Raymond Walker
ESCANABA — Raymond Walker, 72, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Monday the 27th of July, 2020. He had been feeling ill lately and passed from natural causes. Ray was born on Oct. 19, 1947, to Gladys and Bruce Walker in Escanaba. He graduated in 1965 from Escanaba Senior High School and attended Central Michigan University, majoring in philosophy.
Raymond had many different jobs in his life. Right out of college he went to work in Seattle as a social worker finding jobs for people. He worked for the Becktel Corporation for a while as a time keeper. Returning to Escanaba he was a special delivery driver, going across the country to bring certain goods to people. He worked at home with a computer business. He helped friends and relatives with their computers and sold some to them. He also did painting and grass cutting for special people.
Ray was a pleasant, philosophical guy with a droll sense of humor. W. C. Fields was one of his favorite characters. Once when a neighbor complained about his cat walking on her car, he told the lady he would talk to the cat about it. He helped his sisters with home projects. He enjoyed the company of a dear friend, Jill, and had many nice dinners with his sisters and other friends. He met with a group of old buddies every Wednesday night at a friend’s house. With his background in philosophy he had an interesting outlook on life and had many friends that respected him. He had a hello and a kind word for everyone.
In the 80s he and his father, Bruce, started the Escanaba Astronomy Club in their home with a group of interested friends. He had large telescopes to see the stars and knew a lot about them. When Haley’s Comet appeared he made a poster about it and sold it.
Ray had many interests. He was a car enthusiast and kept his cars spotless. He worked with friends cars when they needed help. He was a very good photographer with an eye for a good picture. He lived life on his own terms and was happy.
Raymond is survived by his two sisters, Evelyn Walker of Bark River, and Carol Abramson in DeWitt, Mich.. He had six nieces and nephews, Kristy and Steve Bennett, Steve and Susan Abramson, and Katie and Tony Marl. He had eight grand-nieces and nephews, Claire, Nathan, Noah, Will, Henry, Elizabeth, and Jack and Lila. He will be missed.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba with a brief ceremony at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
Masks are mandatory upon entering the Skradski Family Funeral.
No donations please, but if anyone would want to raise a glass to him sometime, that would be just great!