Walker Cunningham

I met Walker when we were in high school at Blackstone High School. At his memorial I spoke of his exploits at that time. Afterwards his friends came up to me astounded that such an accomplished and sophisticated man had his roots in such a small rural area. All I can say is brilliance is not bound by geography. I miss you so much, Walker, dear friend. Love, Jesslyn Cobb

Walker lived a full life and will not be forgotten!

God Bless You, Walker. My love of organ music continues, and I will be forever grateful for your brilliant musical ability, and for your art at teaching me how to play, when I was all of 16 at a faraway boarding school.
The little chapel where you spent hours teaching me, and which held that beautiful and special organ, became my refuge. I hope you have found yours, and may you be forever in the hearts of those who met you and knew you.
Love, Walker!
Marnie

I am very sad to read about Walker's death almost a year later. I had the privilege to study music with Walker as member of the junior choir at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Berkeley. He also helped me develop as a young pianist. Even at the age of 9, I admired Walker for his musicianship, intellect, and most of all his kindness and humor. He was always great fun at my parents' Boxing Day parties. Listening to him play each Sunday was one of the highlights of my week. I have thought of...

I often think of Walker, especially when at the gym, as we were often there at the same time and used the same physical therapy services; and especially here in Brazil, where I am now, and for which we shared a curiosity and an enchantment. I'm so glad that we became friends over these last few years, and were able to experience so many laughs and enjoy the support of one another through our many shared challenges and joys. Rest in peace, my brother!

Around 1986 my old friend Fenner Douglass was serving as guest faculty at Stanford. He urged me to meet
"one of his best organ students" (Walker), then living in San Francisco. We met, sometimes with Fenner and Jane, and at other times. Walker has my respect as an exceptionally intelligent, witty man and as an organist and a musicologist of the highest order. Knowing him, and having had him as a friend was a privilege.

Although we did not know each other extremely well, I had enormous respect for Walker as a musician and person. The last time I saw him, he very joyfully donated all of the remaining CDs he made at St. Johns to St. Johns. What an excellent recording it is. He actually makes me like Mendelssohn organ works! And he is one of very few organists who understood the amazing organ at St. Johns.

I had the pleasure to work with Walker on a project at Cisco. We were a great writing tag team when it came to dealing with the engineers. Walker was a wonderful friend and mentor. My sympathies to his family.

Liz

Because I live on Oahu, I won't be able to attend the Memorial -- but he truly was the most memorable man I've ever known. I will always remember him, and I will always miss him dearly.