Francis "Buzz" Joseph Walker

Francis “Buzz” Joseph Walker was born in Tacoma, Washington, on August 5, 1922. On September 5, 1942, he joined the United States Naval Reserve and attended St. Martin’s College under a Navy V-1 program, which later became the V-12 program. He was activated on July 1, 1943, and ordered to report to Gonzaga University. After two semesters, he was sent to Columbia University Midshipmen’s School, where he graduated in 1944 and was sworn in as an Ensign.

On September 10, 1944, he reported to the USS Clay, a Navy attack transport. During his military service, he participated in the initial assault force of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, and the invasion of Okinawa. He was on the way to the Philippines and a planned invasion of Kyushu when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. After the Japanese surrender, the USS Clay brought troops to Yokohama, and Buzz went ashore and witnessed the devastation. Once back in port in Long Beach, California, Buzz was made Navigation Officer and navigated the USS Clay from California through the Panama Canal and into the Brooklyn Naval Yard.

Buzz was honorably discharged in May 1946 as Lieutenant Junior Grade, having received the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/3 Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/2 Stars, and World War II Victory Medal.

Buzz received his law degree from the University of Washington and began practice in Olympia. He successfully argued three cases before the Washington State Supreme Court. In addition to his 35 years in private law practice, Buzz had been an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington.

Buzz and his wife, Julia, were active in St. Michael’s church and school. Buzz also spent many years as a lobbyist for the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Buzz was gracious in manner. He was an avid reader, and he loved spending time with family. Buzz especially enjoyed time on the Puget Sound. Before commuting into work from the bay during the summer, he was known to rouse the family for an early morning dip. Buzz was an active member of the APHETI and made presentations at public hearings in support of the protection of the Puget Sound.

Buzz is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Julia Corrine. He is survived by their six children: Vincent (Atsuko), Monica, Jill Nudell (Bruce), John, Michael (Kelly McPhail), and Thomas (Nicola), as well as by his sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.