Nov 1, 2013

Avid outdoorsman, loving husband, Dad and Pap Pap

Howard G. Walker, 73, of Washington, passed on to better hunting grounds Friday, November 1, 2013.

He was born at home January 15, 1940, in Earlville, N.Y., a son of the late Mary Irene Williams Walker and Lloyd Giles Walker.

Mr. Walker grew up in Lowell, N.Y., and attended SUNY Oswega and Colgate University.

In New Hartford, N.Y., he taught science at Myles Elementary School and then was a guidance counselor at New Hartford High School, before moving to Pennsylvania.

In 1991, he married Carol Jean Koday of Washington.

He retired in 2002 from Burgettstown High School after 20 years as a guidance counselor, teacher and mentor.

A true outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish and work in his garden; retirement was his opportunity to do everything he enjoyed. Mr. Walker would often recount how peaceful it was to sit in the woods and how he loved to travel to capture those moments in the great outdoors. Some of his favorite excursions included an annual camping trip to Algonquin, camping and canoe trips to the Boundary Waters in Texas for boar hunting and Canada, where he bow-hunted grizzly bears.

He enjoyed spending hours working in his shop, beautifully refinishing furniture and canning his blue ribbon beets, both famous gifts for family and friends.

Mr. Walker enjoyed surf-fishing in the Outer Banks, N.C., and spending time with his large extended family on their annual trip. His sense of humor and undeniable character will live on in those who knew him. He was loved by family and friends alike and will truly be missed.

Mr. Walker was blessed with a large and loving family and is survived by five children, Lisa (Mark) Wilson of Walstonburg, N.C., Glenn Walker of Deansboro, N.Y., Elisabeth Shook of LaPlata, Md., Kenneth (Colleen) Shook of Chesapeake, Va., and Lucinda (Mark) Subrick of Washington; 15 grandchildren, Mark Wilson Jr., Kelly Wilson, Joseph Bauer, Lauren (Scott) Matt, Nichole Pasqualicchio, Adam Gorby, Dustin Wilson, Alayna Steele, Tyler Wilson, Jonathon Gorby, Ryan Shook, Marcus Subrick, Emily Shook, Kevin Shook and Nicolas Subrick; a sister, Jean Anne (Don) Schoner of Homer, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service was held for immediate family.

Condolences and memorial sentiments can be left at http://howard.walker.muchloved.com.

James A. Rabe Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.