Greg always found time for hockey, as he continued playing on several men’s leagues, as well as coaching his two sons’ Sam and

Andy’s hockey teams. Greg also had a special a penchant desire for country living and loved residing in Mason, Michigan. His rural living supported his love for vintage farm equipment and he often drove miles to find the many of vintage tractors and implements he had collected over the years.

At the time of his passing, Dr. Walker spent his time primarily at his primary residence in Mason, Michigan and time allowing, his summer home in Elk Rapids, Michigan, where he cherished the company and joy of his loving family and friends.

Greg is survived by his sons, Sam and Andy, his brother James Walker and his sister, Judy Racette, as well as nieces Rachel, Allie and and nephews Jake and Matt and an abundance of friends and colleagues. Dr. Gregory Link Walker M.D. ,(Walks), will be profoundly missed and touched and made each our lives better for knowing him.

Greg follows his spouse Jamie, and parents Barbara and Frank in passing.

Service Details: April 13th, 1pm, please call son, Andrew at (517)614-3437 if interested in service location details.

Memorial Funds: Wounded Warrior Project and Humane Society

Special thanks to MCEP, Emergency Medical Associates