Walker, Robbie
March 23, 2010It is with sincere feelings of sadness and regret that we mark the recent passing of Robbie Walker, aged 50, who died suddenly after taking ill March 8 at his residence at Ard na Groi, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Robbie was the much loved son of Rose and Bob Walker (Snr) and was the second eldest in his family of three sisters, Rosemary, Deirdre and Bernadette and his brother Jimmy.
Born on May 13, 1959, in Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, it was in 1960 that the Walker family then emigrated to St. Louis, Missouri, USA where he attended primary school. In 1973 the family moved back to Ireland and took up residence in Stradbally's Woodhouse estate in Co. Waterford.
Robbie's education continued in St. Declan's College and from there he began employment with Waterford Co-op followed by Quigley Magnesite and then to Measurex where he met the love of his life and his eternal best friend, Bernie.
Leaving his position in Measurex's Quality Department in the early 90's, Robbie set up his own Quality Management Consulting Firm. In time his business portfolio expanded with numerous other business ventures, including his partnership in one of Ireland's leading certification bodies where he was the Managing Director.
He was heavily involved in every aspect of both sporting and community organisations during his life. When the family moved back to Ireland, Robbie's sporting prowess became instantly recognisable. He began training with Stradbally's U14 team and represented Stradbally in every grade and Waterford at U21 level. He was the holder of two senior county championship medals, from 1982 and 1987, where he made full back position his own and played a starring role in bringing about the 9th Senior Football title to the Stradbally club.
Another long standing sporting involvement came with Waterford Crystal Gymnastics Club. Due to his commitment to the club Robbie was awarded Waterford's monthly Unsung Sporting Hero Award in 2006.
In more recent years, Robbie became heavily involved in the "behind the scenes" workings of his much loved Stradbally Club, where in time he became a member of the club's committee and went on to become vice chairman.
His long term contribution as part of the committee is reflected in so many of the positive developments that have taken place at the club in recent times such as the floodlighting of the playing fields, organising player trips abroad and more recently the organising of the 30th anniversary of the Stradbally GAA Centre.
He had also just got involved in the County Strategic Development Plan where he was totally committed to getting involved with other clubs in the county and offering to mentor them on getting their plans of the ground and up and running.
Robbie was bought to his resting place at the Holy Cross Church, Stradbally and his funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jerry Condon PP, Fr. Michael Enright and Fr. C. O'Donnell O.F.M.
Family, friends, past team mates and representatives of the gymnastic club honoured Robbie with a guard of honour to the church. Nephews Brendan and Noel Clancy provided traditional airs at the beginning of Mass and the entrance hymn was sung by his niece Melissa Fennell. The readings were shared by niece Aimee Fennel and Michael McEvoy, cousin. The Responsorial Psalm was sung by Melissa while the Offertory and Communion hymns were sung by Pat Comerford.
The offertory gifts representing Robbie's life were brought to the alter by his sister Bernadette, best friends Pat and Martin, brothers-in-law Eddie and Sean, sporting colleagues John and Mary, and daughter Jenny. The offertory gifts of bread and wine were brought by niece Tracey and friend Angela. The prayers of the faithful were shared by nieces Nicola, Kelsi and Jodi, cousins Patrick and sister Deirdre. Son Alan spoke on behalf of the family and delivered a personal and heartbreaking reading of a poem titled "Dear Dad".
The eulogy was shared by long-time friend Anthony and brother-in-law Pat Fennell (Bouge).
He is survived by his adoring wife and best friend Bernie, son Alan, daughter Jenny, son-in-law Kieran and grandchildren Darragh, Senan and Orlaith. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Bernie, son Alan, daughter Jenny and her husband Kieran, father Bob and his wife Mary, Brother Jimmy and his wife Mairead, sisters Rosemary, Deirdre and Bernadette and his brothers-in-law Pat, Tom and Brian, his grandchildren Darragh, Senan and Orlaith, nieces, nephews and all extended family who will miss him dearly.
Robbie's month's mind will be celebrated on Saturday, April 17 at 6pm in The Holy Cross Church, Stradbally.
Courtesy of Waterford News & Star
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