Kenneth A. Walker, 93, of Westmoreland passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021, while living his day-to-day routine in the familiar surroundings of his property.
Ken was born in Cambridge, MA on July 18, 1927. He spent most of his young life with his grandparents, Frank and Lena Aldrich at their farm in Westmoreland. He attended Mt. Hermon was graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin, and later received a degree from the University of Maryland while serving in the US Air Force. His military career began in the US Navy during WW II; followed by a 23-year career in the US Air Force, retiring in 1973 having achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
Ken was a sportsman, woodsman, maple sugar maker, avid reader; he had a passion for pie-making as well as being a builder of fiberglass kayaks and cedar strip canoes. He enjoyed recreational kayaking as well as whitewater racing. He established a whitewater kayak and canoe club in Spokane, WA in the ’70s. Having relocated back to the east coast in ’75, Ken ran his first Boston Marathon at the age of 50; followed by several others (NYC, Boston, Buffalo, and Lowell MA). He participated in many more 5k and 10k races throughout the next several decades up to the age of 86.
In 1996, after having resided in North Reading MA for 20 years, Ken and Rosalie retired to the Aldrich ancestral farm in Westmoreland. Ken was active in the Westmoreland Historical Society, Westmoreland United Church, and was a loyal patron of Westmoreland Public Library.
Ken was an excellent storyteller, entertaining his extended family and friends. He was a quiet and humble man who nevertheless left a warm shadow; enriching the lives of all who crossed his path.
Mr. Walker is survived by his wife Rosalie of 45 years; a daughter Jill Walkinshaw (Elizabeth, CO) & grandson Nigel Miller and wife Kaitlyn (Fort Lupton, CO), a son Kevin Walker (Brownsfield, ME) & grandson Kris Walker & wife Alicia (Brownsfield, ME), 2 children from a combined marriage – Keith Field and wife Sarah (Mt. Airy, MD) & grandchildren Harrison Field & Eleanor Field; Heather Field and husband Donald Tetreault (Valatie, NY) & their 3 children Kevin (Ontario, CAN), Valerie & Dominic Tetreault (Quebec, CAN). Also survived by 5 great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 27th, 1:00 at the cemetery on Great Meadow Ferry Road (off RT. 63 in Westmoreland). A celebration of life will follow at the Westmoreland Park Hill Meeting House from 2:00 – 4:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Westmoreland Public Library
PO Box 180
Westmoreland NH. 03467 and or to:
Westmoreland United Church
PO Box 214
Westmoreland, NH. 03467.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com
