| Randy Walker Message Board |
| I hope that the prayers you and your family have received have made you stronger. God Bless Darrell Baines
|
| I'm a dad with 4 young boys who had the previlege of meeting Randy at numerous Wildcat football events. He always took the time to greet the kids, and made them feel very special. He even took the time to go to Banner Day Camp every summer, and the kids would come home from camp and say "Hey dad, guess what? Randy Walker came to camp today!" We will all miss him, and we are all better for knowing him. Rob
|
His words and his life still teach me.
I think of him and you (Tammy & Jamie) often.
I look forward to seeing you all again in the future. We will always be family.
ps- What a cool guy. Vince Cartaya
|
To say Randy Walker is/was a great guy and coach would be a true understatement. In college I took a softball class and the instructor told us that we may never be major league ballplayers so it was important to be major league people. Coach Walker was probably not a Hall of Fame coach but he was a HOF person and of the 2 we know what is the most important. If you had a problem with Randy Walker it was YOU who had the problem and not Randy. He is missed every day and the world is a LOT worse off because he is not with us. Jon
|
| I still believe! and I still listen to/watch every game. Maybe no one else out there is writing. Maybe they all feel too sad but just in case you are still reading Walker Family...I still brush with a purple toothbrush...and put my purple socks on for the games... I believe! I believe in the message Randy taught and that Pat will cary it further. The losses don't matter. I know Pat and the Boys will be ok... you hang in there with the new grand baby Mrs Walker...and tell that baby lots of stories about the great Purple Nation grandpa loved so much. We won't forget the Walkers...you belong to Northwestern and always will...god bless Geri, NU'80
|
| My Prayers to Randy Walker Family, I know this going to be hard time espicaly with the Holiday season coming around. Jason Burdette
|
|
Growing up in Deerfield, NU was always the "home team" in college athletics for me. I attended the U. of Iowa, so that's my #1 school and team, but I've always had a place in my heart for the Wildcats.
Coach Walker brought success and dignity to the NU program, and seemed to me to represent what is right with college sports. Though life goes on, there is a blank space where he used to be.
I miss him, and hope that the family will gain peace and happiness by reflecting on the good times you all shared.
Mike Norton
|
| Dear Mrs W: It was great to see you in Reno on tv. Having you there really helps.Thanks for coming. God Bless. We're all still out here rooting for you and the cats. I still believe... and remember, this little loss is just that, a little loss. We know what a real loss is. Tell the guys to get the purple silk pigskin out, heads high, no porch puppies and carry on. "Trust yourselves!" as Randy would say, it will come.
Geri, NU '80
|
| My heart aches for you. Randy's untimely death should remind all of us that we, too, are mere mortals, regardless of our accomplisments. Let's make a vow to make every day count. Who knows when our number may be next to be called. Don Malm
|
| sorry about your loss. God bless you Jeremny
|
| Dear Walker Family,
We just wanted to express to all of you our deepest heart felt condolence on the loss of Randy. We are very glad we had the opportunity to meet and know him. Our son Scott thought the world of him and is still dealing with the loss of "Coach Walk".
We are proud to be a part of the NU family and Randy was directly responsible for that happening. He was a credit to NU, the Football program and the type of person every parent wants their son to play for.
God bless Randy and God bless all of you. Sincerely,
the Brownley Family
|
I Live out in Southern California(only wildcat fan west of the mississippi) I want to offer my thoughts and prayers to the Walker family Coach Randy will be missed.
