Leon and Sally Walker

It is with great sadness that the family of Leon and Sally (Loveland) Walker announce their passing. Leon passed away on August 23 at the age of 90 and Sally, the love of his life for 64 years, followed him on August 31 at the age of 88.

Leon was born on April 12, 1935 and has resided in Fort Ann his entire life. Raised on the original homestead on Route 149, Leon followed in his father's footsteps as a farmer after graduating from Fort Ann Central School. One of his favorite places to spend his time off was at the camp he purchased on Hadlock Pond when he was a young man.

Sally was born on August 5, 1937 and was raised in Queensbury, where she attended high school. After her graduation, she went onto SUNY Plattsburg where she became a teacher. She worked hard to achieve her dream of teaching by waitressing during the summer months to pay for her education. Sally taught at the Queensbury, Saugerties, and Glens Falls Schools for a few years after graduation, and then got a teaching position at Fort Ann Central School where she taught for 30 years. There are still many people who tell you 'Mrs. Walker was my favorite teacher' and she even taught the children of some of her students.

Leon and Sally met on a blind date. After their marriage they purchased their own farm on Route 4. The farmhouse needed many repairs, and the dairy herd needed to be grown. Sally taught school during the day, and then she had her share of barn chores to help grow their young farm. Leon always liked to buy and sell cows, with his travels taking him many miles. They both had the same goals of renovating the old farmhouse, growing the farm and starting a family.

Over the years, as the farm continued to grow, they started a farm supply store on the back porch of their house. As time went on and being the entrepreneurs that they were, that business grew into a feed mill and eventually became Walker's Farm, Home & Tack. The dairy farm has grown into a 1400 cow facility over the years. These businesses will continue to grow with the next generations to carry on their legacy.

Although they were busy with work, their family was always their priority. As the grandchildren arrived, they loved attending all of their concerts, awards ceremonies, and sporting events.

Leon and Sally were true believers in helping people to succeed. We've recently heard so many stories about the people they've helped over the years. Leon would help get farmers or other businesses started by listening and providing advice or financial assistance. Sally spent many of her afterschool hours helping children who just needed a little extra time to learn, even after retirement. They were active in the community in a multitude of ways and have been described as 'true Fort Anners'.

Leon and Sally are survived by their children Amy (Larry) Bailey, Jill (Dan) Fitzpatrick and Aaron (Melissa) Walker; along with their grandchildren Molly, Garrett, and Kayla Bailey and Charlie and Henry Walker; their granddog Ellie; Sally's siblings Sandy, Roger, Jay and Elsie Loveland (Center); several nieces and nephews; and many longtime family friends who will truly miss them.

Joint services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Monetary donations in their honor may be sent to the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, 11287 NY-149, Fort Ann, NY. In lieu of flowers, we request that you do any of the following with a friend or family member in their honor: get a coffee, take a ride to check on the crops, or sit and watch the birds, as these were some of Leon's favorite things to do. Sally believed that you should send flowers to someone when they were alive so they can enjoy them and always leave the milkweeds in your flower beds for the butterflies.