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W. Reid Walker, 89

W. Reid Walker, 89, a resident of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away Feb. 12, 2017. He was born in Faribault, Minn., on Dec. 11, 1927, to Jim Walker and Ruby Prinzing Walker. He was the first born of six children. Reid lived in Squaw Bay, Harrison and Carlin Bay, Coeur d’Alene while growing up. He road horseback to school every day, taking his four brothers and one sister with him on two horses. He left school after the eighth grade to work with his father.

In 1946, at the age of 18, Reid joined the Army. After he completed training as an automotive mechanic and heavy equipment operator, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, to serve in the cleanup efforts at the end of the World War II.

He met Judy Foster in Atlanta, Ga., three months before leaving for Japan; they were married on May 1, 1947. They had three daughters and later adopted another daughter. In the early years, Reid worked harvest as a combine driver, tractor mechanic and worked the apple harvest. He and his family lived in Clarkston, Wash., for 20 years. He logged for Potlatch mill and worked for the city of Coeur d’Alene off and on until he became full time. Reid continued to work for the city of Coeur d’Alene for 32 years and retired as the City Street Superintendent at age 55.

Reid was an avid outdoorsman: hunting, camping, motor cycling (dirt bikes and street bikes), snowmobiling, four-wheeling, water skinning and boating. He acquired many trophies from racing and more than 20 varieties of game animals and birds graced the walls of their home. As he began to give up some of his outdoor activities, he and Judy would often go for a drive and a picnic lunch in the mountains.

Reid is survived by his wife, Judy Walker and three of his daughters, Rita Walker, Judy Draggoo and Rhonda McQuary. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also, by two brothers, Bruce Walker and Dan Walker.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls. The family would like to thank River City Hospice for their compassionate care of Reid. Please share your thoughts and memories of Reid in his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.