Audrey M Walker

Audrey M. Walker, 86, died in Port Orchard on February 17, 2014. She was born May 28, 1927 in Seattle, the only daughter of Hilburt & Eva Hendrickson. She was educated in Seattle Public Schools in the Ballard area. While at Webster Elementary, she joined Camp Fire Girls and was a member of Girl Scout Troop 77 at James Monroe Jr High.
Audrey was a 1945 graduate of Ballard High School. At the age of 3 she began attending Sunday School at Trinity Methodist Church and after high school she taught in the Primary Department (grades 1st, 2nd & 3rd) of Sunday School. She assisted in the church office where she learned the basics of newsletter editing. While working as secretary in the Youth Director’s office, Audrey became acquainted with a young high school girl who introduced Audrey to the man she eventually married – Earl G. Walker. On September 11, 1953 at Trinity Methodist Church they were married.
When possible, they visited Snoqualmie Falls where they first met and Hurricane Ridge area where they spent their honeymoon – once or twice during year. When their sons were growing up, all four would travel places together. The boys were active in Little League with parents attending every ball game. Audrey served as team Mom several times.
In the fall of 1957, before the boys came to them, Audrey & Earl were interested in boating and took a Basic Boating (Piloting) Course offered by the local Bremerton unit of the U. S. Power Squadron. The following year in 1958, Mr. Walker joined the squadron and Audrey joined the Ensignetts Auxiliary to the local unit of USPS. Mr. Walker served as Cdr of Bremerton Squadron from 1962 to 1963 and in 1964 and 1964-1965 Audrey served as President of the Auxiliary. Both Earl and Audrey continued to serve the squadron an auxiliary in many ways. Audrey was the first publisher of the squadron newsletter and originated the membership roster. During the years Mr. Walker served as the squadron liaison, the Walkers were invited as guests aboard the USS Constellation as it sailed from Bremerton to Bangor. The Ship’s captain asked Mrs. Walker if she’d like to take the wheel (steer the ship). With hands on the big brass wheel Audrey steered that aircraft carrier through the opening in the Hood Canal Bridge – an unforgettable experience as the ship was not on auto-pilot.
As a family unit in the late 1970’s, they remodeled and enlarged the family home, using their own drawn-up house plans. Mr. Walker, Greg & David did all the labor.
With both sons out of high school and employed, Mr. and Mrs. Walker started traveling to attend Power Squadron National meetings held in various cities of the United States and Canada. The renewed kinship with Earl’s relatives, during this time Audrey had the chance to meet many of her paternal family relations and he continued to treasure them. Their travels concluded with the Lord calling Mr. Walker home June 19, 1991, during their 37th year of marriage. Audrey was also preceded in death by daughter Janice Earlene (April 1960) and son Paul Raymond (March 1962), both at the times of their birth.
Interests include spiritual growth and church, safer family boating and furthering the cause of U. S. Power Squadron, big band music of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, crocheting, traveling and dining out.
Survivors include sister Petesy & niece Corrine, sons David, Daves wife Debbie, their sons Joseph, Seth, and daughter Kaylee of Seattle; son Gregory and his wife Susan of Port Orchard, WA grandchildren include Chris Gilbert, Steven Piety wife Michelle, great-grandson Mika & granddaughter Ashley , husband Kortez and great-grandson Malaki