John M. Walker

GOODBYE TO A LEGEND

John M. Walker passed away on Dec. 10, 2016, at 8:45 p.m., in Billings, at the age of 83. He was surrounded by his family when he left our world after a painful bout with prostate cancer. John is survived by his loving wife, Lynda Leeanne Whiting Walker; his daughter, Jeanne Miller Walker (Fred Snodgrass); his son, Thomas Everette "Toby" Payne Walker (Michelle Walker); older brother Frank Walker; and his dearest and best friend of 79 years, James B. McCall. John is also survived by four grandchildren: Reagan Walker-McCall Snodgrass, born May 24, 2011; Miles Jensen-Miller Walker, born Dec. 26, 2012; Remington Jeanne Snodgrass, born July 2, 2015; and baby Walker, due Jan. 5, 2017.

John was a legend in his own right. He touched and affected the lives of hundreds. As most of us know, it was an honor and a privilege to know John Walker. He was the epitome of a kind and gentle human being. Everyone he encountered described him as the nicest person they had ever met. John was wise and virtuous. He was a born teacher and independent thinker. He saw an opportunity in everyone and everything. John lived a simple life, but his life was nothing but extraordinary. He will forever be remembered for his impeccable character for truth and honesty. John was a friend to all and a best friend to many.

John M. Walker was born on July 19, 1933 in Mounds, Okla., to his proud parents Lewia Dale "Dale" Florene Payne and Bluford "Boots" Walker. He was the youngest son of three boys: Frank Walker, born July 25, 1930; and Toby Walker, born July 11, 1932. John was adventuresome and sometimes mischievous as a child. He always worked to help support his family. John enjoyed life. He was very social and had many friends. John played football and track. John's nickname was "Waco." John and his family moved to Glendale, Calif., in 1935 during the Great Depression.

John attended college at Northeastern College in Tahlequah, Okla. He graduated in 1958 with a bachelor of arts in secondary education. After his first teaching job, John learned that his passion for teaching did not lie with the school system. John was a visionary and independent thinker. He refused to be confined by the teachings of the educational system. John thereafter found his calling in the golf industry.

During college, John was drafted in the Korean War. He was stationed near the 38th parallel in Korea. John received an honorable discharge after two years of service. John returned to Oklahoma and finished college at Northeastern in Tahlequah.

In 1965, John received his class A PGA membership. He was a lifetime member with 52 years of continuous service in the PGA. John maintained several jobs at various courses in California. In 1970, John met the love of his life, Lynda, in Chico, Calif. John was the head golf professional at Butte Creek Country Club. Lynda claims that when she first met John she knew that he was the man she was going to marry. After two years and many circumstances later, John and Lynda were finally together.

John and Lynda were married in 1973 in Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, Calif. John and Lynda's daughter, Jeanne Miller Walker, was born on July 26, 1974. She was named after John. John left Butte Creek Country Club in Chico and obtained a job as the head professional at Auburn Valley Country Club in Auburn, Calif. Thomas Everette "Toby" Payne Walker was born on Sept. 6, 1977. He was named after John's brother, Toby.

John met Grant Noonkester in 1979 at Lake Don Pedro. The Noonkesters leased the golf course. Hershel Noonkester, Grant's uncle, was looking for a head golf professional to run the golf course. He sought out John as the best person for the job in all of California. John was hired as the head golf professional. John and Grant Noonkester worked side by side and developed a strong friendship.

In 1979, John designed a nine-hole golf course at Black Oak Golf Course in Auburn. However, the course would not officially open for many years later. In 1980, John and Grant Noonkester traveled to Montana to sell golf equipment from the closure of Auburn Valley Country Club. While in Montana, John and Grant were given the opportunity to meet with Elmer Link, who was in the process of building a golf course in Huntley. John and Grant reviewed Elmer's preliminary plans and walked the property numerous times. John and Grant offered Elmer their advice on the course layout. John and Grant headed back to California after their meeting with Elmer. They no sooner arrived home when Elmer called and asked them to return to build the course.

