Robert Greenwood Walton M.D.

1923 - 2023

BORN

1923

DIED

2023

Robert Walton Obituary

Robert Greenwood
Walton, M.D.
February 13, 1923 - April 21, 2023
Robert Greenwood Walton, M.D., of Modesto, California, met his goal of living a century when he celebrated his 100th birthday on February 13, 2023. He passed away on April 21, 2023, at his beloved Frank Lloyd Wright home, where he lived for 62 years.
Dr. Walton was born in Burnley, England, UK. He served as a Captain in the British Army of the Rhine, 1946-1948. A graduate of the University of London (Guy's Hospital), Stanford University and University of Michigan, Dr. Walton was a board-certified dermatologist who had a large practice in Modesto. Also, as, professor of dermatology at Stanford, he started and managed several skin disease clinics. Dr. Walton is known for several scientific papers that introduced new concepts that changed previous theories. Polo was his passion. He was past president of the United States Polo Association and was instrumental in growing the sport of outdoor and indoor polo. All six children played polo and three of his sons were internationally rated polo players. On a local level, Dr. Walton founded the Modesto Polo Club and supplied the field.
Dr. Walton is survived by his six children: Betsy, Rob, Bil, Susan, F.D. and Mary Alizon Walton; his four grandchildren, Madeleine, Sophia Walton Alford, Will and Mary Alizon Walton; three great-grandchildren: Delmar David, Robert Callaghan and Frederick Harrison Walton and their mother Tessa Callaghan Lord.
Dr. Walton was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (nee Lee) and his grandson, Delmar Carroll Walton. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Knight's Ferry, California.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Polo Players Support Group, Inc., 516.528.3821 www.polosupport.com, [email protected]; Community Hospice Foundation, 209.578.6370 [email protected]; Modesto Masonic Lodge 206, 209-524-3238; Paralyzed Veterans of America, 800-424-8200, www.pva.org.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Sep. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Walton

4 Entries

Stacey Kovach

October 7, 2024

My prayers to F.D. and his family. My dad lived to 97 so I know how hard it is when you have been fortunate enough to have your dad in your life for such a long time.

lesley moat

January 6, 2024

Met Bob on a few occasions when he visited his Mother in Burnley. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Bob Slocum

October 13, 2023

I've just recently heard of Dr. Walton's passing. It struck me emotionally. We formed a friendship in late 1970s and early 80s when I was writing for the Modesto Bee and I began visiting him for help in handling my prolonged and embarrassing adolescence skin issues.
He had a modest Modesto office; I believe it was on McHenry, or thereabouts.
He insisted that I call him Bob, rather than Dr. Walton. So, we compromised with Dr. Bob.
We talked of sports and writing and family and polo and life's challenges, as well as the value of genuineness.
I was still a kid, but I wrote an article in the Bee about him and his family and his English and polo roots and stardom.
Doctors have always, to varying degrees, given me the twitches and sweats. But he is the one doctor I always looked forward to visiting.
He was an exceptional dermatologist and a wonderful, caring man.
He fashioned a life incredibly lived.
My condolences to his vast, cool family. Belated thanks, Dr. Bob.

Patrick Brent

September 26, 2023

Polo will never forget Doctor Bob Walton - never.
By Patrick Brent
February 13, 1923 - April 21, 2023
Robert Greenwood Walton, M.D., of Modesto,

The simple dash (-) within epitomizes one exceptional life.
Quality gentlemen of the World War II era such as Bob Walton are indeed, America´s "greatest generation". Bob validated it in everything he undertook - his impressive family, his medical successes at Stanford and of course a singularly "defining" avocation labeled polo. Bob played throughout the USA and raised the bar wherever he went.

He also set an example by "giving back" to the sport; as a U. S. Polo Association player, delegate, governor, treasurer, , USPA Vice President and USPA President.
companioned by his patented special laugh he kept the sport fun and was the exemplar of quiet leadership.
What manner of man was Dr Bob Walton ?
We were undefeated as 'Team Donegal´ for the winter season at Eldorado Palm Desert

Well, let us tell you.
Bob had a profound sense of style, class and above all exceptional manners. -
The French would have called it "je ne se qua"
Defined: as a mysterious quality, one that is impossible to define -
one either comprehends "it" or if you do not understand - you may never get "it"
Dr Walton had it.
Polo Clubs worldwide would do well to have their players emulate Bob and proselytize his style and form throughout the polo world.
No easy undertaking - Dr Walton was a one-of-a-kind gentleman - a treasure without peer.
Bob for over thirty years was my mentor. Battled not to disappoint him both on and off the polo field.
Polo & I will never forget Bob Walton - NEVER
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