Pete Walker

Walter “Pete” M. Walker Jr. passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. He bravely faced cancer and never surrendered, leaving in his wake a legacy of inspiration and hope. Many will remember him through the decades of coaching little league baseball, basketball or softball, he may have even been a referee at your soccer game. Some may have seen “Shaggy” on the highway roads as he drove 3.1 million accident-free miles in his tractor trailer truck which was one of his proudest accomplishments. Others may have worked beside him on the cow farms baling hay in their youth; or played a summer sunset pickup game with him in an old dirt field. Married to his “lady” Katherine Walker for more than 50 years, he built a life for his family in their hometown of Gorham Maine. In sickness and in health, Pete and Kathy walked together never leaving each other’s side. They have one daughter and two sons together who kept them busy, life at home was never dull or quiet. While big Pete never really aspired to be a cowboy, for years he could be seen hauling his wife and daughter with their horses all around New England. He coached his son’s baseball and basketball teams, loved taking them fishing and did not blink if they drank from the hose, or in one case maybe a mud puddle. All of Pete’s kids learned how to hammer nails. Pete was a gifted speaker, often telling stories about his childhood and growing up with three brothers and an older sister. He also loved sleeping outside on the porch on a warm summer night, camping at Sebago Lake State Park with his wife, going to church on Sundays, playing in the mud, or working on his home projects, while always looking forward to Kathy’s hot meals and apple pie at the end of a long day. Later in life he was blessed to be “Bumpa” to seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren whom he loved more than anything. His face would light up when he talked of the days playing varsity basketball for Gorham High School, earning the title of MVP on more than one occasion. As a coach of many sports, he taught the value of hard work, patience, commitment and being part of a team. It was common to hear the words “Rock and Fire” echoing across a baseball field as he coached Locust Farm Dairy to several league championships. Later he would go on to coach the 1996 Gorham Rams Softball team to a state title championship and continue coaching for the next 15 years. He helped build the ball field the lady Rams still play on today. Coach Walker believed everyone deserved a fair chance and fought to make sure they got it. Community was important to Pete as he was a role model and mentor to countless youth athletes. All while driving those 3.1 million miles of life. Pete was an unselfish man who believed in second chances. What one person may have seen as a failure, he saw as an opportunity to just go back out and do it better. To give up on a dream was just something he could never do. He was a devoted Catholic who loved and accepted the lord with unmeasurable faith. His character never wavered, and he held true to his convictions. Son to Vimera and Walter Walker Sr. of Gorham ME, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, coach and friend to many, Pete touched the hearts of us all. Always be kind, help people, be humble, put your family first, Rock and Fire when it counts and most importantly as Pete would say - always give those big trucks on the highway extra room, they don’t slow down or stop as fast as you do. Visiting hours will be held at Dolby, Blais and Segee Funeral Home in Windham Maine on February 24th from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Anne’s Church in Gorham Maine on Tuesday February 25th at 10am. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Pete, please send donations to the Reed Allen Community Fund @ reedallen.org or drop off any donations to the Maine Community Bank in Gorham Maine. Checks can also be mailed to Reed Allen Community Fund, PO Box 265, Gorham Maine 04038.

Pete Walker

July 2, 1954 - February 11, 2025

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