John Raymond Walker

November 5, 1943 ~ March 1, 2013

John “Raymond” Walker, born November 5, 1943, in Long Beach, California, passed away March 1, 2013.  He was the oldest of three and only son of John Irvin Walker and Mary Jean (Wasden) Walker.

Ray graduated from Long Beach Poly High School in 1962. While there he played basketball and served on the yearbook staff. He attended a semester at LBCC.  He then served full time in the New England Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1963-1965.  He graduated from BYU-Provo in August 1968, where he met Susan Stone.  They were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple June 6, 1968.  Ray completed an MBA from BYU in 1970.

Ray and Susan settled in California, residing in Downey for one year, Cypress for 13, then Danville for 11.  They relocated to Utah in 1996 and currently reside in Cedar Hills.  Ray and Susan have five children and 12 grandchildren.

Ray’s professional career centered in corporate and commercial real estate finance and investments.  He retired as Senior Vice President and head of Debt & Equity Finance for the SLC office of CB Richard Ellis, Inc.  He was one of 77 Certified Mortgage Bankers (“CMB”) in the United States and a published author of real estate finance articles.  He was known for his strong work ethic and integrity in business dealings.

Ray’s priorities were his family and Church service.   He held many positions and callings during his life, which include bishop in Pleasant Grove and branch president at the Provo MTC.  He was committed to the Boy Scouts of America and influenced the lives of many young men.  He treasured opportunities to serve.  He loved completely and was totally committed to his wife Susan.  He always said it was because of her that he was able to meet the combined demands of business and Church service.  His family will miss his calming faith, watchful eye, reassuring wisdom, selfless nature, and hearty laugh. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Nathan Broby.  He is survived by his wife Susan of 44 years and their five children:  Michelle (Shawn) Broby, Gilbert, AZ; Kimberly (Steve) Rock, Las Vegas,NV; John (Christine) Walker, Danbury, CT; Kristen Walker, Lehi, UT; and David (Andrea) Walker, Bountiful, UT.  He is also survived by two sisters:  Darlene (Gene) Weatherly, Vidor, TX; and Marilyn (Russell) Clark, Cumming, GA.

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 9^th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the

Cedar Hills Utah West Stake Center, 4580 W. Cedar Hills Dr.  Family and friends may also attend a viewing from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the services.  Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.

This is a syndicated post. Read the original at Obituaries2013-03-05.