Mark Walker Obituary

CONCORD, Calif. -- After a brief illness, Mark died peacefully on Oct. 4, 2007, with his loving family around him at his home in Concord.

He was born in New Portland, Maine, Aug. 19, 1919, son of the late Josephine Moulton and Cephas Walker. He was a graduate of Good Will-Hinckley School in Hinckley, Maine. Retired in 1984, Mark worked at many trades, concluding his career as an electrical consultant to the Aluminum Association of America, organizing trade shows, and editing technical publications. He moved to Concord in 1987.

Mark authored a novel of suspense fiction, as well as plays produced off-Broadway and in regional theater, and wrote two memoirs. "Maine Roots: Growing Up Poor in the Kennebec Valley," an account of his upbringing in rural Maine, was named the best-selling Maine book of 1994 and 1995 by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. His second memoir, "Working for Utopia 1937-1953," published in 2000, was declared an important document by labor historians. It recounts hard times as a young man in the Great Depression, his activism as a socialist and union organizer, and as a merchant seaman in World War II. Mark also co-authored Dreiser's " 'Other Self': The Life of Arthur Henry," with his wife of 62 years, Maggie. Published in 2005, this biography of Henry, Maggie's grandfather and close friend and mentor of the famous author, was praised by Dreiser scholars for adding new insight into his life and literary development.

He was a member of the Dramatists Guild, the National Writers Union, and the IBEW, and was active in the San Francisco Bay Area Labor Workshop.

Mark will be dearly remembered by his family, friends, and his many readers as a kind, thoughtful and humorous man who lived his life fully.

He is survived by his wife Maggie; two sons, Michael and Timothy; two daughters, Ann Walker and Susan Walker Honey; three grandsons, Kendrick, Phillip and Dana; one sister, Marianne Corley; three half-brothers, Stanley, Tom and Wayne Walker, a half-sister, Carol Anne Weinhold, and several nieces and nephews.

Mark's family asks that memorial donations be sent to Good Will-Hinckley School, Hinckley, ME 04944.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Sentinel on Oct. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Walker

7 Entries

Nick Rodin

October 21, 2007

Mark was one of the kindest, gentlest
men I've ever known. I wish I had been
lucky enough to have him for a father.

Jessica and Wes Erck

October 21, 2007

Dear Ann, Sue, and the whole family,

We send our deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your dear father Mark. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our arms go around you.

with love,

Deborah Tash

October 17, 2007

In a world where there are so few functional, healthy and loving families it has been a blessing to know the Walkers, especially Ann, Sue, Maggie and Mark. Mark was always a warm and open presence at functions with interesting and entertaining stories to share, as well as just being a great elder. His relationship with Maggie always gave me hope for marriage and set a great example of what could be...even in his death he has set a deeply important example for the world. He died with dignity surrounded by his loving family; able to participate consciously and with love. I know that all of the members of the Walker family will miss him deeply. Having had the rich and wonderful experience of his fathering and partnering is both an incredible blessing and now a painful loss. I hold you all in my heart and thoughts.

JoAnn Maurer

October 16, 2007

My condolensences to the Walker Family. You have my Love and Prayers,
Your forever friend,

JoAnn Maurer
aka JoAnn Niedzialek

Dawn Johnson

October 15, 2007

Ann...What an interesting and accomplished man your Dad was. He was blessed by living life to the fullest. George and I are so sorry for your loss and hope that you can find much comfort in the memories you hold dear.

Much sympathy, George and Dawn Johnson (Jon's cousin)

Shekinah Shephard

October 15, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy go to the entire Walker family. I did not know Mark that well, but knew him through his family and know that he was dearly loved by them all. I also know him through his books, which gave me insight into the person that he was.

I am grateful that I knew Mark and am grateful that I am connected to such a warm and loving family.

Love,

Shekinah Shephard

Donna Pratt

October 15, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Maggie and family. I loved Uncle Mark and I was very proud of him and his accomplishments. I cherish my books that he wrote, especially Maine Roots, I learned alot about my family from that book and I thank him for that. I feel a huge loss knowing he is gone.

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