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Samuel Walker Obituary
Col. Walker was born Sept. 28, 1963, in Verdun, France, to Col. Samuel S. Walker Sr. and Rowena M. Walker. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Fresno State University in 1987. While serving overseas, he married Chantalle Brouwers in Born, the Netherlands, on Nov. 18, 1994.
In early 1995, Sam Walker, an Air Force captain, came to Alaska with Chantalle and bought a home in Eagle River. He served as an Air Battle Manager with the 962nd Airborne Warning and Control (AWACS) Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base. He left in 1998 to serve in the Washington Air National Guard at North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Western Air Defense Sector, McChord Air Force Base. He was promoted to major, attended the Naval War College in Rhode Island, and followed his dream of returning to Alaska in 2003. Upon his return, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and became the first Air National Guard Commander of NORAD's 176th Air Control Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base. In 2006, he moved to his last and most challenging assignment, a four-year tour as an Alaska Air National Guardsman at the Air National Guard Bureau Headquarters in Virginia.
Col. Walker's service to our country included tours overseas with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). He participated in operations throughout the European, Latin American, U.S. and Pacific theaters. He had over 3,000 flying hours, including more than 1,250 hours in support of NATO and United Nations resolutions during the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Col. Walker's distinguished service to his country was a testament to his character. His enduring impact on those who knew him was his ability to influence personal decisions at pivotal moments in their lives, and in many cases changed them forever.
Col. Walker is survived by his wife Chantalle Walker-Brouwers; his sons, Jack, Ike and Sammy; his mother, Rowena Walker; his father, Samuel and wife, Errol Walker; his sister, Kathleen Swanton and husband, Michael; his sisters, Suzanne Fforde and Julie Walker; six nieces and two nephews; and extended relatives in the Walker, Brouwers and Lewis families.
Friends wishing to send condolences may mail them to the 176th Air Control Squadron, 9480 Pease Ave., Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Walker
Jim McDonald
April 14, 2008
It's been four months and a week and I'm still figuring out how to talk about losing Sam. We were friends for over 30 years and best friends for over 20.
I've never known anyone else quite like him and I doubt I ever will.
I've never known anyone who was as positive about living with cancer as he was. I never thought he wouldn't be able to fight it off for many years to come. I never believed that I wouldn't get to hear him rant again about whatever his topic of the day happened to be. As bad as things looked that last day at the hospital, I could never give up on him because he would never have given up on himself...or me.
You always think there's going to be more time to tell your loved ones how you feel about them, but you can never count on the future. Thankfully, Sam always spoke his mind and caused me to do the same. Although I'd give nearly anything if I could to talk to him again, there isn't anything I could say about how I feel about him that he wouldn't already know.
Rest well, my brother.
Judy (Prather) Heldt
March 31, 2008
Although it has been a long time since I spoke with Sam, I felt a tremendous sense of loss when I heard of his passing. He was a good friend. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Kay (Hall)Tate
March 28, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sam's passing. He truly was a remarkable person. He had an uncompromising passion for everything he pursued. It was wonderful to read about his successes in the military and it is very comforting to know that he achieved all that he had envisioned. My heart goes out to his wife and children at this most difficult time. The world has lost a dedicated patriot, a conscientious friend, and a generous, compassionate human being.
Even though time has passed and many years have gone by, it is apparent that Sam's legacy will live on in each of us because of the way he lived and the person he chose to be.
What a tremendous loss! He will be missed.
My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.
Amy Asher
March 21, 2008
The energy and enthusiasm of Wheels continues in the Air National Guard today. He not only envisoned things to come, he inspired others to believe that anything was possible. Our lives are richer for knowing him. I will miss my friend.
Elizabeth Freeman
March 20, 2008
The world has lost the most incredible individual in Sam Walker. He was the nicest person you could ever hope to know. I was blessed to have attended high school with Sam. He was truly the eptiome of an "All-American" boy. Not only because he served his country valliantly, but because of all the things he did for his family and his community. To Sam's family, I am so devastated by his passing even though I hadn't seen Sam since he graduated from EUHS. His mom was my professor at Humphreys College and spoke of Sam with such love and pride. He will be remembered forever.
