I will always remember Bennie for his sage advice and comforting smile during my years at SUNY Oswego.  What a wonderful role model he was!
My deepest sympathy to his family.

I  was saddened and  have just heard about the transition of Bennie  Walker.. he was a mentor to manyt of us who attended  SUNY Oswego..during the 70"s my condolences to the family.
DeBorah DeBose-Taylor
Class of 75

Bennie was a good friend and advisor during my years at S.U.N.Y. at Oswego. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

Aug. 6, 2011

Sadness ripples through my heart as I remember the goodness of Bennie Lee Walker not being here in the flesh on Earth with us any longer! A smile comes across my face for I know the Lord will one day let me too see Bennie's great smile and the glow that the Lord gave him to move in His footsteps of sharing his brother's problems as his own. I can see from the many heart felt writings that Ben was a support to all he knew. Like the expression goes he would give the shirt off his back if you needed it! Sorry I was not able to show my condolences to the family because I was out of town unaware of Ben's passing. Rhonda you know we've been through "thick and thin" ,"storms and ice-cream" and Bennie would say something like don't sweat it, things will blow over and clear up! So I pray ever so fervently that God's powerful arms cradle you and your family through this all in due time. I would LOVE to hook up with you all some day some way when you feel up to it. 
Blessings Always And Truly,

Hi Ronda. Sorry for your loss. May Bennie RIP. I met Bennie around 1958. I was around him when he worked at The Neighbor Hood House on Commercial Ave in New Brunswick. He was a team mate on the football team and track team.

Joe Dinkins

Rhonda, My thoughts, love, and sympathy go out to you and your family.  You are such a sweetheart, I am so sorry for your loss...Regards, Tracy Pomerenke Regan

Dear Ronda, 
  My love and condolences go out to you and your family. Spend time with family, friends, and remember to take care of yourself.  You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.  

All my love,

Dear Rhonda,


     My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you and provide you with strength and guidance as you continue life's journey without Bennie. Rely on your faith and surround yourself with family.


Sincerely,
Suzanne Ricco, BPS Colleague

Dear Ronda,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are a strong woman and well loved by all. I feel fortunate to have had you as my professor. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Kellie Wallace

Hi Rhonda,
I never met your husband, but ever since I first met you at UMass back in the 90's, I was impressed by your joyful, lighthearted spirit and the humor and love with which you spoke about your family.  It was heartwarming. I pray that that love surrounds you always and sustains you through the difficult days.

Rhonda my thoughts are with you and your family.Bennie's presence will never be lost John MacDonald

Very sorry to learn of Bennie's passing.  We played football together at New Brunswick High School and Bennie was an outstanding individual.  I had not seen Bennie since High School but was thinking of him recently when reviewing an old High School picture of our team.  May he rest in pease.

Ben Walker's recent passing touches my heart. He had just retired after a life devoted to education, and I do mean devoted. He kept late hours and engaged them in ways that were truly special. It was a gift. His office was always full of those kids for whom he cared so much, and they truly loved him. He was an accomplished man of color who played football at Harvard University I believe. But if you asked, getting through to the kids was his greatest achievement. He was light-hearted, colorfully dressed, brilliant true inspiration to many. Condolences to his loved ones. RIP Ben ~Mrs. T

He was particularly proud of the students at Snowden. I truly thank God that my family had the pleasure of knowing him. He was that rare individual whose vision, perseverance and work ethic transformed an entire school.  He was truly a self-made man, his legacy will endure, and inspiring all who knew him.  
 
Diane Carter, Misha & Jamal Ellison

Couldn't attend the service to say my final goodbye... You were such a great influence and mediator for the class of1999 and I am pretty such other classes would concur. I can't believe I was a day to late for returning ur call but I really just wanted to say thx for assisting me with getting my vendors permit. You went above and beyond as always. You are already greatly missed... Thx once again

Mr. Walker was such a great person. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. My heart goes out to his family smile and cherish al the wonderful times you've shared with him may god bless you family. Tiffanie class of 99

Mr. Walker always had a smile in his face, I can almost picture him walking through the hall way at Copley we loved your smile and will miss you 

Love, Marie Cassion class of 89

Mr. Walker, the work that you have done in your lifetime can not be measured. You have touched so many lives and inspired so many people. I truly enjoyed our conversations and have learned so much from you about what it means to educate young people and how do to it with class.

