A Celebration of Life will be held for Chard Walker on Saturday, October 6, 2007, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church, 2 West Olive Avenue, Redlands, California. Following the service, guests will be invited to meet Chard's family in Kimberly Hall adjacent to the Church.
Directions to the First Congregational Church:
From the eastbound San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) take Orange Street exit (Exit 79). From bottom of ramp proceed straight ahead, (east), along Pearl Ave, three short blocks, to Orange Street. Turn right onto Orange Street, then proceed south on Orange Street. Orange Street becomes Cajon Street, at intersection of Citrus Ave. Continue south toward Olive Avenue. The First Congregational Church is located at the southwest corner of Cajon Street and Olive Avenue. Note there are three churches at the intersection of Cajon and Olive. The parking lot is on right hand side, adjacent to/behind the church, off Cajon Street, across the street from the old Fox Theater.
From the westbound San Bernardino Freeway, exit at 6th Street (Exit 79B). Turn left onto 6th Street and proceed south to Olive Avenue, where 6th street ends. Turn right onto Olive Avenue, and go one block south to Cajon Street. Turn right onto Cajon Street, then left into the parking lot off Cajon Street. The First Congregational Church is located at the southwest corner of Cajon Street and Olive Avenue. Note there are three churches at the intersection of Cajon Street and Olive Avenue.
Parking lot is located behind/adjacent to the Church, off Cajon Street, across from the old Fox Theater.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a fund for the preservation of Chard's favorite Los Angeles Ry streetcar, the "Descanso." Checks can be made payable to PRS - Descanso Trust Fund and should be mailed to: Pacific Railroad Society, 210 West Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773. Please indicate "In memory of Chard Walker" on the check.
Chard Walker passed away last Friday morning, Sept 28th, at about 800am, at his longtime home in Hesperia, at age 85. Chard's condition had been deteriorating over the past couple of days. Good friends Charlie Schultz and Alan Serfas, along with Hospice Nurse Sabrina were in Hesperia when Chard passed on. Chard is survived by his two daughters Judy Hover and Joy Jacobson of Lolo, Montana, and his grandchildren.
Longtime friends, retired Engr Don C. Richardson and Condr Don Sheets agreed that Chard's passing marks the end of an era. Chard was a longtime member of Orange Empire Railway Museum and Pacific Railroad Society. It was through Pacific Railroad Society's predecessor organization, The Railroad Boosters, that Chard first traveled to Summit, in 1946, to stay in the Los Angeles Ry Funeral Car "Descanso," and enjoy Cajon Pass. Telegrapher Bob Wagner encouraged Chard to apprentice as a Santa Fe Ry telegrapher, in 1947, then eventually live and work at Summit. Chard lived in the "Descanso" from 1951 until 1955, before he got married. It was fellow Railroad Booster, longtime friend, and Santa Fe employee, Jack Whitmeyer, who introduced Chard to his wife Margaret Sheely. Chard's memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church in Redlands, where he and Margaret were married. Chard and Margaret's daughters, Joy and Judy, were born while the Walkers lived at Summit. The Walkers left Summit in 1967, for the home on Pine Street in Hesperia. Chard retired from the Santa Fe in 1983, while working at Barstow.
Over the years Chard and Margaret Walker graciously opened their home, and lives, to many railroaders, photographers and friends, both at Summit and in Hesperia. Chard was an inspiration to many and a special friend to so many of us. Chard was a tireless historian in regards to Cajon Pass, Mount Lowe, the Los Angeles Ry, and Pacific Electric. He cheerfully answered any serious inquires and questions, while amazing us with his memories and stories. Chard authored four books, and regularly contributing news and memories, of Santa Fe, Cajon Pass, and railroading to PRS Wheel Clicks and other publications.
Signature Press plans on reprinting Chard's book Cajon, Rail Passage to the Pacific, hopefully by Christmas.
The Walker Family may be sent cards and letters at Chard's address 18073 Pine St. Hesperia, CA 92345.
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