Richard "Rick" Baird Walker passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on December 12, 1945, in Chicago, IL, where he grew up.  As the oldest brother of 5 siblings Rick was always looking out for everyone.  Something he did his entire life… look out for everyone.

As a boy, Rick was endearing. He was involved in sports, boy scouts, church, and much more.  Many of these activities were service oriented, per usual. He was a young man who was talented, athletic, and intelligent.  When he was around 13, he won a scholarship to a summer art program at the Art Institute of Chicago.  His mom kept several of his drawings and paintings.  Many of us remember the Skunk drawing of a campout encounter.

Rick was very active outdoors as well. Rick and Bill were very involved in Boy Scouts, as their dad was the Scoutmaster.  He went on many campouts with both the scout troop and the whole family.  Rick was able to go on high-adventure Boy Scout canoe treks at Northern Tier, on the US/Canada boundary waters.  These were great opportunities to grow and gain a real sense of achievement.  Also, after playing baseball for many years in Chicago, Rick helped his dad establish the new Road Runner Little League in Albuquerque in 1965. He was a great coach for the younger boys.

Due to Rick's dedication to learning he was in the Latin society and the Tau Epsilon high school fraternity.  After graduating from Morgan Park High School, he attended the University of Illinois on academic scholarship.  Rick was then drafted into the US Army, trained and sent to Viet Nam.  During the overlap of his service and his brother Bill's service, they were able to go together to the Christmas Day Bob Hope show in Saigon.  Very special for them both.  We were very lucky to get both Rick and Bill back from Viet Nam, and never took that for granted.

When he returned from Viet Nam, he transferred from the University of Illinois Champagne-Urbana to the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque where his family had moved.  Rick worked hard to complete his Business Degree, while working as a Project Manager on the initial construction of Interstate-40 through Albuquerque in the early 70's.   He met a married his first wife and they supported each other through their efforts to obtain their advanced degrees in Law and Medicine, respectively.  They raised a wonderful daughter together, as well as a foster son, before growing apart after some 30 years.   Following UNM Law School, Rick worked for a local attorney with a small practice for around 5 years.  After which, Rick had his own successful law practice for over 45 years in Albuquerque, focusing on real estate, construction, and contract law.

In 2004 Rick met the love of his life, Christine.  They were married and Rick and Christine raised two amazing kids and built a wonderful life. They loved to travel together and in recent years enjoyed trips to Italy, and Central Europe.  Rick and Christine were big sports fans, particularly the Lobos; following closely the football and basketball teams.  However, Rick always kept his allegiance to the Chicago Bears cheering them on at any chance.  He loved being with friends tailgating and playing poker or pool, and going to basketball tournaments in Las Vegas or Cowboys games in Dallas. He could talk sports for hours if given the chance.

Foremost, Rick cared for his family and friends.  He raised 3 wonderful children, helped care for and advise his many siblings, nephews, nieces, friends, and especially his mom.  He also rescued many dogs over the years.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents Donald C. and Enid B. Walker; brothers, Johnny Walker and Bill Walker, Bill's wife Sue; and his nephew Dustin Walker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christine; daughters, Robin and Dagmar, and son, William; by his sisters, Donna Harper (Fred) and Barby Russell (Clay); and by his nephews and nieces Chris, Brian, Tara, Lance, Cody, Lyndsay, and Grant.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 10:00am at the Church of the Incarnation in Rio Rancho, NM.  The visitation will begin at 10:00am. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 and Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at 11:00.  A military burial service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00am, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with US Army Honors.

In lieu of flowers the Walker family asks that you send donations to the Southwest Animal Rescue Fund (swanimalrescuefund.org) or to your Local shelter or animal rescue in his name.