Love always,
Sonie

Mr. Walker was such a great motivator and Friend. He was very honest and upfront and wanted "ALL" the students at Snowden to do their Best. Great Man. God Bless the family and close friends. You will be missed. 

~Gwendolyn Foster~ Class of 1991

You welcomed all of us in with open arms, provided a laugh or two when we were down as well as an ear and no matter what inspired us to better our shelves in many ways. For this we thank you.
 Rest in peace Mr. Walker,
shy

Amazing spirit...Amazing teacher...He was honest, down to Earth, and always took time to keep it real with young brothers, like myself who were just passing by, instead of laying down a direction and future for themselves through hardwork. He was more then a rock for many years at Snowden. He will definitely be missed by all the Snowden community and past students like myself. I thank God for having the opportunity to hear those many layered words of wisdom flow so freely from his lips into my young naive ears.

To the family & friends of Mr. Walker.  Deepest Sympathy! To Mr. Walker, Keep Smiling! You will be missed!!! Class of 86(Copley High)

Everytime i would see Mr. Walker he would tell me about how great my mom was and what a great job she did raising 4 great young men.  My Mom died 4 years ago.  Well Mr Walker I say to you what a Great Job you did creating ALL the young people you touch in your life!!!

God Bless
Noel J. Torres Class of 86

A shine needs to be erected at Snowden and the Hall of Flags (foyer) needs to be dedicated to Ben in remembrance of his untiring efforts, love, sincerity and dedication to Snowden and Internationalism.  The whole world Ben touched will miss him.  R.I.P. BEN BEN.    LOVE YOU!  PEACE JUNE

I could never forget a person who touched every heart of every student with laugther. He is very missed!

Rhonda: My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time.As you remember,I met you and Ben when all of us were in Graduate School.I knew immediatly and felt that Ben was a special man  by his love of life and people.After reading so many of his students and friends' fond memories of him in this Guest Book, he indeed was highly respected and loved by all whom he touched.Even though I haven't seen both of you in years- too many to count-I will miss him.However, his spirit will live on in all of our hearts forever.

I attened the last high school reunion and it was a pleasure to see my old teachers and the "Copley" staff.  Mr Walker and I laughed and talked about past and present times. I'm glad I took the time to "Thank" him for the words of wisdom he provided me.  He was a wonderful, compassionate  man and mentor.  He had his own sense of fashion was always a very "Suave" guy.  Mr. Walker you have left lasting memories for everyone that knew you.  Your smile is a lasting image in my mind,  My you spread your love and joy down on all of us.

Mr. Walker was one of the people I could confide in during my time at Snowden. His calming spirit and compassion made some days tolerable. He helped me through a lot of difficult times. He  was a wonderful person.

Mr. Walker was always there when anybody needed to see him in that corner office. He was Intelligent,Honest and Fair. Some didnt like his methods of Teaching or Discipline but he always somehow put a smile on your face and at the end of the day..for the most part...he was always right.He is artly resonsible for my hunger to see the world. RIP Mr Walker...that Corner office will never be the same!

Mr Walker was so nice and he was very helpful and caring you will be missed always. ( The Love Family ) Newton, MA

Mr. Walker you were always humble and encouraging. Thank you for always edifying me and for all this time I thought you were showing me favoritism but you were just planting those good seeds into everyone. I'll miss you Bennie.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.  Mr. Walker was truely an inspiration to all of his students and my memories of him are fond. I remember he would always make sure he said hello to eachof us in the halls between classes and always paid attention when we reached out to him for guidance.

It's been 28 years since I left Boston for California, and what I most miss is my group of friends ~~ like Bennie and Ronda.  My love to you both.

