Charles Walker

1956 - 2012

Charles L. "Chuck" Walker

September 17, 1956 - August 2, 2012



SALEM - Chuck was the eldest of three children born to Laurence and Alexandra Walker in Tacoma, Washington. He married Tina Patee in 1981 and they raised two sons, Steven and Alexander, in Portland. After divorce in 2004, Chuck married Mary Jo Polette in 2006, and made his home with her on her llama/alpaca farm- "Daffodil Hill" in Salem.

Chuck was an accomplished marine electrician for several years before entering the electrical apprenticeship. In 1991, he joined the City of Portland, maintaining street lighting systems and traffic signal controls. In 2004 he was promoted to Supervisor of Signals and Street Lighting for the City of Portland. He held this position at the time of his death. He was a proud member of the IBEW Local 48 union for more than 30 years.

Chuck treasured cruises and travel adventures. In 2009, he discovered his maternal family in Germany, and Europe became a favorite destination. He learned to take care of llamas and alpacas, and was a member of the Willamette Valley Llama Association Board of Directors, and also sat on the Board of Directors for the NW Camelid Foundation. He was a self-proclaimed "Cosmic Rocker". His music collection included thousands of songs, vinyl albums and CD's. He loved music from the 70's and 80's; there wasn't a Frank Zappa tune he couldn't recite the words to. He had an incredible knowledge of old cars. He knew years, engine sizes, particular features and differences among models from the 40's to 70's. His pride and joy was his 2009 Z06 Corvette.

His real passion was riding sportbikes. He believed that 4 wheels moved the body, but 2 wheels moved the soul. He considered himself a Master Motorcycle rider, and used the stage name "Mid Valley Super Biker" with his Salem club of sport bike riders, The Hooligans. His skill and experience as a rider were valued by members. It is with sad irony that he lost his life doing the thing he loved most . . . riding his Ducati.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo of Salem, sons Steven (Billie Jo) and Alexander, sister Sandra Heys all of Portland; sister Cathleen (Troy) McGee of Athena; Linda (Merle) Peper of Arlington, Washington; many nieces and nephews, numerous German aunts, uncles, cousins, and his beloved German Shepherd, Axel.

A final motorcycle ride with Chuck is planned on Thursday, August 9th at 6:30 pm, starting at the Park and Ride at I-5 exit 248. A service and celebration of life will follow at 7 pm, City View Funeral Home Chapel, 390 Hoyt St. S., Salem. Private burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Forest Grove. Suggested memorials in Chuck's name may be made to NW Camelid Foundation, Team Oregon or the American Diabetes Association.