God Bless you.Mitchell Freeman
|
| I sorry for your loss. I met Coach Walker as Sun Bowl Commitee member and man I thought what a great coach ,and after hours it was like man what great person,I was very sad to hear Coach Walker passed away and our prayers are with his family. Tony Garcia
El Paso Texas
|
| No words can describe my heartfelt feelings to the whole Walker Family. Mr Walker was such a super coach and so well liked. He will be greatly missed by all. Mitzie Lumbert
|
| I never got to meet Randy Walker, but I am in the Sports Administration program with his son Jaime. If Jaime is anything like his dad we have a lost a truly wondrful person. I feel for Jaime and his family. Jaime, if there is anything I can ever do, please let me know. Chris Ogden
|
| Randy Walker's Death Saved My Husband's Life I hope this message finds your family well and lifts your spirits just a little. Dennis, my husband of 34 years and age 58, was startled into action by Randy's death. Scheduled for his annual physical prior to Randy's untimely death, when he went in his doctor claimed he was healthy. At that point he said to the doctor "Well how do I really know what is going on inside. The Northwestern Football coach just died and they thought he was healthy."
With that, the doctor wrote him a referral to have a new test done. It is a 64 slice CT scan angiography. He had no chest pains and no family history, just a little intuition. To make a long story short, he had an 80% blockage and the doctors had to do double bypass open heart surgery. We were startled. His doctor said they call this type of blockage a "widow maker".
Dennis is strong and healthy like Randy was. Because of that, his surgery went well, he quickly recovered, and he went back to work this week...6 weeks after the surgery.
We both send the family our condolences for your loss and pray that your family is strong through this sad time.
It is our belief that things happen for a reason. Sometimes we never know the reasons. Well I wanted you to know that in Randy's death a life was saved. Many of our friends are scheduling this test to get a baseline on their own health "inside" their bodies. I believe that I (and many others to come) owe you and your family a debt of gratitude. Bless you. Judy Brosky
Williamston, Michigan
|
| As a former football player at the University of Minnesota, I am deeply saddened by the loss of a great coach and person. No matter what school we're affiliated with, every player and coach in the Big Ten is considered part of a larger family. The Walker family will always have the love and support of the Big Ten family members throughout the world. Paul L. Glanton
|
| Mr. Walker was as great as any coach in the history of Northwestern football - and there have been some truly great ones !!!
My sympathies go out to his family - it is always hard to lose a loved one. Karl Stewart NU 71
|
| I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the opportunity to meet Randy in person. I must say that I was very impressed with his coaching, but more importantly I was impressed on how he worked with his young men. I have a son that is a junior in high school and I sure wish he would have had the opportunity to play for Randy. I know he would have learned many of life's lessons from such a great man. May God help you and your family through this time of pain. God bless your entire family. Ted Hagberg
|
| You were blessed to have him. Thanks for sharing him with so many others. His LEGEND will not be forgotten! He is movie star material...a lasting tribute on the big screen would honor him and you and spread his MESSAGE Randy Gollay
|
| Just want to say that I am very sorry for your loss and that time does not make Randy's passing any easier, but it does allow for you to gone on with your life. May the good lord bless Randy and all of you and keep Randy at his side.I did not know Randy, but I could tell that he was a great coach and teacher and I am sure a great husband and great dad as well. I am sure that lots of people will miss Randy and I will as well. God Bless. David Alfaro, Jr.
|
| We are truly sry for your loss, Randy will always be a part of Wildcat Football! The Schiever
|
|
We were season tickey holders while living in Chicago 5 years ago and had the pleasure of meeting Randy. We now live in Atlanta and still follow the Cats because of him as we respected the qualities he btought to the team.
We are sorry for your loss.
The Beattys
|
|
Randy will always be a part of everyone who enjoyed Northwestern Wildcat football. Thanks for all the memories you have provided!
Jeff Present
|
|
I'm crying again, you must be too after Thursday... I still can't believe he's not there when I look at the sidelines during the game... Thanks for being there Walker family... because you were there, it felt like he was...
and remember.. we are always with you ... you will never be alone.
geri doran yanes NU 80
|
| Hi Im a big NU fan and Im very sorry for the death of Randy Walker Jaron Johnson
|
| Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My sons and I will never forget the game between Michigan and Northwestern when we lost to NU 54-51. We are a true Wolverine family, but we have nothing but respect for Coach Walker. Anyone could see that he loved football and was an asset to the Big Ten.
