Chris Walker

Chris Walker's Goodbye

To Chris Walker

And now you’re gone.  And yet, in my mind’s eye,

I see you smile.  And in my memory’s ear,

Your voice, your tones ring clear.  So may I spy

And hear your presence, missed, as you were here.

How many corners of the world knew you,

And knew the grasp of your exploring hand!

How many toilers to their causes hew

That you believed in, whose support you planned!

You had a heart made wide in honest care

Enfolding all whose minds, with yours, sought true,

With bright discovery’s happy find enough

To bring you joy.  And now we waning few

Who knew you and who sat with you alone

Are grateful to have known you, now you’re gone.

With respect and love,

Stan Pickett

September 18, 2011

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Chris Walker 9/3/11 Joe Mancuso

If Chris knew I was writing about him, he would say "please keep it short".
But it's impossible because he was so multifaceted, I would miss something
that could represent the substance of another less complicated person. But
out of respect, I am trying.

For several dozen years, he chauffeured me to and from meetings from Dulles
airport. We had a chance to really talk about dark skies, libertarians,
lawyers, asset protection, kids, marriage, rainforests, dating websites,
politics and books he wanted me to read. These conversations were so
memorable and stimulating that during the two years I was given a Mercedes
Mayback and a driver, he joined me so we could finish conversations.

I really grew to love him. He was my hero and all his quirks gave me
inspiration. On my behalf, he walked through the worlds rainforests and
climbed mountains and exhausted me with his adventures.

My wife and I spent a night at his home with Helen. He stayed several times
with me in Manhattan. He often arrived unannounced with his bicycle. My
Chinese partner referred to him as the CEO with the fold-up bicycle. Like
me, they never met one like him. He was the first to suggest we open
chapters in South Africa. I will remember him during my upcoming safari.

As the founder of www.ceoclubs.org, 35 years ago, I claim to know more CEOs
than anyone you know. Chris was a jewel, so unique, so inspirational and
curious. He traveled with me to Japan and chose to sleep in the $30 "morgue"
hotel because he was considering building one at Dulles airport. I tried but
couldn't "fit" in one of the sliding drawers.

In China, we enjoyed a four girl foot massage together and the two Harvard
hotshots giggled for an hour. He was pure fun. Plus he was a genius and he
could talk about anything in detail. In Dubai, we had to hold the bus to
find him as he was dressed in full Arab gear. His son had to go get him.

Milton Friedman was our mutual hero and Chris was going to stop construction
of the subway to Dulles airport single handedly. Even Clark Kent wouldn't
tackle that one.

He will live forever in CEO CLUB folklore.

Chris, I shortened it three times.