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John L. Walker
John L. Walker, 62, of Pine City and Theresa, NY, passed unexpectedly, though peacefully, on the morning of Sunday, May 25, 2014. Always a busy man, he left us to take on his next project. He recently retired from Knapp's Music Store after more than forty years. He loved many things and tried everything he ever set his mind to. A musician by trade, he was a talented carpenter in his spare time as well as an avid boater, antiquer, fisherman, car lover, bowler and overall tinkerer. He leaves behind his loving wife of nearly forty years, Susan M. Walker; and his daughter, Jennifer (Peter) Gingrich; as well as his four grandsons, Aidan, Brody, Owen and Peter Jr., whom he loved very much. He had plans to teach them many things once retirement started. He also leaves his brother, Joseph Walker; nieces, Laura and Erica Walker. He is also survived by his aunt, Janet MacMillen; cousins, Janet (Cliff) Gigee, Bobbie (Rosie) Buck, Starlene (Larry) Leonard, Keith (Cindy) MacDonald, and Dick (Gail) Sturdevant. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert N. Walker and Carrie S. Walker. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Funeral and Committal Service there Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. He would have loved that any donations made on his behalf go to The Antique Boat Museum (www.abm.org), 750 Mary St., Clayton, NY 13624. Guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Olthof Funeral Home, Inc.
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Stephen Kistler
John & I shared a close friendship beginning in 8th grade, which continued through Senior year. I remember his skills in music: guitar, french horn and tuba. His voice skills enabled him to get into Concert Choir as soon as we got to Southside, where I did not qualify to join him until Senior year. My best memories of Senior year with him include Concert Choir, Marching Band, and especially working the business end of El-So-Hi, our yearbook. John was business manager under Mrs. Muraney, faculty advisor, but I remember working with John as his assistant. And did we sell yearbooks! We sold so successfully that the original order of 1000 had to be increased to 1025. Not bad for a school with roughly 1300 students.
Unfortunately, my personal yearbook was stolen that year from my book pile, which were stashed backstage during a choir rehearsal period in the auditorium. We had sold every available yearbook, and it looked as if I would not have one as a memory after all that work. At the last minute, Mrs. Muraney and John did find one spare, the only spare yearbook ever located, and presented it to me, so I was able to get some signatures before graduation. Thanks for the memories, John! Rest in peace.