God Bless you Dianne Becerra
|
| I morn the loss of Coach Walker with you. I am an Ole Miss Fan, but for some reason I have followed Northwestern Football for the last few years. I will continue to do so with Coach Walker in my heart. Sheriff James R.(Jimmy) Taylor
Alcorn Co.
|
| He was a great man and a great coach! He's lookin down from heaven on us right now!! I'm very sorry for your loss. Samantha
|
| I thought in my heart that somewhere Randy is smiling after last night's game. That was for you Rock. We all miss him. Matt
|
| Dear Walker family, I had the priviledge of playing for Coach Walker at Miami and then cheering for him as a graduate student at Northwestern. I have to believe that the former enabled the latter. He impressed upon me the importance of getting better everyday. While the lessons were taught on the football field, they were really put into use in the stadium of life. Please know that he impacted the lives of thousands of young men and his lessons will live on. God Bless Adam Bowen, MU 1999, NU 2006
|
| I'm from Saginaw, Michigan. I went to the Michigan State Homecoming when Northwestern creamed the Spartans 49-14. When I was at the game I thought to myself, "This Randy Walker is a great coach." Ever since I've liked Northwestern. I know Randy Walker is smiling down at you all from heaven. He was a great coach and a great man. Ben Probst
|
| Dear Walker Family I am the biggest NU football fan in the world. Randy is in my heart forever. I know that it is hard but be strong. Omer Matalon
|
| God Bless You. Bill Jarocki
|
| Dear Walker Family, I am an upcoming sophomore in the school of communication. I didn't know much about football and I'm not the biggest fan either. However, I did enjoy a lot of the games that I saw both on t.v. and at the stadium. I want to thank you for your continual support to the team and the school. Our prayers are with you and please remember that even the students who aren't the biggest football fans are still praying and supporting you. God bless you. Daniel H. Choi
|
| After reading the article in the Troy Daily News about the game between Northwestern and Miami, there is one thought that came to mind. No matter which team wins, the players and coaches should all be proud of honoring Randy on the field. As a former residnet of Miami County Ohio and also from knowing his family for years, I know that I will have some tears in my eyes thinking about Randy missing from the field. I'm sure that he will be there in spirit!!! Sue Gump Gilliam - Niceville, FL
|
| Dear Walker Family,
I am a resident of Ohio, an avid Buckeye fan, yet I alaways cheered for NW in any other game but OSU. Coach Walker was the reason for that, unlike some coaches in the Big Ten, Walker was happy where he was, worked where he was and won with heart where he was. Good luck WildCats!!!
Colton Henson
|
| Don't feel alone Walkers! You are not alone!... On the eve of Randy's first game from the big box in the sky we stand with you!!...He'll be watching all of us so lets stick together! No porch puppies!
Go Cats! Geri Doran Yanes, NU '80
|
| I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Walker when he paid the marching band a visit a few years ago while I was still at NU. He had an enthusiasm for what was going on that I sought to emulate and a love for the Wildcats. I had a great deal of respect for him and was saddened by his loss. He will definitely be missed. But I'm so glad I got the opportunity to see him and what witness what he's done for Northwestern. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Corey Hall
|
| I have been a Northwestern fan my entire life. I have grown up cheering for football. My first word was purple. I just would like to say that in my opinion Coach Walker is the best coach in Northwestern history. I was devastated to hear about his death. I strongly belive he was a great coach but an even better person. My condolances. Sincerely, Dylan Carpenter
|
| I enjoyed watching the football temas that your dad coached at Miami and Northwestern. I live in central Ohio and always found myself enjoying the offense that Coach Walker put on the field. It was a joy watch his teams play. I always looked forward to NU vs OSU games, as well as, NU vs. Michigan. I looked at the Wildcat victories over Michigan as an inspiration for the Buckeye game. His teams always played hard and never gave up. Sorry about your loss.
