Calif. Families Sikes Alvin Philip Walker

Philip Walker (1931 - 2017)

Phil acted on what he strongly believed was his calling. In 1950 he voluntarily enlisted in the Marine Corps as a private (ultimately earning the rank of first lieutenant). It was at Camp Pendleton that he unexpectedly found another calling, the Methodist ministry. He attended Drew University in Madison, NJ, to earn a master's degree in divinity and was assigned to Davis to build a church. He was greeted by a talented and devoted congregation who would ultimately built the Methodist Church on Anderson Road, but also by a greater community that shared his commitment to civil rights and social justice. During this period, he felt strongly that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. He felt compelled, over the objections of many, to perform ceremonies of commitment for gay and lesbian couples because he believed strongly that we should always respond to where lasting love can begin. During this period, Phil joined his fellow Davisites at the 1965 historic march on Selma with Martin Luther King Jr.

Phil and Carol worked together with many other committed citizens to establish one of the country's first suicide prevention programs in Yolo County, worked with Cesar Chavez and the Farm Workers Union, and ultimately helped bring many innovative solutions to people in need. They were also involved with the development of STEAC and served on many boards (the Davis USD school board, STEAC with Carol, the Foster Children's camp, and state health organizations, to list a few). Philip Walker Obituary (1931 - 2017) - Winters, CA - Daily Democrat 2/5/25, 1:11 PM https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailydemocrat/name/philip-walker-obituary?id=15686816 Page 4 of 17

In the early 1970's, Phil agreed to lead the alcohol and other drug programs at Yolo County Mental Health. He maintained his status as a "worker priest" for the Methodist Church but accepted this new challenge and ultimately took charge of Yolo County Health Services Agency. Phil helped develop Beamer Street Detox, multiple services for undocumented and indigent persons from dentistry to a prenatal and family birthing center, mentored dozens of young counselors, participated in and championed the development of Yolo Adult Day Health Care, and many other innovative programs. During this period, Phil also continued to serve as a guest pastor at many Sacramento area churches. Phil received commendations from the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, the state legislature, Congress, and was honored with awards such as the John Jones Award and the Thong H. Huyn Humanitarian of the Year Award. With each award or recognition, Phil was most proud of the people, both on his "Team" and the private sector participants, who stepped up and made things happen.

Phil's dream of having a farm was fulfilled when the family moved a former fraternity house from E Street to 20 acres on Road 27. He took up training border collies to work sheep, so that over time the ranch grew to resemble the pastoral images of his childhood. With the assistance of Yolo Adult Day Health, Phil was able to spend many additional years on the "ranch" and in his last year was lovingly cared for by the staff at St John's Retirement Village, Manor West.

Phil had a full life and that is the way he wanted it. He loved his family, loved to laugh, sang with all his heart (mostly in tune), and always thanked God for the "precious gift of life". The chronology of his days is notable, but his joy was in "loving the people" and in "seeking the possibilities".

Phil is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol, and his children and their spouses, Wendy and Bill Davis, Tami and Bob Brunson, Randy and Keri Walker, Kara and Roger Clarkson, Bob and Cristi Walker, Sabrina Chudamelka, and Andy Walker. He was proud to be a grandfather of 13 children and great grandfather to nine.
Philip Walker was a father-in-law of one of Alvin Sikes' grandchildren.