"To the Walker family, I'm sorry to hear the loss of your husband and father I only known him when he took care of me at the emergency room he was a nice guy."
In loving memory of
Dr. Benjamin Harrison Walker, Jr
August 8, 1958 - April 25, 2009
Portsmouth, RI - Dr. Benjamin Harrison Walker, Jr., of Portsmouth, RI, died on Saturday, April 25, surrounded by his family at his home in Portsmouth after a valiant five-year battle with colon cancer. He was 50 years old. Ben was above all else a devoted husband and father, a talented and dedicated physician as well as an avid sailor and squash player. Dr. Walker was the son of the late Benjamin Harrison Walker and Elizabeth Sillcocks Walker, both of New York City. He is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Dr. Susan Wuthrich Walker of Wharton, Texas and his two sons, Benjamin Harrison Walker, III Harry and Carter Harold Harrison Walker. He is also survived by a brother, James Harrison Walker, his nephews James Harrison Walker, William Henry Harrison Walker, and a niece, Helena Sherman Walker all of Newport.Dr. Walker grew up in New York City and spent his summers on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts. He was a graduate of St. Marks School in Southborough, Massachusetts, Bowdoin College, and the Columbia University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in emergency medicine with the Air Force and resigned from the service as a Major in 1994. Ben and Sue moved to Portsmouth, RI in 1994, where Ben joined the staff at Newport Hospital in Emergency Medicine. From 1997 until his retirement in 2004 due to illness, he was the chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Walker made significant contributions to Newport Hospital and the community in this role, including overseeing a complete redesign of the Emergency Room facilities, as well as providing the highest standard of critical emergency medical care to Newport and the surrounding communities. Ben was respected and popular with his colleagues and patients alike, and became an integral part of the community through his role at the hospital. In 2005, Dr. Walker received the Distinguished Service Award from the Newport Hospital Board of Trustees for his visionary leadership, compassion, and expert medical judgment. Ben lived life to its fullest - and shared that passion with everyone he encountered. Known especially for his warmth and generosity of spirit, he was interested in everything and everyone - and always had a good story to tell. He was passionate about many things - sailing, squash, and Cuttyhunk Island, but at the center of Bens life was his family. His devotion to his beloved wife and children was the foundation of his life. Ben was very involved in all aspects of his sons lives, providing a warm and loving environment, attending virtually all school and sporting events, taking great interest in helping them lead happy and fulfilling lives. Ben was a member of the Clambake Club of Newport, Ida Lewis Yacht Club, the Cuttyhunk Yacht Club, and a Mason in the Holland Lodge No. 8 of New York City. He was the great-great-great-grandson of President William Henry Harrison and the great-grandson of President Benjamin Harrison.A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at 2pm in St. Columbas Berkeley Memorial Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Avenue, Middletown. He will be buried on Cuttyhunk this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Newport Hospital, 11 Friendship Street, Newport, RI 02840 or to the Robert Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842.
Tributes
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Ben at Bowdoin and he was a great person. I understand he was a sailor, so I thought you'd like this poem from Walt Whitman: Now Finale to the Shore Now finale to the shore, Now land and life finale and farewell, Now Voyager depart, much, much for thee is yet in store, Often enough hast thou adventur'd o'er the seas, Cautiously cruising, studying the charts, Duly again to port and hawser's tie returning; But now obey thy cherish'd secret wish, Embrace thy friends, leave all in order, To port and hawser's tie no more returning, Depart upon thy endless cruise old Sailor."
"Ben was a Bowdoin classmate. All of us in the class of 1980 were deeply touched when he came to our 25th reunion to say his goodbyes. He spoke openly of his illness - and his love for his family shone brightly. He was brave and inspirational. I also owe Ben a personal thank you. In the small world department, he hosted our son, Jeff, at his home during a sailing regatta. He encouraged Jeff to apply to Bowdoin and sang its praises. Jeff is now a freshman at Bowdoin and I feel like we owe Ben a big thank you for the role he played in my son's life. I am so sorry for your loss and will always remember Ben."
"It was our honor to know Ben Walker. Although my husband had known him via the RI emergency medicine community, we became reacquianted with Ben during the last few summers on Cutty Hunk. Ben graciously shared a few evenings with us on your porch overlooking the waters of Cutty Hunk. They were wonderful and memorable times, and we will miss them. We were very moved at the memorial service and were surprised by the number of communities represented there.People from the RI medical community, Pennfield School, Cutty Hunk, and so many more. A truly amazing man that touched the lives of many. Thank you, Ben"
"Sue, Harry, & Carter, I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband, your dad was an inspiration on how "to live like you were dying". He seemed to enjoy and relish every minute of life that he had been given as a gift. Every time I ran into him, I was reminded of how we all need to cherish the moments we have, be thankful for our family and friends, and enjoy life for we are given just one. May you find peace and happiness in the coming days that I know Ben would want most for you."
"Harry, Your Dad was a wonderful man. We always enjoyed seeing him at soccer games and when he would come by the Paolero's house - usually to drop you off or pick you up. We will miss seeing him and always remember his gentle ways. With our love and sympathy. Jim and Kay Cooksey AJ and Maddie's grandparents"
"It was indeed an honor and a joy to be a part of Ben's life. His dying gave great meaning to my living. I will always remember him in a very special way as a guiding physician and patient."
"Sue, Harry, and Carter Ben was a wonderful doctor and person. We spent many hours at Newport Hospital working together over the years. He was a caring and dedicated physician and spoke lovingly about his family. He was crazy about his kids. You have our deepest and sincerest sympathy."
"Dear Sue, We are so sorry to hear of Ben's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are available to help in any way we can. Ted and Carol"
"Sue, Harry & Carter, I am at a loss for words at this time but I am glad I was able to see Ben before his passing. Having known him for less than 2 years and to be so positivly impacted by him in that short a time speaks volumes about him. If you remember the kind of husband and father he was, he will always be with you. If there is anything I can do for any of you, please let me know."
"Sue, I am so sorry to learn of Ben's passing. I know that this has been a long fought battle with many ups and downs, throughout which you have held strong. A loss at this young an age, with such a close family is so sad. My sympathies are with you all."
"Harry, Carter and family, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Your fathers presense will be greatly missed at school and in our lives. My prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Nurse Bouch"
"I feel honored to have known Ben. His passing will touch the hearts of all those who had the privilege and benefit of working with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends."
"Sue, Harry, Carter, Jeremy and I are truly sorry to hear of Ben's passing. Ben was a true gentleman. I loved our talks in the hockey rink. It was clear that he loved all of you deeply. He touched the hearts of many people and will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Shannon and Jeremy"