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Alexander Walker Obituary
January 1, 1917
June 13, 2017
Alexander Stuart Walker was a rancher, investor and world traveler. Born in New York City in 1917, he graduated from Horace Mann School, The Riordan School, Nichols College, and Lafayette College. In 1958 after working on Wall Street, he moved to Reno and purchased Hearts Retreat Ranch in 1966, a committed and enthusiastic Nevadan ever since.
On the day Pearl Harbor was attacked he enlisted for the Navy, serving as a lieutenant and captained two submarine chasers. He was stationed along the east coast of the US, his duty taking him to South America and numerous islands. He served also in the North Atlantic as First Lieutenant on a Corvette moored at Chatham Docks, England, on VE Day.
He loved ranching life, but was a great lover of world travel. Alex enjoyed returning to Scotland where his Grandparents were born, and in 1977 he made his first trip to Australia. He so loved Australia and his family and friends there that he returned yearly for an extended visit. He often said when leaving, "I don't know if I am leaving home or going home." In 1980 he married Australian, Margaret Walker, in Sydney.
This year on New Year's Day on a beautiful Sydney evening, he celebrated his 100th birthday with longtime friends.
He was a member of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen and also a member of The Saint Andrew's Society both of New York City. He also was a member of the Manasquan River Yacht Club, Brielle, N.J. In Sydney, he was a member of the American Club, the Royal Automobile Club as well as the Theatre Organ Society. He also was a staunch supporter of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Alex was blessed with an amazing life. His courage and optimism was an inspiration to his family and his friends.
He is survived by wife Margaret Joan Walker, daughters Heather Walker Wentworth and Mary Walker Cates, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday July 6, at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 10.30 am followed by a reception at the Grove.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Alex by donating to the Guide Dogs for the Blind 1540 4th Street San Rafael, CA 94901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Walker
4 Entries
Douglas J Potter
September 16, 2025
Rest in Peace Alex. You were a friend of mine & a good friend of my Dad's.
Kathleen Doyle Cook
October 3, 2022
Dear Margaret. I am Kathy Doyle Cook. My parents, Kelvin and Ginny Doyle, were lifelong friends of Alex. Heather was a childhood friend of mine, we often played "dress-up." Sadly, we have lost touch.
A friend of ours in Santa Fe is moving to Reno and that triggered my wonderful memories of the last time I saw Alex. My significant other of 40 years is typing this, but, in a previous administration in 1975 I traveled across country and insisted on seeking out Alex at Heart's Retreat Ranch. Gracious, as always, he made us "sun-tea" and caught us up on news of Heather and Mary and himself. Craig (present administration) did an internet search and we found Alex's obit. We wanted to tell you how much he is remembered by the Doyle family originally from New Jersy. If you are still in touch with Heather, please forward this to her. Tell her, I am sorry that I was such a brat! And I send her my best wishes.
Craig and I have retired from teaching in Massachusetts, are living in Santa Fe, and riding horses. Alex would be pleased.
Anne and Bob Farquharson
June 20, 2017
Dear Margaret,
Our most sincere sympathies go out to you. This is a sad day, but we have so much to remember when we think of Alex (Alec if you really want to be Scottish). It is surprising how much at home he was whether in Brielle NJ or Reno Nevada -- or I imagine, in Sydney as well. But above all, he was at home 'on the ranch'. I felt he was totally happy when he walked the fields and tended the irrigation ditches.. We will all miss him, but I know he will leave a great hole in your life and I hope you can find some solace in remembering what a kind, generous,and gentle man he was.
Marg & Michael Reid
June 19, 2017
Dear Alex
You were a true gentleman, a kind and generous man. We will miss seeing you every year on your trip to Aussie. We will always remember our wonderful times together here in Australia and your incredible hospitality when we visited the ranch, you and Margaret always made us feel so welcome that it was really hard to leave. We did have great trips with you in America, Lake Tahoe Harrahs Casino, San Francisco, Sliver city, Truckie just to name a few fantastic memories.
We are so happy that we celebrated your Wedding Anniversary and your 100th Birthday party.
We will always celebrate your life and we also think it was such a fortunate life, you have such a
beautiful family . Margaret was the best wife and friend anyone could hope for, we always admired the fantastic support she gave you.
We will miss you our dear friend.
Marg & Michael xx
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