Robert Ross Walker Jr.

He was 92, and had declared to his family, “I am ready,” having lived a long and storied life.

As blessed as we all were to have our dear Bob (husband, dad, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great-grandpa, uncle and friend), we know he himself felt blessed to have been surrounded by his family that continued to grow throughout his life. He began his own family in 1949 when he married Marilyn Wilson and had four children, and added two more children when he later married Barbara Helm in 1978. Nearly 93 years ago he came into this world, on October 28, 1931, in West Los Angeles, California, as the first-born child to Flossie Hatch Walker and Robert Ross Walker Sr.

It was apparent even in his early age that Bob would blaze his own path, and do things “his way.” Bob’s dad was a truck driver, and his family moved back and forth across the country from Los Angeles and Utah, often staying with relatives. He moved schools so many times, it became an uncomfortable place for him. He was comfortable finding ways to work: at age 9 he mowed lawns, babysat and washed dishes. While in high school he worked at a music store and learned to play the trumpet. At age 15 he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and by 16 had enough money to buy a 1942 yellow ford convertible. It was during the war, and cars were hard to come by. He helped his family financially, even as a teenager, finding ways to make money and contribute, a clear precursor to the successful entrepreneur he would become. After he married Marilyn, he worked for the Southern California Edison company, climbing high tension power poles and checking connections.

He left the power company, which was considered a good job then, and joined a plumbing company. Shortly thereafter he created a small plumbing company with his brother-in-law, Ray Francom. The plumbing company (F&W Plumbing, later changed to Charter Plumbing) went on to expand and became very successful after moving to the San Jose area in 1958. In time he added home builder to his ventures, which included apartments, condos and single-family homes. One of his biggest risks was building on a piece of property that was once an old quarry, to which there were many naysayers. He forged ahead and created a thriving light-industrial park, spaces for entrepreneurs like himself.

Bob’s adventurous spirit didn’t end with work pursuits, and led him to sky-diving, flying planes and piloting a cabin cruiser up and down the California coast. He enjoyed golf, snow skiing and scuba diving. He loved fishing with his buddies, Milt and Dennis, and nephew Greggie and son Bob.

Bob was always family oriented and found special ways to bring everyone together. For years he hosted very large family reunions that lasted for days at his Fremont ranch. Later on, he

very generously brought his wife and children and their spouses on many exciting trips throughout the world.

Throughout his life he remained a fervent member of the LDS church. It was an important and meaningful part of his life, giving him tremendous solace and direction. The Lord truly watched over him his entire life. It was a blessed one.

Bob’s legacy lives on through the example he continuously set through his sense of humor and playfulness, his work ethic and risk-taking, the importance of his faith, and most importantly his interest, generosity, and deep love and care for his great big family, and the memories of him that we will all cherish forever. Bob was a wonderful and honorable man, one we are all so lucky and so grateful to have had in our lives these many years.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Walker, son Bob Walker III and wife Susan Walker, daughter Linda Plapp and husband Dave Plapp, son Steve Walker (deceased), daughter Laurie Moon and husband Greg Moon, son Scott Helm and wife Shelly Helm, son Rob Helm and wife Pam Helm, son Vance Walker as well as a multitude of grand-children, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Bob is also survived by his siblings Jimmy Walker, Gayla Bastian, Sheryl Francom,

Molly Madsen, and Judy Babb (deceased).

SERVICES: Funeral for Bob Walker will be held on October 26, 2024 at 12:00pm

LOCATION: Ensign Ward Meeting House

135 A Street E

Salt Lake City, UT 84103

VIEWING: Ensign Ward Meeting House from 10:30 to 11:45 am,

October 26, just before the funeral service

BURIAL SITE: Bountiful City Cemetery

2224 S 200th W

Bountiful, UT 84010

(Immediately following the funeral service. Approximately 30 minute drive)