Mr. Walker was a blessing. I will miss his bright smile and his cheerful attitude. Will never forget the countless laughs we shared. I truly thank God that I had the pleasure of knowing him.My deepest condolenses to his family!!

Mr. Walker is one of the teachers who noticed me when I was a ghost to the school. A father figure to the Snowden family and I' truly grateful for helping me me myself more. For the new generation who don't know him are definitely missing out. He's our role model here, now he'll be our Guardian Angel till the death. Rest in Peace Mr. Walker, let your spirit guide us.

Bennie,was one of the true good and committed people at BPS. I worked with Bennie during my tenure at the Department of Education, when he was the BPS Federal Funds Manager. Damn, we laughed so hard at the collective bureaucratic craziness. He did some fine pieces of work! He was a good man. Rest In Peace, Bennie

Dear Ronda,
I am so sorry to hear about Bennie. I was just thinking of all of you and laughs on the Vineyard.
Love to you all

Rip mr walker u will be miss dearly. Thanks for all the times u helped me and my brothers.

Mr.Walker I will forever cherish every moment I had with you. What an awesome man brought into this world. I learned so much and I will take all with me into the world. Thank you for believing when I felt no one did. Forever in our hearts.

Mr. Walker was someone you could always look up to and go to for advice you will truly be missed

You were so much fun to travel with! Before I knew you, I was afraid to travel abroad with OPC (other people's children.) Your presence and joie de vivre made it easy and enjoyable. I will always remember sitting in that Paris cafe with you and writing postcards home while you gave one student your wallet and another your cell phone and bought lunch for a third student who had run out of money. I've never met a lovelier and more generous person than you. Bon appetit to you in that great café in heaven, Bennie, where I know you are holding court and drinking wine with the saints.

Thank you for all the wonderful stories you shared with me when i did not want to go to class, i can still remember it like it was yesterday how we would argue about colleges and the colleges you wanted me to go to, thank you for the wonderful college recommendation you wrote. I don't know what Snowden will be like without you Mr Walker, i will miss our long conversations, you will never be forgotten and you will always stay in the hearts of everyone you're a mentor and teacher to and you will definitely be in the heart of Snowden International School at Copley. Rest in peace Mr Walker.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

My Prayers are with the Family...U were a Great Teacher..

Mr. Walker you gave a whole new meaning to the word educator. You taught life. You gave myself and many other students something greater than what could be taught in a textbook. My deepest gratitude for what part you played in my high school experience. My condolences to your family and to all the students who will miss out on a wonderful part of Snowden. RIP Mr. Walker. Your presence will be greatly missed

R.I.P. Mr.Walker. Whenever I needed someone to talk to you were always there. Also you always knew the right words to say to lift me up. I was blessed to have met you.

R.I.P Mr. Walker, you were a true friend and a great role model @ Snowden, I have known you since I was 8 years old me my siblings aunts and uncle were truely blessed to have met you and worked with you, if it wasn't for you and your kind but powerful words I would have never finished high school,  thank you soooo much for everything  I will never forget all of the beautful colors that you rocked at school biggest memories will be your bright yellow shoes green shoes PURPLE SHOES you truely had style I think i actually spent more time with you then my teachers but over all thank you for everything you will be missed ;(

RIP Mr.Walker. I know you're in a better place now. You have done so many good deeds and Snowden will never forget you! You are such an inspiration to me and all the other students you've given advice to. I will truly miss you.

Mr. Walker you will be very missed.You were a great man and taught allot of us valuable lessons. R.I.P and I wish condolences to your family.

Truely a great man that changed many lives. And touched the hearts of so many people. R.I.P. Mr. Walker.

I can't believe your gone. You were an inspirational human being, very encouraging and loving. I remember when you encouraged me to go to Costa Rica when I was to nervous. Mr.Walker will be truely missed.

RIP-Mr.Walker! You will be missed always. The things that you did for the school and for students will not be forgotten. I will always remember my time with you before my trip to Russia. It was quite funny. Thinking back, I can remember you, me, and my mother getting a replacement passport a week before the exchange trip, because you had misplaced the group's passports somewhere in your office. You had found the original passports I believe a day before we left on our trip. These are the good things that I will remember about you.

