Owen Richard Walker, “Rick” 62, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at his home in Greece, NY after a courageous eight year battle with colon cancer. The strength and persistence he displayed fighting this disease was truly inspiring.
In accordance with Rick’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family in the Spring.
Rick was born on January 17, 1961 to Olivia Andrew and Oscar Walker in Rochester, NY.
He was a Veteran of the US Army serving in the 2-68 Armor in The United States Army Garrison (USAG) Baumholder, Germany from 1978 – 1981. He also served in the Army and Air Force Reserves. After serving in the military and working at Walt Disney World, Rick decided to pursue a career in Education. He recently retired from teaching Social Studies at Arcadia High School in the Greece Central School District.
Rick had many interests. He earned a Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate, enjoyed downhill mountain biking, and had a lifelong love of motorcycles and classic rock. During his battle with cancer, he began playing the electric guitar.
Rick will be fondly remembered by his loving wife of 32 years, Michelle and son Donovan. He also leaves behind mother Olivia Andrew, sister Sheryl Maxwell, mother-in-law Dona Fusco, and sister-in-law Dawn Clukey along with many friends.
Thanks and appreciation to the Lipson Cancer Center and Palliative Care Team along with Rochester Regional Homecare for the unending support, care, kindness, and love given to Rick, Michelle, and Donovan.
Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice in Rick’s name.
You deserved more time. As a teacher, you left a legacy that will continue for decades to come.
He was such an amazing man while a heart full of spunky love and compassion. As an old student of his I’ll never forget what a mark he left in my life. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will ease your pain and open his arms to welcome Rick into heaven.
May God Bless and watch over you always 🙏
Not even kidding – this teachers name still years later brings a light to my heart, he really did teach in such a heart warming and intelligent way and I don’t think he or his family even know how many students, like myself, he had marked such a light on. years later after my senior year in 2016, he still has an impact on me and tons of other students. I remember his battle with cancer during AP psych of my senior year. He is the one who got me interested in psychology an interest I never saw coming. He is one of the steping stones to my passion to purse a psychology degree and an RN degree in hopes of becoming a psychiatric pediatric nurse. Because just a nurse alone, isn’t enough for me when there’s a whole world of hurting people out there who suffer from mental illnesses, that often time get overlooked, He never let the cancer and battle he was fighting ruin his youthful and inspiring spirit! I remember when he first had talked about his cancer and It left a soft spot in my heart and all the other students, that often times I’d find myself wondering “how Mr. Walker is doing” even years later. that’s the impact he left on me and many others. It takes someone special in this world to leave the impact Mr. Walker did. It’s true, the good ones go to soon. My condolences to his precious wife and son and to the rest of his family. I pray for peace and comfort.
Dear Mr. Walker,
You should know, anytime someone asks me who my favorite teacher was, you are the person I refer to. You impacted so many students lives, you even changed the course of my life.
I remember how helpful and caring you were my senior year. You were battling things we did not yet know of, yet you still came to class with a smile, ready to teach us. Except you went above and beyond teaching us, you inspired us.
I was doubtful in college that I would know what kind of degree I wanted to pursue, but I decided to reach out to you and you told me to go after what I’m passionate about. 4 years later I was in a cap and gown with a psychology degree.
Thank you so much for everything you did for us as students. I’m sending so much love to your wife, Michelle and your son Donovan.