The Big Ten will miss Randy Walker not to mention his University family. Jose Carrasco, Ohio State Grad
|
|
Dear Walker family,
As Thursday night's football game approaches I find myself filled with emotion as I think about watching the Northwestern Wildcats take the field at Miami. How your family, the coaches, and those young men will find it in them to play a football game that evening is beyond me. Having had the privlege to watch Randy play football at Miami Field brings back such great memories of that special Redskin team. Not just the winning records, but the pride, honor, and respect that that team brought Redskins everywhere.
God bless your family and your exteded NU football family. Randy will live at NU and MU forever. Doug Gallow, Miami '77
|
Dear Mrs. Walker and Family: My condolences to all of you. My late husband was the biggest Wildcat fan ever and I inherited his enthusiasm for the team. He regularly posted on the Northwestern Message Board and had quite a following (his name was RayCat). I'm sure he and Coach will be cheering on the team this Thursday night and throughout the year. Mrs. Walker, I know what you mean about aloneness, but remember he is with you in spirit always. Mary Leah Prazak
|
| I loved the Northwestern Wildcats Football team and watched all their games and the main reason was because of Randy Walker. With Randy they were a better, stronger, and more prepared team.
I'm sorry for his loss. Casey Wright
|
| My nephew plays football at NU. My brother and his family spoke highly of how coach Walker handled, coached and encouraged my nephew, Amado Villarreal.
He is an inspiration to the sport of football. My condolences go out to you. I know what it is to lose a family member. Amado lost his cousin(my son) last summer and we all grieve the loss. God has him now and I am sure both my son and your husband, and father have met to talk about Amado and the season NU had. May the Lord bless your family always and bring you even closer to him. He is our strength and he will always guard over you. Keep the faith. Rudy Villarreal
|
| Hello. We are sincerly sorry for your loss. This was heavens gain. May God continue to smile upon you. Calvin Bryant Jr. and Priscilla Bryant
|
| I just returned from the Peace Corps to hear the bad news. What a blow to receive on returning from Ghana looking forward to my first season of NU football in two years. I can only imagine how hard it must be for those who experienced him as more than the coach of their school's team.
He led that team with courage, passion, and skill. Watching his teams play was an absolute joy for us. I will never have a better sporting experience--playing or watching--than I did at Michigan vs. NU in 2000. The stars aligned for that entire season, and Coach Walker put them in place.
I'll be an even more rabbid fan now, as Fitz and the boys pay tribute to the best coach anyone could have. Go U NU!
Mike Henninger
|
| Coach Randy Walker's family,
I was saddened and shocked to learn of Randy Walker's death earlier this summer. So I am sending you my condolences of your loss this summer, and I wish Pat Fitzgerald good luck in trying to fill this job, and I hope that Nothwestern will pay tribute to him at the first home football game this year. And if there is a heaven, I hope that Randy Walker is up their, looking down at Northwestern this football season, and even when they were moruning this terrbible loss. Like Xiao Wang said, Nothwestern will not be the same with Coach Walker on the sidelines coaching them, and it is too bad, that the first game of the season, has to be a memorial service, instead of a homecoming for Mr. Randy Walker, and I wish best of to the Northwestern football team this season. Stephen Verhaeren
|
| Dear Coach Walker's family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Coach Walker's passing and wanted to express my condolences. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful coach with us. We have so many fond memories of the excitement he brought to NU football, especially the wins over Wisconsin, Michigan, and OSU. His impact to the NU community is immeasurable. I have been a life-long NU fan and have deep purple pride ever since I was a little girl growing up in Chicago. This NU pride grew even more for the University and its football team under Coach Walker's leadership. Coach Walker will always be remembered, on and off the field. We will miss him greatly. NU will never be the same without him.
