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KENNETH B. WALKER

FUNERAL HOME

Riverside Memorial Chapel - New York

180 West 76th Street

New York City, New York

KENNETH WALKER Obituary

WALKER--Kenneth Brian, beloved husband of David Burnett, passed away on March 17 of complications resulting from surgery. Born on February 2, 1945, a son of the late Jack and Lillian Walker of Forest Hills, Mr. Walker was a lifelong and quintessential New Yorker. Owner of an eponymously named architectural and interior design firm, he was a graduate of The Pratt Institute. During his long career Mr. Walker created distinctive designs for a wide variety of clients. In 1973 he designed the African Room for the opera house at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. For many years he traveled throughout the world as a design consultant for the Rockefeller family on the Rock Resort hotel chain. Mr. Walker and Mr. Burnett, life partners for 20 years, were married on July 24, 2011, choosing to commemorate their union on the first day of legalized same-sex marriage in New York State. In addition to Mr. Burnett, he is survived by a brother, Raymond, God- daughter Jill van Berg, a large extended family and a legion of friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:45am on Tuesday, March 19 at the Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, 212-362-6600 with burial to follow at Beth Moses Cemetery , Wellwood Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704, Phone: (631)-249-2290. The family will receive callers at home from 5 to 9pm on Tuesday evening and 5 to 8pm Wednesday-Friday evenings. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to www.friendsindeed.org

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 19, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH WALKER

14 Entries

Olivier de COAT

January 6, 2018

Je te revois ,
arrivant avec des fleurs du jardin .
Un déjeuner est venu et une conversation qui roule.

C'était un peu le printemps je crois.

Merci de tout .

Melissa Pektor

April 7, 2013

My husband and I had the divine pleasure of meeting Ken and David years ago at a party. We became fast friends as well as clients and are terribly saddened to have learned the news of Ken's passing. He was a true gentleman and a real trouper and epitomized what it means to live in the moment and make the most of every day. His positive attitude and cheerful disposition is something we can all seek to emulate. I will miss my sweet friend but always have my pretty living room to remind me of his genius and the special place he will always hold in my heart.

I pray that God's love and grace surround and comfort you, David, and that, in time, your many happy memories will sustain you and give you peace.

My love always,
Missy

April 2, 2013

Ken was my oldest friend in New York - he gave me my first job in 1974
as a graphic designer at his firm then '' WALKER & SANCHIS. In 1976 he designed my loft on 38 street... I had the pleasure to live in his interior designs first hand. I am so privilege to have known you...MERCI ! for your love and friendship. Pierre Labelle

Ray

March 23, 2013

See you later, little brother.

meril

March 22, 2013

my thoughts are with david and all who were close to ken. he was a fine man and will be missed by all he touched.

Judith Meehan

March 21, 2013

I had the opportunity of meeting Ken several years ago when he opened his exquisite apartment one evening to my NYC interior design class. He was gracious and delightful, and it was a privilege to have met him.

Chris Walker (nephew)

March 20, 2013

May my uncle rest easy and be forever joined with his parents (my grand parents) Jack and Lillian. It is not the time we spend on earth, but the quality of that time we are here. Rest in eternal peace Ken. And may nothing but blessings and love be with David.

March 19, 2013

Sorry to hear of your loss. We have been so blessed to be a part of your lives.

Deb and Ledale

Robert Levithan

March 19, 2013

Ken was a valiant and sweet warrior. His generosity and kindness were always present and his zest for life, for making the most of what he had to work with, was inspiring.

Diane and Charles Siskin

March 19, 2013

We were really saddened to learn of Ken's death. We always enjoyed his and David's company during holiday events. Our sister, Susan and her daughter Jill were extended family to Ken and David. We mourn with them and are glad we got to experience so many happy events together. Ken was a dear and generous man.

Linda Reitberger

March 19, 2013

I knew Kenneth many years ago (1980's) when he designed my employer's offices in NJ and worked with him on a daily basis. He was a gentleman always and I remember coming in to his office and having lunch with him at Cafe De Artistes across the street from his apartment. I am sure that he will be missed by his family and friends.

Randy, Susan (Bythewood) and Ariana Russell

March 19, 2013

May God bless you David. We were so saddened to learn of Ken's passing. May the Lord's strength be upon you and may cherished memories bring you comfort and peace. We love you and are sending you heartfelt hugs. We will miss seeing Ken's bright smile. We will remember all of those great meals we have shared in New York, Dix Hills and in Pennsylvania when we traveled back to Columbus. So many great memories that we will cheish forever.

cousins anita & norman deutsch

March 19, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Madeline Cohn

March 19, 2013

Just learned of the early passing of Ken, We are truly saddened and send our condolences to family.
We had a relationship with him many years ago, both as our designer and friend.

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