He will be missed greatly. We have lost a father, mentor, and friend of the snowden community. You will always be remembering.  RIP Mr. Walker

Ben,
I will miss you. You were a great person.We all loved you but God love you best. Rest in peace.

May you rest with the best Mr.Walker, you will be truly missed. I will never forget the great advice and words of wisdom you taught me and still cherish your words dearly. One think i wish i would have listen to you a little more was on the word credit card advice, i failed your credit card class 101...lol :'( still cant believe it, Rest In Peace. Class 06

To hear of your passing saddened all of us but made us realize how out of the blue life can get. We will miss your enthusiasm, your optimism, and your history that you would teach us... whether we wanted or not lol. My condolences to your wife, your kids, and your family. We love you Benny

mr walker you cared when everyone else thought it was time to stop and always welcomed my unexpected visits you will truly be missed by many

Mr walker i will miss you dearly, you gave me so much hope and understanding to life. you showed me not to give up and to keep my head up. its because of you why i did not drop out of high school and its your wisdom of words that i think off when thinks are stressful for me. you will always be in my heart. thank you for all the wonderful talks and for always having a ear to lend when it was needed. you help some many and for that you will never be forgotten.

Mr. Walker was one of the best educators I knew in the BPS. He was always kind and welcoming to me during my four years at Snowden. I have fond memories of spending hours in his office listening to him teach me things that I wasn't learning in my classes about the world, tidbits of knowledge that I still recall and use today.  He will be missed.  Ronda, I am immensely sorry for your loss.

R.i.p Mr. Wallker .. you will be truly Missed

Mr. Walker i still can't believe it ! You were my favorite person :'(

Rhonda and family,
We are so saddened to hear about Ben  We Love him dearly and he will be missed by everyone.  Our prayers are with you.
The Battersby Family

My thoughts and prayers to Rhonda and family. My deepest condolences.

RIP - Mr. Walker, you were a great teacher but even a greater as a person with a big heart and loved all your students that were in your classes or not. You always had a smile on your face and always made sure we all did our best... My prayers go out to your family and friends... Thank you everything and You will always be missed....

Ronda, I'm so saddened on hearing of Bennie's passing.  He was such a good and kind friend to me in the many years we worked together at Snowden, always supportive and never condescending.  I will miss his sunny personality and his " good morning Marcello" greeting every morning.  My deepest condolences to you and your family.  May God give you strength at this difficult time.  R.I.P. Bennie, I will miss you.

Rest in peace Mr. Walker. you will always be remembered. & my biggest memories of my late days to school, our chatting hours & your advice will always remain in my mind. its sad that you're gone but you in a better place. thanks for always keep pushing your snowden students forward! & for staying with us even after you retired. you will always be in our hearts!

Rest In Peace.  You will be miss.  Lissette (Ruiz)Biggs (MA)

I am glad I had the honor to meet such a caring person during my time at Snowden. You helped many students reach their full potential.May you RIP  Mr. Walker. Class of 1998.

RIP MR.WALKER YOU WILL BE IN ARE HEARTS ALWAYS

R.I.P. Mr. Walker.  My prayers go out to the family.  Always remember at Snowden he kept us freshmans from sneaking out to burger king for lunch.  He will be missed.

How do say goodbye to a man who was so loved and respected by everyone who knew him.  You could go to him for anything, and he would know what to say to help you out.  For most students he was like your favorite uncle, the kind that treated you like an equal.  He was just so kind to everyone, it's hard to believe he's gone.  My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and his other family over at Copley/Snowden.  He will truly be missed.

He was such a great person, I was in his office a few times but luckily for pleasure not trouble.  He'll definitely be missed we loved Mr. Walker!

We are deeply saddened by Ben's passing. Our condolences to the family.  We will always remember his big smile.

