Garry John Walker, 80, of Clarkston, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. He was born April 8, 1944, in Orofino to Everett and Beulah Walker. He grew up on a ranch on Bobbitt Bench near Peck, later moving to the big city of Orofino. Upon graduating from Orofino High School in 1962, Garry attended the University of Idaho where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in music education in 1966. That year also brought an even greater milestone, when he married his sweetheart Shirley McCrery of Orofino.
After graduation, Garry taught music to all grades in the Pomeroy School District, while also earning his master’s in music from UI. In 1970 was the move to Bellevue, eventually settling in Redmond, where he taught music at Sammamish High School and co-supervised the Bellevue School District music program until he retired in 1996. After 30 years of full-time public school instruction, Garry continued to teach part-time in Bellevue as well as in education program at Seattle Pacific University. In 2003, they moved to Clarkston where Garry continued sharing his years of experience with student teachers at the University of Idaho while also starting lengthy stints directing the Clarkston Community Band and Lewiston Civic Theatre orchestra. He and Shirley loved traveling, and spending time with their kids, grandkids, bonus kids and extended family.
Beyond his music and community involvement, Garry could be found enjoying the outdoors, fishing, barbecuing, camping in the rain, working in his yard or on home improvement/handyman projects, and lending a hand to family and friends, especially if there was a house move involved. Since moving back to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, Garry enjoyed reconnecting with many old friends.
Garry was the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his sons Jeff, of Seattle, Kevin (Shelley), of Puyallup, Wash., grandchildren Hailey and Spencer, of Olympia, McCrery bonus children (Brian, Bill, Clinton and Lizzie), sister-in-law Christy (Bob) Kurts, of Clarkston, Walker nieces and nephews (Mary, Montie, Vern and Chris), and Johnson nephews (Si, Scott and John). He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Howard and Larry.
A celebration of life is planned for the spring and an announcement will be entered in the local newspaper.
