March 07, 1939 - January 28, 2014
Tax accountant, professional listener, entertainer, whiskey aficionado... not necessarily in that order. Bob was born in Tekoa WA, the tenth of eleven children of Arthur Walker and Virginia (McCready) Walker. In 1944 the family moved to his home in Greenacres, WA where he would live the rest of his life. Bob graduated from Central Valley High School in 1957, and after an enlistment in the Army and many left turns was the Student Body President when he graduated from Spokane Community College in 1974. Bob was a life-long member of the Elks, serving the local lodge and working his way through the ranks to eventually become an Exalted Ruler. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary (Voliva) Walker; his sons, Robert Jr. (Susan) and Jeffrey (Michelle); Mary's children, Jimmy, Joanna (Steve), Tom (Debbie), Kathy (Charlie); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their dog, Tug. Bob had many professions in his life but is best remembered for the 44 years he was the proprietor of Walker Tax Office. Bob professed that he had the best job in the world, ""every year my friends stop by for a visit, pay and leave."" His office had the ambiance of a seedy, no-girls-allowed hideout, complete with a shark jaw skeleton chomping a dusty old clock and off-kilter comic strips which have yellowed with age all carefully hand-taped to the walls. Bob and his business exuded the charm of your favorite lounge, complete with a bartender turned tax preparer ready to listen to your woes. An appointment with Bob was never business as usual, it was a highly anticipated chance to shoot the breeze with your oldest friend. No fan of modern business practice, Bob was a strong proponent of the barter system, keeping in touch via chain emails, and cracking jokes which were endearingly inappropriate. The family would like to thank Mary for her unwavering care and support of our Bob, the many friends and clientele for the loyalty and support throughout the years and Sacred Heart Hospital for the care and the kindness shown toward a family who lost a man larger than life itself. After seven decades of raising hell and flirting his way into the hearts of everyone he met, Bob has left us. Bob Walker lived a colorful life, and as he always said, ""Sure was fun though, wasn't it? It was worth it."" A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at 10:00 AM, at the Greater Spokane Elks Lodge, 2605 N Robie Rd, Spokane, WA 99206. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Childrenâ??s Hospital.
