Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Colleen Walker Obituary
The LPGA Tour said Walker died at her home in Valrico.
Walker was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2003, and returned to the tour that September. Late last year, cancer resurfaced in her hips and pelvis and spread throughout her body.
Walker played the LPGA Tour from 1982 to 2004. She had a career-high three victories in 1992 and won her lone major title in 1997 in the du Maurier Classic in Canada. In 1998, she won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average and finished a career-high fifth on the money list.
"Colleen was not only a great ambassador for the LPGA and the game of golf, but more importantly was a true and faithful friend," five-time LPGA Tour winner Barb Mucha said. "From her caring smile, unselfish ways and deep devotion to her f amily, her life touched all those she knew. She will be dearly missed, but her love will live on forever in our hearts. I am blessed to have called her friend."
From Jacksonville, Walker was inducted into the Florida State University Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
She is survived by husband Ron Bakich and 16-year-old son Tyler Walker Bakich. Tyler is a top junior golfer who won his age group in July in the Florida State Golf Association Junior Match Play Championship.
"I will always remember Colleen for her fight and determination on the golf course," three-time LPGA Tour winner Dawn Coe-Jones said. "Off the golf course, I loved her sense of humor. I will miss walking the fairways with her as we watched our sons compete. Rest in peace, Colleen."
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
37 Entries
Harry Simpson
December 11, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
April 6, 2014
I met Colleen in 1982 in San Diego her first year on the LPGA. While we failed to make the cut it was obvious good things would come her way. I caddied for for a few events on the West Coast. A fierce competitor and a wonderful woman I will miss her. She taught me a great deal about the spirit of sports and life. RIP Colleen.
January 3, 2013
Love from Marj and Jack Carnahan
Andrea , Ximena e Stefano Butti
December 26, 2012
Sincere condoglianze a Tyler e Ron per la perdita della cara mamma e moglie, vi siamo molto vicini in questa terribile circostanza. Speriamo di potervi vedere presto, siete sempre nei nostri pensieri e preghiere.
Famiglia Butti
How you can show support
December 20, 2012
MAY JEHOVAH GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE WALKER FAMILY."HE IS AWARE OF THE DAYS OF THE FAULTLESS ONES.THEIR VERY INHERITANCE WILL CONTINUE EVEN TO TIME INDEFINITE."pslm.37:18........
December 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 19, 2012
Psalm 65:2
Sarah and Emily Feakes
December 16, 2012
Colleen was an awesome lady, I was blessed to have know her. We spent many mornings in the CBCS parking lot talking, she was so funny and spunky. All the class projects that we set up would not have gotten done without her. Tyler and Ron always know that she adored you! She was taken way too soon but I'm sure you know how lucky you were to have her as a mom and a wife. I am so sorry for your loss. But have no doubt you will see her again in Heaven, as she is adding to the beauty of it now.
Colleen & Wayne Anderson
December 16, 2012
Colleen's impact on so many people was reflected today at the celebration of her life. River Hills CC was packed with those who loved and respected this wonderful woman. She will be missed but certainly not forgotten. God Bless you, Colleen.
December 16, 2012
Tyler, Our condolences to your and your family. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Amy and Nilo Sanchez
jim connolly
December 15, 2012
A very special person , a winner in all facets of life, you will be missed, but never forgotten
T Williams
December 14, 2012
May you find true comfort from our Heavenly Father. 1Cor. 1:3. Sorry to hear of your loss.
David H.
December 14, 2012
I was around the Lpga 95-2000 mainly on the West Coast. Colleen Walker was just a wonderful person.God holds her hand in Heaven now and we carry her in our Hearts gone way too soon but her Legacy was one of a caring compassionate person who touched so many in such a short time My Prayers are with the Family and Friends who really knew Colleen.Everytime I make my way to the 1st Tee I will think of you.
Sheena Strickland
December 13, 2012
Ron and Tyler,
I am so very sorry for your loss!
Sheena
Julie Dugan (Anderson)
December 13, 2012
My thoughts are with Ron and Tyler. I met Colleen when I was a little girl, and she was an inspiration to us all. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Mary Ellen Runge
December 13, 2012
Colleen was an unpretentious, down-to-earth woman who loved her family, Ron and Tyler, more than anything. She embodied character, integrity, and strength. I am so glad I had the chance to know her. All of her family will be in my prayers.
