PITTSFIELD–Eugene ‘Bud” Wallace Walker Jr., life-long resident of Canaan, died January 26 at Berkshire Medical Center. He was born August 17, 1937 in Pittsfield and was the son of the late Eugene Wallace Sr. and Margaret Louise Casey Walker.
He graduated in 1954 from the New Lebanon High School. He went on to work for Sylvester Walker, his uncle, at Wild Print Shop in Valatie. In 1962 he entered the U.S. Air Force as a fire protective specialist. Over a year of his service was overseas, including time in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1966. He then went to work for General Electric, in Pittsfiel, as a tool and die mechanic in their power transformer division, retiring at 55 after 26 years of service. Mr. Walker also worked for the Town of Canaan at various times during the years and after retirement he drove a school bus for New Lebanon School District until he became ill.
He joined the Canaan Protective Fire Company at the age of 18, serving as both a firefighter and EMT. He served as Chief for the Canaan Fire Company several times. He loved to hunt, trap, fish and garden. Mr. Walker was a past member of the Canaan Conservation Club. He was an avid reader, enjoyed local history and thoroughly enjoyed crossword puzzles. He loved people and enjoyed their company.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Lynn Stever Walker; daughter Colleen Brannan of Oneonta: son Craig Skerkis of Easton, Penn.; sister Judith Wear of Canaan; brother Philip “Skip” Walker of Clearwater, Fla.; five grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 28, at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl funeral home, Chatham from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 29 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Canaan Protective Fire Department.
For directions or to send on line condolences visit www.frenchblasl.com.