Mr. Walker trusted me and my family to host students from France, Russia and Ghana.  I trusted him when it came time for my daughter to travel to Russia (even after he lost all the passports).  Every educator, student and parent is a better person if you had the privilege to have an encounter with Bennie Lee Walker.  He was an advocate, an advisor, an encourager and a supporter of dreams, aspirations and accomplishments - a down right wonderful man.  Well done, good and faithful servant.

You showed me that there was a big world out there to be explored and to always keep chasing my dreams. Thank you for all the opportunites you presented to me and being such an intergral part of life.

Its crazy how youre here one day and gone the next, I just spoke to you last week and I never would imagine that was going to be my last time. You were more than just an assistant principle, you were "Grandpa" always there whenever I needed something whether it was money or just advice. I love you so much and I will hold onto all our memories forever & a day. I dont see you wearing all white up in Heaven, we know you loved your colors lol.

So sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Walker.  He made a difference in the lives of so MANY students!  He gave me, as well as, countless others the opportunity to travel and see the world outside of Boston.  You will always be remembered fondly.

Rest In Peace mon ami. You indeed were an inspiration to so many. Your loving legacy survives not only in your family, but through the people you inspired as well.

I can't believe your gone I still see you messing with me everytime I walk down the hall at Copley high school I'm sure gonna miss you Mr. Walker may you rest in paradise....

I got send to his office plenty of times ..lol class of 99. You will be missed Mr.walker. Xoxo

To the Walker Family, Former Classmates and Administrators:

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  Mr. Walker will forever have a place in my heart.  

He was very instrumental in assisting me with furthering my education at an HBCU. (Bethune Cookman College and Clark Atlanta University)  We spent countless hours working on college applications and other pertinant information used to develop a portfolio, all in an effort to help me to stand out amongst other students. 

I am where I am today becuase of him and many others who poured into me along the way, and for this I am most greatful.

To the family, please remember to look towards the hills in which you may draw strength during this difficult time. 

Kind regards,


Natasha Y. Brown, 
Class of 1994

although you are gone your legacy will live on in your family as well as those of us at snowden who were blessed with your presence & wise words. ill never forget you & the many conversations we had, you will remain in my heart forever . rip Bennie <3

He was such a good person.. always knew what to say when one needed help or advice.. R.I.P you will always b rememberdd

Mr. Walker encouraged me to take my interests overseas, and helped me find the funding to do so. I am forever grateful. In a school within a system beset with difficulties, where students shared textbooks and didn't have a gym, Mr. Walker was instrumental in making Copley/Snowden International High School live up to its title. We all benefited from his devotion. I am so lucky to have known him.
-Kristin Sumrall, 1990

I loved you so much... I miss you more than I ever new was possible. You taught me all I needed to know about being a good person and doing what was right. You were the only father I knew...

It was an honor and a pleasure knowing Mr. Walker from my days as a student @ Copley High.  Because of his sincere caring for his students and his "straight-shooting" method of conveying a message, we couldn't help but respect the man.  To his family:  we wish you strength during this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies to a wonderful, loving family at a  difficult time of transition and loss. Hold fast to the good memories as you move forward. Know that the ones we love live in our hearts. Condolences to you all.

Mr. Walker was a great man, and he talked to each of his students as ADULTS, not kids. Anyone who went to Copley/Snowden will tell you that he gave the best advice and was always the one you went to when you were down and out. My condolences to his family. He will be missed sorely.

I was saddened to hear of Bennie WaLker's transition.  I went to New Brunswick High School during his time there.  He was our senior class president.  Such a jolly friend and fun loving.

Mr Walker, you were adored and respected by all of your students at Copley, and will be missed by us all.  (((((((((hugs))))))))))))))   Sandy (Lincourt) Dighton (Copley, '89)

A good friend with a big heart. I will miss him very much, my condolences to the family.

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Walker's passing.  I am a Class of 1988 graduate of Copley High School and I remember him as a great teacher.  My prayers are with his family.  Elizabeth M. Foxworth

OBITUARY

Bennie Lee Walker

June 12, 1943 – July 17, 2011

Stanetsky Memorial Chapel

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