John oversaw the design and routing of the course in terms of the playability. Grant oversaw all of the irrigation and general construction. John was instrumental in promoting the course. He sold charter memberships to raise money for the construction. Pryor Creek Golf Course opened in the summer of 1981. Pryor Creek would not be in existence without John's insight and fortitude.

John worked as the head golf professional at Pryor Creek Golf Course from February 1985 until he retired in November 1996. During his tenure at Pryor Creek Golf Course, John designed an additional nine holes in 1991, making it the first 27-hole golf course in the Billings area. The additional nine holes officially opened in 1992. In 2003, John designed another nine holes on the south course to make it a 36-hole golf course. The last nine holes officially opened in 2007. In recognition of his years of service to the Link Family, they named the south 18 holes the John Walker Course.

After John retired from Pryor Creek Golf Course, he continued to design golf courses in the western United States, including Alaska. During his retirement years, John spent significant time promoting and assisting the Huntley Project golf team. He traveled with the team to golf meets and spent hours assisting the coaches during practice. John was very proud that Pryor Creek was the team's home course. John was not just a teacher to the youth, he was a mentor and an inspiration.

John continued to visit Pryor Creek Golf Course on a regular basis even after he retired. He assisted with tournaments. He was very involved with the senior men's league. He continued to give golf lessons. John could always be found on the range helping anyone in need of instruction. His true passion was teaching golf. John believed in the game of golf and believed that anyone could achieve their potential. John had an uncanny ability to quickly assess a golfer's weakness, whether it was the person's grip or position, and correct the problem. John found great pleasure in his teachings and never turned down an opportunity to help someone improve their game.

John and Lynda were married for 43 years. He always said that Lynda was the best thing that ever happened to him. John was an incredible husband, father and teacher. He was dependable and trustworthy. John made his children feel special and that they were capable of anything. John never discouraged his children from pursuing their dreams. He supported his children through education, employment and relationships.

John greeted everyone with a handshake or a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He was a true gentleman. He stood when someone entered and exited a room. He was engaging and made lifelong friendships wherever he went. John's catchphrase was "cool, careful and calm." He never missed an opportunity to remind his family and friends of the three "C's." John truly cared about the wellbeing of his loved ones.

John saw the good in everyone. He was a believer. He believed in the mechanics of golf; not for the notoriety or fame, but for the truth of the game. John spent his whole life searching for the truth in golf and he finally discovered it. John's legend was with Pryor Creek Golf Course, the Link family, his protégées and the members.

John said the truth lies within us. He believed the secret to life was in our own DNA. He believed everyone was special because no two individuals have the same DNA. This is what makes each of us unique. This is what made John Walker unique.

John was a very enlightened man. He believed in abstract ideas and searched for meaning beyond what was on paper. He always said that golf can't be taught from a book. John had a vision for his life, his health, his family and his teachings. John wanted to help people, which led to his last venture in life.

Many years ago, John had the opportunity to meet Alfonse "Al" Cassone. Al worked for a company as a subcontractor in the field of anti-submarine warfare for the U.S. Navy. Al relied upon his expertise in sonar tracking to invent the Medsonix machine. The machine emits a low frequency sound wave which stimulates all of the cells in the body. The machine is very effective at relieving and managing pain. John believed in Al and believed in Medsonix. Because of John's conviction to help mankind and, with the support of James McCall, Al developed a Medsonix machine for John, which is housed here in Billings. John's final legacy was to help people with Medsonix.

John passed away at 8:45 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2016. If given the opportunity, John would have found meaning in the numbers as follows: 8 plus 4 plus 5 equals 17. One plus seven equals eight. An eight in the Bible is summarily defined as: The number eight in the Bible signifies resurrection and regeneration. It is the number of a new beginning. Eight is seven plus one and since it comes just after seven, which itself signifies an end to something, so eight is also associated with the beginning of a new era or that of a new order.

Vaya Con Dios, John Walker. Go with God.

Celebration of life services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Pryor Creek Country Club in Huntley.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, a scholarship fund has been established for the Huntley Project Golf Team. Please submit donations to: The John M. Walker Golf Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2157, Billings, MT 59103.