Thomas K. Walker

Tom was born at Millard Fillmore Hospital in 1954 to Jeanne M. Walker (nee Ottney) and Kenneth F. Walker. Tom grew up in the Village of Williamsville, on North and South Ellicott Streets, and attended Williamsville South High School, where he performed in many of the school’s theater productions and played doubles on the tennis team.

Two days after graduating in 1973, Tom set off to spend the summer hitchhiking from Niagara Falls to Alaska. Upon his return, he studied theater at SUNY Fredonia, where he met his first wife. They moved to San Francisco, where Tom began a career in publishing, working his way up from a book packer to junior sales rep.

To be closer to family, they moved to Boston in 1980 and raised two kids, Ian and Tess. Tom continued his work for prominent publishers of the day, serving as president of Boyd & Fraser and Cancer Source.

Tom purchased the historic William Fears House in Topsfield (built in 1902) and lovingly restored it, preserving its historic charm. After decades in publishing, he pursued entrepreneurship, opening a small retail business outside of Boston. He also welcomed a third daughter, Isabella.

In the early 2010s, Tom moved home to Buffalo to care for his mother. Professionally, he rekindled his passion for sales and marketing, becoming the director of marketing at Big L Windows & Doors, owned by longtime friend William Horbett. Outside his core role, he went to great lengths to mentor and encourage junior members of the company.

He also met the love of his life, Diane Gaidry-Walker, and the two were married in February of 2018. During their time together, they traveled extensively, bringing young Isabella along on adventures. Sadly, Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even though the two were battling the disease, they didn’t let it keep them from finding joy and adventure in life. Diane lost her battle in 2019. Tom was devastated but continued to find new ways to keep her spirit alive, including tiling her favorite symbol, a tree of life, into the fireplace in their home.

While he never healed from her passing, he poured himself into personal passions— tinkering with his antiques in his shop, working on his vintage cars, acting in local commercials, playing the flute, and taking road trips with friends and family.

Tom is survived by his son, Ian K. Walker; two daughters, Tess E. Walker and Isabella H. Walker; his niece, Meagan Walker Doxtad (Matthew); and many cousins and dear friends. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Gaidry-Walker; his father, Kenneth F. Walker; his mother, Jeanne M. Walker; and his brother, Timothy J. Walker.

Family and friends will gather for a brief service at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 27, at the Forest Lawn Chapel, before proceeding to the graveside for a few words of remembrance. A lunch will be held following, with the location announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph's Indian School and the SPCA Serving Erie County.