On Saturday, May 30th, I attended a memorial service in Traverse City, Michigan for Dave Walker. Dave was a longtime news reporter for TV Channel 7/4, the NBC affiliate based in Traverse City. The service was a beautiful and wonderful tribute to a man whom many knew as a person of integrity, patriotism and professionalism. My condolences to Kay Walker, his wife and all of the Walker family members, relatives and friends who were part of Dave's life.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Walker last year on June 3rd, 2008. Dave had phoned me early in May after reading about my appearance at the Kiwanis Club in Petoskey, Michigan promoting Dead End. When he called, I was not at home but he left a message to return his call because he definitely wanted to do a story about me and the book’s creation. I thought he was just another reporter looking to ride the popularity of my book and using it as a stepping stone to promote his own career. Boy was I wrong and ignorant of who Dave Walker was. He was a well respected and noted personality in the world of radio and television that did not need me to further an already illustrious career. It was not only true in northern Michigan, but across the country.
I decided to return his call and we had a brief conversation to set-up a date for the television shoot up north near the area where the murders occurred.
"It will be a human interest story by a Michigan author trying to solve a 40 year old murder case. It will be great." Those were the words I recall Dave using.
Because of his upbeat tone, I agreed to meet him for lunch at the Side Door Saloon in Petoskey and discuss what he thought would be the best way to set up the filming.
Shortly before noon on that sunny Tuesday, I pulled into the parking lot, spotted the 7/4 news station wagon that was empty of humans and parked next to it. I strolled into the bar/restaurant wearing my Michigan State Spartan hat which was to be the piece of clothing that would indentify me to Dave. The usual noon crowd had not yet arrived, A young man waved at me and I approached the table and introduced myself, asking if he might be Mr. Walker. "Oh, no. I'm the camera man. Dave is using the lavatory; he'll be out in a minute."
I made myself comfortable, but wondered what type of person Dave Walker would turn out to be. It didn't take long. If one can construct in their mind's eye, Santa Claus without the beard or red suit, you had the physical appearance of Dave Walker. Within a minute after we exchanged our greetings, I knew that I liked Dave Walker. What was more important was that I believed that I could trust Dave Walker. For those people who have known me over the years, that says a ton. Dave Walker was a genuine, lovable, honest and caring human being who brought out the best in you! Why? Because he had already learned in life what was really important. He was the pure example of the Golden Rule philosophy and what it should sound and act like.
Previous to our meeting, I had sent Dave a copy of my book. He told me that he had given the book very high marks and that was one of the reasons that he had called me to do this film spot.
Because his review of the book was so positive, he wanted to make sure that the film shoot would be as interesting as he could make it. He also believed that the public should know and read about the tragedy that happened at Good Hart in 1968. Dave Walker did that and more. I had people from all over Michigan calling and emailing me about what a wonderful story it turned out to be. They were especially impressed by Dave’s questioning of me and his respect in dealing with a subject of a despicable mass murder. In my opinion, only Dave Walker could have told it that way on film and made it the success it was.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008, Dave Walker passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. He never made me aware of his medical condition during our filming or in other correspondence. Unfortunately, I was never made aware of his passing. I console myself with the fact that it was the holiday season and many people were consumed by the numerous events that happen at that time. I unknowingly sent him a Christmas card, thanking him for his support and hoping to get together after I returned from Florida in the spring. Last week I called the television station to talk with Dave. I was shocked and deeply saddened when the receptionist told me of his passing. In the few hours that Dave and I worked together on the shore of Lake Michigan, I will always remember his quite direction, his patient and sincere interest in order to make me "look good" on film.
Dave will always be a part of my wonderful memories. Dave Walker was my friend and for that I will always be grateful. His voice has been stilled, but his spirit will always be with those who loved, knew and worked with him. Dave Walker- gone but never forgotten. He truly was one of a kind. God Bless you, Dave.
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