Peter John Walker

Peter John Walker was born in Portland, Oregon on September 25, 1926 to Ida and Peter Conrad Walker. He was the oldest of twin boys, had 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother, and is survived by his oldest sister, Lucille. Pete’s father was among the first horse and buggy garbage men in Portland and his mother was a Rose fancier who received many Silver Plate Awards at the Rose Festival. Pete and his twin, Harold, graduated from Benson Tech and Pete joined the Navy to see the sea only to be in the aircraft division stationed on Johnston Island in the Pacific refueling airplanes. After being discharged from the Navy, Pete attended Oregon State College under the GI Bill, transferred to University of Oregon, and earned his Degree in Architecture in 1950.

In the summer of 1952 he re-met Claudette at a movie in Portland through a mutual friend and after finding her in Vancouver, they married on January 23, 1953. After a couple years they acquired property and Pete was able to design and build their home. Pete became self-employed and his occupation was also his hobby. Sunday drives would be to look at architecture….all types. He was especially fond of barns!! However, he also enjoyed yard work and was hired to do landscape work after he had completed client’s drawings. Pete loved the beach and enjoyed swimming, biking, and would run by the river after a long day at his drafting table. The family enjoyed their log cabin on the Washougal River and traveled to Mexico once a year until they purchased a home in Scottsdale, Arizona that became their special retreat. Trips to Japan, Greece and Mexico with the Dance Studio were special for Pete as he was able to spend so much time walking to see architecture he wore out a pair of shoes every time they took a trip.

Pete’s most precious treasures were his 3 kids—Pam, Pete and Pepi and their only grandson, Ricky. It didn’t take much to make Pete a great husband, fun Dad and Grandpa. Peter John Walker passed away at home on July 22, 2018; his devotion and sense of humor made him a very Special Person who will be greatly missed.