George Walker
Oct. 19, 1939 - Nov. 18, 2018 Resident of San Jose
George W. Walker was the first born of George and Elvera Walker of Kane, Pennsylvania. Butchie, as he was known to his childhood friends, grew up exploring Allegheny Mountains of northwestern Pennsylvania. He would swim in water tanks, roast beans on the campfire and sleep when the daylight disappeared. He hunted deer, helped raise chickens and never missed a day of school. He married his high school sweetheart, Carole Jean Painter.
He attended Penn State and graduated from DeVry Technical Institute. George spent 40 years in the Semiconductor and Electronics industry, 35 at IBM including East Fishkill and Poughkeepsie, NY, Austin, TX and San Jose, CA. He earned many awards at IBM including the President’s Award. George also worked at Tandem Computers and Compaq. He mentored many diverse young professionals in the Silicon Valley. He was active in his community representing IBM United Way as a cabinet member. At church, George held offices on many levels, both locally and nationally. He was President of the IBM Retirement Club and chaired the IBM Travel Club.
George is survived by his wife, Carole, they loved each other for 60 years, 2 months and 18 days of marriage. They enjoyed travelling and visited over seventy countries and in later years enjoyed travel with the entire family.
He also leaves behind two daughters Brenda Kohler (Andy) and Amy Walker.
A bon vivant to the end, his culinary zest will live on through his four grandsons Austin (Melanie) and Andrew Kohler, Erik and Ryan Ahlers in whom he cultivated a love of cooking and eating. He was joyful to spend time with the first great granddaughter, Ellie Kohler.
He is survived by sisters Martha Franks and Daisy Walker and brother, William Walker. His eldest daughter Laura Elizabeth and sister, Victoria, predeceased him.
From childhood exploits to recent adventures, George never lacked for a hilarious or riveting story. His love for God, family and friends and quick smile will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 1:00PM, hosted at:
Trinity Presbyterian Church
3151 Union Ave.
San Jose, 95124
In lieu of flowers, please consider gifting to: Cancer Research Institute https://www.cancerresearch.org
Or,
Rancho Santa Marta http://www.ranchosantamarta.org