Obituaries

Born in Warwickshire, England be beloved parents Jean and Jack Walker, survived by his wife and joy of his life Joan Hammes, his so special talented sons Anders and Bengt Walker, two granddaughters, Nina and Katharine, and sailing brother John Walker. Robert studied building engineering at Birmingham University, worked eight years as a construction Estimator and Quantity Surveyor in England, then worked as a Construction Estimator and project Manager on contract for one year in Nigeria, and two years in Sweden. After siblings Pamela and John immigrated to New Zealand, he decided to try California. Working as a Estimator Construction Manager in the San Francisco Bay Area, he liked it so much that even after prolonged visits to New Zealand and Australia he decided to make California his permanent home. After a health/ life crisis in 1983 his sons gave him a large study Bible which led him to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Shortly thereafter he met Joan, an athletic High School Mathematics teacher who became the one great love of his life. Her joy and vitality transformed Robert’s life and restored his youth, strength and health. God’s help in many other ways completely resurrected him! Joni and Robert lived like young adventures-travelling, sailing, kayaking, biking, back packing, running and other sports. They purchased and older house in Fremont which they, with their own hands, remodeled and enlarged by 900 square feet into a beautiful home.

Together they reworked the large wilderness of their rear yard into a summer paradise of decking, lawn, fire pit, spa and 44 foot pool. Great memories were created and repeated year by year with their mothers, Anders and Bengt traveling to Arizona, New England, Alaska, Caribbean, United Kingdom, etc.

But the greatest memory they shared was their cruise with family and friends and the perfect marriage one sunny day in Juno, Alaska. Earlier lives of Sister Pamela and Brother John established valued loving families of Jo, Claire, Julie, Holly, Soona of Australia. Also of brother in-law Walter with Robert’s nieces Karen and Erica in New Zealand.

Robert had a long fight to live with cancer and many health changes.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 6, 2019 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 2950 Washington Blvd., Fremont.

In lieu of flowers Robert request donations to Doctors Without Borders and FINCA.