Deanna Mulvihill
March 18, 2008
To all of Sam's family and friends:
I was so sad to receive the news of Sam's having passed away. Like so many who went to highschool with Sam, he left an indelible impression in my memory. He actually was the first fellow Freshman I met, when my best friend and I went to EU to check it out before school began - and there was this boy riding a skateboard around campus (not much news today, but back in 1978 nobody was doing this in Manteca!). Little did we know that one day this boy would be our student body President. Through those four years - with band trips, football games, "heated debates" in English class, Sam was always great fun to be around and obviously very driven towards success. From what I've read, he maintained these qualities throughout his impressive life.
I am so sorry that he was taken from you all so soon and hope his children will always know what a fantastic person their father was.
Sincerely,
Matt and Shelley Simas
March 18, 2008
To Chantelle and the Walker Family:
Our hearts go out to you and we are sorry for your tremendous loss. We were very sad and shocked when we heard the news of Sam's passing. His friendship, outgoing personality and thoughtfulness come to mind first. Sam and I were best friends all the way back to third grade when he and his family were stationed at Sharpe Army Depot. We remained good friends all the way through high school. Sam and my wife Shelley (Vierra) lived next door to each other on Maywood in Manteca and she remembers the fun times they all had growing up together in the neighborhood. We wished we would have stayed in touch as years passed because after reading about his career and family, it is obvious that his flawless character, extreme kindness and desire to succeed remained true throughout his life.
We are very sad that we will not have the opportunity to reunite and see him again.
With our warmest regards and condolences,
Matt and Shelley Simas
Denise Briese (Bolding)
March 17, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Sam's Family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I was a neighbor, friend and classmate. Sam's legacy will live on.
Kelly Johnston
March 17, 2008
I went to high school with Sam and remember him in band. He was a really great and funny guy. Glad to see he made it so far in his career. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tracy Fletcher Garvey
March 17, 2008
All who knew Sam loved him. He was a guy's guy and a girl's best friend. I will vist him when I am at Arlington in October. I only wish we had kept in touch and shared the joys of having such wonderful spouses and children:-)
Laura Divine(Hollingsworth)
March 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sam's family. I went to high school with Sam and have great memories of band trips and football games with him. He was a good friend and a great leader, even then. I knew he would go far in life. God bless you all.
karen findley llewellyn
March 17, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jace, Shannon & Kids (6) Davis
March 16, 2008
Sam: You will be missed. You grew up to be something special in this world. I will always remember you. We had some great times in Manteca - Saturday Night Live was born at your house. To your fine family, we send our sympathy and prayers. (Jace Davis, East Union High 80')
Linda Adams
March 16, 2008
Chantalle,
I am sorry that you and your family have suffered this loss. I went to high school with Sam. We were in band together and shared alot of laughs. He still had that same great smile. God Bless, East Union Class of 80
Sam Walker, EUHS class of '82 (taken in '79)
March 15, 2008
John and Kim Oberst
March 14, 2008
Jack, Ike and Sammy,
Your father was a special man. We don't say that about just anybody. Many people you know think the same about him as we do. As you grow older, we will do our very best to help you remember him.
Paul Stolberg
March 12, 2008
Chantalle,
I'm sorry that we have never met, and that only the second time we ever talked was to hear about Sam's passing.
Thank you very much for being so kind as to let me know, and being so very gracious with your time in explaining the details. I can see what Sam saw in you and why you must have had such a wonderful life together.
It's amazing that Sam's picture looks just like he did in high school, just more mature. I was moved to hear how he influenced others around him.
The reason why I remember him so fondly is that he and his family were an important part of my life at an important turning point. When things were rough, he encouraged me to keep striving, to not let things pull me down. I'll never forget him or his friendship during high school.
May Sam's memory live always in our hearts and may you and your family carry the knowledge of his never-ending love throughout time.
Shannyn & KO Bailey
February 25, 2008
We love Sam and are thankful for all the two of you have done for us. Please let us know when we can help out.
