George C. Walker, Jr.

BARRE TOWN - George C. Walker, Jr., 91, of Wildersburg Common, died February 29, 2016, at Central Vermont Medical Center from complications of pneumonia. A resident of Barre Town for the last 11 years, George had previously lived in Groton but spent most of his life in Montpelier. George had been a resident of Rowan Court Health and Rehab Center for the last 2.5 years, where he received loving care from the compassionate staff.
Born in Montpelier, he was the son of George C. Walker, Sr. and Anne MacDonald Walker.
After graduating from Montpelier High School, he attended Tri-State College in Indiana before enlisting in the Army Air Force during WWII. He was a tail gunner on a B-24 and flew 35 missions with a crew that was one of the few to return fully intact from the war. He was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement upon his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant from the Air Force. George completed his B.A. degree at Norwich University, where he graduated in 1949.
George was lucky to fall in love twice in his life! He married Ruth Dow Walker on June 13, 1948. They enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage and had 2 children. After Ruth's death in 1998, George met and married Jeanette Bolender on May 27, 2000. They would have celebrated their 16th anniversary this spring. Jeanette was a loving, caring, and supportive partner during his journey with dementia.
George was a longtime employee of the Times Argus newspaper. After a 25-year career, he retired in 1989 as the Classified Advertising Manager. He had previously worked with his father at their family business, Montpelier Electric Co., and at Capital Stationers.
George loved cars and music. He particularly liked his Volkswagen Beetle convertibles! He was very musically involved in the community and sang with the Gentlemen Songsters, a barbershop group, for over 40 years. He also sang with the Barre Choraleers, the St Andrews Kilted Chorus, and the choir at the Barre Presbyterian Church. He performed as a soloist in the area for many years as well.
George was also active in the Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star, The Elks, The American Legion, the United Way, and the St Andrews Society, where he was on the Board of Directors.
George leaves behind his wife, Jeanette Bolender Walker; his children, Peter Walker, and his wife, Beth Carl, Guilford, VT, and Cindy Parzych (Bill), Richboro, PA, and their children, Dan Parzych, Newtown, PA, Christen Parzych, Nashville, TN, and Michael Parzych, Arlington, VA; his sister, Marian Walker, Williamstown; Jeanette's children, Susan Lowell (Ken), George Bolender (Leigh), Jenny Abatiell (Marc), and David Bolender; and grandchildren, Anna Lowell, Kirsten Bolender Schiada (Zach), Eric Bolender, Taylor and Jess Abatiell, and Georgia, Ezra, Isabel, and Lily Bolender.
George was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth, grandson, Cameron Abatiell, and granddaughter, Devon Bolender.
George will be remembered for his beautiful baritone voice, his love of his Scottish heritage, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. His smile lit up the room. He had an endearing quality of sweetness and quietness--he was a gentle man and a gentleman. He will be missed.
Visiting hours will be Saturday, March 5, from 1-3 p.m. at Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, VT. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Barre, 19 Seminary Street, Barre, VT 05641.
Memorial contributions are appreciated and may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church Pipe Organ Fund, 19 Seminary Street, Barre, VT 05641 or the Rowan Court Health and Rehabilitation Center, 378 Prospect Street, Barre, VT 05641 in memory of George.