Andrew Walker

Andrew Kevin Walker of Fairfield, California passed away Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 at the age of 64. After 62 years of diabetes, kidney failure and transplant 20 years ago, 10 years of Parkinson's, a silent heart attack and congestive heart failure, a brain bleed two years ago, and 4-plus years of dialysis, his body was simply worn out. After a minor heart attack on Sunday, doctors struggled to stabilize him. On Tuesday, his heart stopped beating and he passed away peacefully in the company of his caring wife Susan of 42 years. He will be missed immensely.

Andy was born to Jock and Leila Anne Walker on July 16, 1961 in Spokane, Washington. As a young child, he was diagnosed with Juvenile (Type I) Diabetes. In the early 1960's, the outlook was bleak. Andy's parents refused to accept this. They formed a partnership that sought the fullest possible life for their son and they exceeded every expectation.

Andy had a wonderful childhood. His siblings describe him as a warm, sweet little boy. He participated in sports, boy scouts, and school activities. His health presented challenges, but they were solved with determination and creativity. This required Andy to develop unwavering discipline, grit, and a "cheery" optimism that served him well. It also created an unbreakable bond between Andy and his mother. She was his primary care-giver and spent countless hours educating herself on diabetes and researching the latest innovations. Their teamwork allowed Andy to reach adulthood healthy and prepared to control his illness.

Andy did well in school and earned a scholarship to Brigham Young University. He paused his schooling to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ventura, California. Andy was excited and enthusiastic about missionary service and it was a marvelous experience. He will be forever grateful to the leaders and fellow missionaries with whom he served. He loved the people of Southern California and formed meaningful, life-long friendships.

Oh, and he met a member missionary in Los Angeles that impressed him. A couple of months after he returned home to Orem, Utah, he started corresponding with Susan Vinton. It didn't take long to realize their mutual interest. Andy and Susan were married the 19th of August, 1983 in the Los Angeles temple. They enjoyed a rich and meaningful life together and their partnership grew stronger with each challenge. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Michelle, Brent, Allison, and Kimmie. They delight in their children and love them very much. They were involved in each child's interests and formed many cherished friendships during these years.

After their marriage, Andy and Susan returned to BYU to finish his undergraduate and earn a Master Degree in Public Administration in 1987. Andy was fortunate to land a highly coveted position with the City of Fairfield. During his 34 years with the city, he worked in several departments. He loved them all. But most of all, he loved the people he worked with. He loved the community that he served. He loved the place where he raised his children. He loved the friendships that he formed in his new home of Fairfield. He described the city of Fairfield as the "most faithful employer" that one could hope for. He returned that loyalty with his best effort and the extra mile. He was often commended for his work.

Fairfield's loyalty was proven again in 2004 when Andy suffered kidney failure. He endured dialysis and a kidney transplant. City managers assured him that he would have a job when he returned and a way to support his family. That meant a great deal to him. It also changed his focus. He realized that with diminishing physical stamina he needed to focus his work efforts, his service to God through his church, and his family time. He passed up many opportunities that may have enhanced his personal status to conserve his strength. During this time, he became a "go-to guy" in his work. He used his 20+ years of experience to help his colleagues succeed and young people get started. Andy was well known for his noisy, energetic band of interns. His church service also became more meaningful. He loved to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. No difficulty or sacrifice was enough to make him complain.

Andy was blessed to continue working until 2021 when his health forced medical retirement. The challenges of his last four years became increasingly discouraging and, at times, seemed overwhelming. Still, Andy enjoyed his life because of the love and companionship of his wife and children. They were the light of his life. He cherished living long enough to meet his two grandchildren, Oakley and Tuli. He spent his last few hours watching videos of Tuli. Family inspired him to stubbornly hold on to his "cheery" disposition until the very end. He was grateful for the constant, loving care of his wife Susan, the dedication and compassion of medical professionals, and the love and sacrifice of a large community of family and friends. As a family, we know that Andy would want us to thank each and every one of you.

Andy is survived by his wife Susan Vinton Walker and his children Michelle Walker of California, Allison (John) Gaughan of New York, Brent (Maddy) Walker of Utah, and Kimmie (Justin) Smith of Idaho, and two grandchildren Oakley Smith and Tuli Walkner. Andy is also survived by his siblings Grant (Victoria) Walker, David (Mary) Walker, Douglas (Teresa) Walker, and Kerri (Scott) Price. He is also survived by Susan's siblings Jim Vinton, Rick (Claudia) Vinton, Greg (Nancy) Vinton and sister-in-law Layne Vinton. Andy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lee Anne Walker, his brother-in-law Douglas Vinton, and his sister-in-law Bonnie Vinton.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral service Monday, October 6th, 2025 at 11:00 am. at the LDS chapel located at 2700 Camrose Avenue, Fairfield, California. The funeral will be preceded by a viewing at 10:00 am.

Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/99733233096?pwd=b4oKsK43StTc4MUWTrK8F3BuPKpjdQ1#success Passcode:128464

Private interment at Rockville Cemetery, Fairfield, CA