February 25, 2008
Eulogy for Samuel Walker
Sam Walker had an ability to influence personal decisions at pivotal moments in people’s lives, and in many cases, he changed them forever. His influence had an enduring affect in my life, in many of your lives, and in the lives of many others who are unable to join us here today.
Colonel Walker's distinguished service to his country is a testament to his character. As the first commander of the 176th Air Control Squadron, he commanded 148 American and Canadian Airman. Colonel Walker created a vision and environment that produced mission success, strong morale, and outstanding results. His contagious enthusiasm elevated the attitude and performance of the people around him. He won hearts because he genuinely cared. He held people accountable and was not afraid of heavy lifting. He fixed tough problems. He was an effective and passionate communicator, although as most of us know, brevity occasionally escaped him. He often showed up early to walk the squadron - visiting the maintainers and operators. He asked questions, he listened, he encouraged, he joked around, and he thanked them. He knew his people, and the pulse of his squadron. Colonel Walker led by example! Integrity first, service before self, and excellence were not just words to “Wheels” Walker they were part of his DNA, his inner constitution.
Yes, Sam is much more than an Airman, Guardsman, Commander, and an American Patriot – Sam Walker is a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and mentor. Sam loves Chantalle. Sam loves Jack, Ike, and Sammy. Sam loves his Mom, Dad, and sisters. Sam loves his family. Sam loves his friends. Without his parents, his sisters, his children, and Chantalle’s love and support - Sam would not have become the man he is. Thank you Chantalle, for sharing Sam Walker with us and inspiring him to be the leader and friend he is.
Sam loved life and he lived it to the fullest! May his intensity and enthusiasm continue to inspire us to be better, to do more, to adventure, to throttle up, to climb mountains, and to accomplish the mission. Let us thank God for the life and enduring legacy of Sam “Wheels” Walker!
Frans Siega
February 24, 2008
Chantalle,Heel veel strekte in deze moeilijke dagen.Fam Siega-Helgers
Frans Siega
February 24, 2008
Heel veel sterkte in deze moeilijke dagen. Fam. Siega-Helgers.
Jeanette Rivera
February 22, 2008
Chantalle,I am so sorry for your loss. Please give Jack and the boys a big hug from Halley and I. We think of you often. Love your friends in Eagle River,Jeanette,Jessie,Halley and Brittany Rivera
Jim Neill
February 21, 2008
Chantalle, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. Sam will be missed, he had a deep impact on the lives of many.
Johnnie and Amber Johnson
February 16, 2008
Chantelle, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. It was so comforting for us moving from Alaska to Washington DC knowing that he was here. He really helped Jay and I in our transition and was a great mentor to both of us. He truly is the reason that I am where I am in my career today. He will be deeply missed.
Marsali Donaldson
February 15, 2008
Chantalle,
I was stationed with LtCol Walker at WADS, McChord AFB, were we worked weapons missions. I appreciate what he stands for, he was always positive, professional, family oriented, and a genuinely good person to be around. After transferring to Elmendorf AFB it was a pleasant surprise to have him be my Commander.
Mark Cravens
February 14, 2008
Chantalle and family,
Sam was an inspiration to us all. It was truly an honor to work him and he will be missed by so many. He mentored me on many things in life and as each day passes by, I can ponder in my heart the message of kindness, patience and most of all, friendship. His legacy will always linger in my mind and I will never forget him. He lived life to its fullest and always showed the utmost enthusiasm in everything he did whether it was family or work. He had the energy and talent to be a role model for all who knew him. Godspeed Sam. May the blessings of heaven pour upon you and your family.
Dan, Theresa and Paige Talbot
February 13, 2008
Chantalle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Jon and Susanne Thornton
February 13, 2008
Chantelle - Sam was a great leader and mentor for all of us at the 176th Air Control Sqn. On a personal note, he was a great personal friend and mentor to me. God Bless.
Robert & Monika Fulin
February 13, 2008
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the Lord comfort and console you, Chantelle and the boys, as only He can. Bob & Mon
Colleen Eyles
February 13, 2008
Chantelle, Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. We so enjoyed having you guys for neighbors here in Eagle River. Please accept our condolences and you and your children are in our prayers.
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