Sylvia McPherson
December 13, 2012
I was stunned when I got the news and still can't believe that Colleen is gone! I had the privilege of training and walking 60 miles supporting Breast Cancer. Colleen you hold a special place in my heart and of others. Ron and Tyler my prayers are with you...Mark and Sylvia McPherson (Fellow 3-day walkers)
December 13, 2012
We only knew Colleen a short time,but we enjoyed laughing with her.Our son's played in tournaments together.She went to FSU the same time Mike was there and they seemed to come from the same mold in thier thinking about golf. We will miss her on the course watching Tyler. She was a wonderful mom,wife and friend
Our prayers are with the family
Mike,Gina,Michael and Zachary Keymont
George Landry
December 13, 2012
To and old friend, rest in peace.
dottie drevyanko :(
December 13, 2012
when i first came to florida, as a young woman golfer, i met colleen; she was in pursuit of a dream all young women golfers have...a dream that i had, she made hers come true!! she was inspiring and i truly admire her...
she and ron have a true love and it was wonderful to observe...she will be missed...i pray our Lord comfort all of us that mourn in her loss...
Johnson
December 13, 2012
The Johnson family sends their deepest sympathy to the Walker family.Please be of comfort to each others at this time of sorrow. Psalm 116:15.
December 13, 2012
Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
December 13, 2012
Our love and prayers to the Bakich and Walker families. The Bedrosians
December 13, 2012
My condolences go out to the Walker family. May the God of comfort, strengthen your family at this time.-1Cor.1:3,4
Susan Harrison Dunaway
December 12, 2012
So sad to hear of my cousin Colleen's passing. You are all in my prayers. Mamma sends her love to Lamar, Mary Ellen, Ron and Tyler. Will try to touch in with you all. Colleen and I had so many good times as children at Suwannee River Park. Thanks Colleen, Lamar and Mary Ellen for the memories.
Allison
December 12, 2012
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. COLLEEN WAS A GREAT PERSON.
Brenda Myers
December 12, 2012
Colleen was one of the most sincere and kindest people I ever met. She epitomized the balance of family and career. She shined the most when she talked about her son. May she rest in peace and may her family know how special she was to so many people.
December 12, 2012
Rest In Peace, Colleen
God's Peace to Walker and Bakich family
From the Monticello Cousins
Harp-Griffin-Walker Family
December 12, 2012
Rest in Peace, Colleen
God's Peace to Walker and Bakich families
G. Freeman
December 12, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Robert Burke
December 12, 2012
I had the pleasure of photographing Colleen while working for Tampa Tribune during her comeback. she was so cheerful, positive, kind, and so polite hearing me say one more, one more, as I snapped my shutter. afterwards we talked about things, her staying in Valrico, an LPGA player from my Indiana hometown. she left an ever lasting positve impression I'll never ever forget. rest in peace Colleen
Margaret Fiebiger
December 12, 2012
RIP...Thanks for all the good golf...
ZORAIDA HERNANDEZ
December 12, 2012
R.I.P AND OUR PRAYERS FOR HER FAMILY TKS FOR BEING HONORING USA AS A GOOD PLAYER
December 12, 2012
A WONDERFULL PERSON, SHE WILL BE MISSED.
Ron Cavalier
December 12, 2012
The world of golf lost a great lady, a wonderful mother and an understanding wife.
We, lost a great friend and Colleen will be missed.
Her pain is gone, but for the rest of us, it will linger on.
Ron and Theresa Cavalier
Melanie Dr. Mortellaro's office
December 12, 2012
Colleen was a great lady. We always enjoyed seeing her in our office. She loved the game of golf but loved Ron and Tyler so much more. We are praying that your great memories help you through this difficult time.
Dawn Cross
December 12, 2012
I met Colleen during our training for the 2008 Susan G Komen Tampa Bay 3-Day; from the moment I met her, I loved her spirit and enjoyed getting to know her a bit during those long training days. We were so proud to see her in the Survivor Group at Closing Ceremonies for the event.
Though we lost contact with each other, she will definitely be missed.
D
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Colleen Walker's name
How to support Colleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Colleen Walker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored