Michael Walker, 84, died in Dartmouth, MA, on August 19, surrounded by his family.
Michael was born and raised in Duxbury, MA, to Bridie (Lee) and Alpheus H. Walker. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Blair Handwerger Walker of Dartmouth; his son Kenneth, with his wife Elizabeth, of Marietta, GA; and his daughter Kate, of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by his sister Martha Haddock of Rangeley Town, ME; his sister Joan Woods of Florida; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Michael is predeceased by his parents as well as an elder brother, Alpheus Jr.
Michael was a warm and loving husband and father who also modeled hard work and dedication to his family. While he was home every night for dinner, his work often continued into the evening hours. His open demeanor and helpful nature gained him many friends. He was an avid reader and loved to listen to classical music as well as grow his own potatoes. His commitment to his children showed through the numerous life skills he passed to them, from sailing and knot-tying, to calligraphy, to construction skills. He was an original “soccer dad,” perfecting the sideline peptalk in the early 1980s. He then went on to drive his son Kenneth to downhill ski races throughout New England.
Michael was a licensed architect and member of the American Institute of Architects since 1972. He practiced architecture throughout the eastern United States, primarily in the northeast. As an architect, Michael knew how to build what he designed. He built steel frame industrial buildings as principal of his own architectural firm. But he also enjoyed designing and building churches, libraries, schools, and residential spaces. Michael also designed two houses for his own family, in Somers, CT, and Dartmouth.
Michael was integral to the design, siting, and construction of the cell phone tower network in both the northeast and Ohio. He worked for many years as a forensic architect, providing expert analysis to the insurance industry.
After graduating from Duxbury High School in 1960, where he was Student Council President, Michael briefly attended Stonehill College before entering the U. S. Merchant Marine. He spent two years aboard the Gen. Simon B. Buckner, making trips across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Upon returning from sea, Michael entered the Rhode Island School of Design to study architecture, then transferred to The Cooper Union in New York City where he completed his B. Arch. in 1968. He received his Master of Science in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University. While his children have vivid childhood memories of him hunched over his drafting table, Michael was also an early adopter of AutoCAD software.
Michael enjoyed working with neighbors and finding ways to share his construction expertise with community members. In addition to serving on local historical commissions, Michael assisted organizations such as the Dartmouth Grange and Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary with renovations.
In recent years, Michael enjoyed volunteering at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, 38 Bethel St., New Bedford, where donations may be made in lieu of flowers.
"His time is forever, everywhere his place."