Kenneth Lee Walker

Ken was born January 10, 1943 in Long Beach, CA to the late Jean (Cobler) Walker and Ervin W. Walker. He is survived by his wife of 28 years Nancy Matus-Walker; sister Judy Walker (of CO), son Nick Walker and wife Kendall, and grandson Jake (of MA), in addition to aunts and uncles and cousins.

Ken loved music, especially singing. He graduated from Montana State University at Missoula with a BMusicEd degree. He majored in voice and keyboard. Ken was active in college band, and many stage productions and events there. He enjoyed classical music, and loved the musical and lyrical genius of The Beatles. He also loved stage productions such as “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Les Miserables.”

Ken served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Conflict, and received an Honorable Discharge. Following his military service, he taught music at various junior high schools in California and Arizona for several years.

Ken left teaching, and became a professional bus operator for Phoenix Transit, operating City of Phoenix buses until retiring. His friendly and outgoing nature and love of people was a perfect fit with this job, earning him numerous kudos and notes of appreciation from riders, safety awards, and commendations from his employer.

During this time, Ken was also active with his church, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Of Phoenix, first as a choir member, and then for a period as Interim Choir Director. Ken loved to sing, and sang for bus passengers, and anyone at any time. After retiring from driving, he presented vocal entertainment at several Phoenix area nursing homes.

Ken also enjoyed photography, and capturing nature and its beauty. Ken loved the ocean, and everything about it. He especially loved fishing - whether on the Colorado River at Lees Ferry in AZ, from a boat or pier on the Pacific Ocean, salmon fishing in Alaska, or even urban lakes at Sun Lakes and city parks - it was a favorite hobby. He never saw a fish he didn’t want to catch (or to eat!). He also loved ocean cruises, especially to Alaska and along the Pacific Coast. Even though his daily job involved driving, Ken thoroughly enjoyed road trips, and he and Nancy covered most of Arizona with many road trips to all corners of our state - keeping a map of all routes covered - as well as trips across the USA to Massachusetts to visit family. Ken was proud of being able to drive Hwy 1/101 completely up our Pacific Coast from border to border. He laughingly called these his “busman’s holidays.”

Ken was a very open, friendly man, with the “gift of gab”, ready to make a friend wherever he went. His greatest joy in life was to make someone’s day brighter, through frequent laughter and a bit of wit. He was an enthusiastic supporter and endless champion of Nancy's art endeavors, and was a natural and compelling promoter for her, often popping awake in the night with a new marketing idea for her.

Ken will be missed by all who knew him.

Per Ken’s wishes, there will be no service. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to your favorite charity.