Obituary of Robert K. Walkerman

Robert K. Walkerman, 89, formerly of Lakewood, died on Sunday May 31, 2015 in the Heritage Park Rehab and Skilled Nursing Facility. A lifetime resident of Lakewood, NY he was born November 22, 1925 in Jamestown, NY the son of Dr. Ray Joseph and Laura Koehl Walkerman. After graduating from Lakewood High School in 1943, he attended Lehigh University until he enlisted in the Navy V5 Pilot Training Program at Hobart College. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Lehigh and later studied at the University of Buffalo before his marriage in 1948 to Marilyn Rein. Bob developed a very early interest in sailing. He first rigged up homemade sails on a derelict boat, then on a row boat. When he was 13, he and his father built a Moth Class Sloop which he began sailing competitively. He later owned two Lighting Class boats, one of which he built with the help of his 12 year old son Steve. With these boats, he competed with family crews in many Yacht Club races. He also crewed and skippered E Class Sloops until the 1980's. Bob was a 65 year member of the Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club where he served several years on the board and was Commodore in 1969-70. He continues to be interested in the club sailing races and social activities. Bob's work experience includes Art Metal Corporation, Watson Manufacturing Company, and as General Products Manager at American Locker Division of AVM Corporation. After retirement he took up golf and enjoyed traveling. Despite a busy work and sailing schedule, Bob found time to be a wonderful husband and father to his four children. He also built furniture and remodeled and maintained a century old home. He enjoyed working in the yard and feeding and watching the birds and fish in the pond. Bob was a devout and active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and a member of various committees. He is survived by four children: Stephen Walkerman (Michelle Price) of Shelburne, VT; Jane Anderson (Victor) of Jamestown; Betsy McKee (Al) of Longmeadow, MA; Amy Denn (Douglas) of Spotsylvania, VA; eight grandchildren: Karen Walkerman of Burlington, VT; Sally Walkerman of Tanzania; step grandchildren: Samantha Price of California and Alexander Price of New York City; Annika Anderson of Jamestown; Linnea Anderson of Eureka, CA; Katy McKee Wojcik (Jake) of Russell, MA; Ryan McKee of Longmeadow, MA; Andrew Denn of Tappahannock, VA; Shelby Denn of Spotsylvania, VA; and two great-grandsons, Caleb Wojcik of Russell, MA and Felix O'Donnell of Eureka, CA. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; and his sister, Jeanne Spillane. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday June 6 in the Lind Funeral Home. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701; or the Lakewood Memorial Library, 12 W. Summit St., Lakewood, NY 14750.