Xiao Wang, WCAS 2002, current Kellogg student
|
Hi,
First and foremost I want to express my deepest sympathy for your loss to the Walker family and their friends. I am not a member of the NU family. I did not attend NU, but I am a Northwestern fan who grew up in neighboring Morton Grove. When Coach Walker was hired I knew little of him and did not know if he could fill Coach Barnett's shoe's who left us with a bad taste in our mouths. However, by the end of the first year of Coach Walker's season I was a huge fan of his. Not because he beat Iowa or his 3-8 record, but for the way he treated the game, and most importantly his players. He made the players his number one priority and treated them with respect. He coached his players at Northwestern the way my dad coached me and my friends in little league back in the day. The players came first, wins and loses came second. These are supposed to be the days you remember for the rest of your life! And if you treated the players with respect then the wins would take care of themselves. And they did. And I am sure, no matter the wins and losses, the players did have the times of their lives! Sadly for me, I was finally able to afford season tickets this year and while I can not wait to see the Wildcats it will be with a heavy heart knowing that I missed out on seeing Coach Walker close up. God Bless.Ray Rocchi
|
| I have always loved Northwestern, ever since I was kid. Randy Walker brought pride, class, and respect to the University...for years people could not understand my loyalty to the Northwestern foot ball program...especially in the State of Michigan with the football hertitage with U of M. and M.S.U. Very few question my loyalty since Randy headed the program..I am sorry for the loss and will always value his presence on the sidelines. Dan Walberer, Kalamazoo, MI
|
| Just a note to express my sincere condolences for the passing of Randy Walker. I had known Randy since his high school coaching career at Troy High School in Troy,Ohio. He was and has been a great American, outstanding coach, great leader of men and one of my favorite people. We competed against each other when he was at UNC and I was coaching at the University of Maryland. He was highly respected by his high school, college coaching and the NFL associates. He will be sorely missed by all of us who came in contact with him. I enjoyed so much having an opportunity to visit with him each year on one or two visits to Northwestern. He was a great coach but more imortant and wonderful person and good friend. I will miss him and my prayers are with his family.
Jake Halllum
|
| Dear Tammy and Family. Joel was home for a few days and we had a chance to talk about the terrible tragedy of coach walkers death. coach walker was a great influence on joel's decision to play football at northwestern. we were talking about the visit he made to our home in 2003, and the down to earth attitude he had. we remembered so many things he told joel at that time that were all true!
what stands out most in my mind was his love for animals. i am a labrador retriever breeder and we happened to have a litter of pups at that time. randy went into the kennel, dressed in his usual classy way, and got down on the ground to play with the pups. i was amazed at that and knew and that moment that he would take care of my son while he was away from home. that is what he did. joel always talked about coach walker joking with him and i know he felt at home because of him. he even talked about you and coach comming to see the russian opera a few months ago and how much that ment to him. joel is our baby and it was so hard to let him go, but we knew right away that coach walker was the person that we wanted him to be with. i want you and your family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. coach walker truly made a differance in joel's young life. thank you,
The Belding Family
|
| Dear Coach Walker's Family,
I wish to write to you to offer my condolence's for your great loss. I was a student at Miami in 1990 when I first meet Coach Walker. I was a non athlete in one of his coaching classes he taught. He would always ask me why am I in this class, and I would say I want to learn from the best teacher on campus. He was always fair and would keep on me to make sure my homework in all of my classes was done daily and neatly. He would have me rewrite notes he thought was too messy for college work. to this day I always rewrite my notes from work before I go home for the day. I am now a high school football coach in Northern California in wine country. I hope I can instill the pride in my students as coach walker did for me. I also lost my father last month to a sudden illness and the memories of all the good times come to me daily. Please remember your father as a person who was doing what he loved and loved what is was doing.
Thank You for your time.
God Bless you all.
With a heavy heart
Paul Larsick
|
| My prayers are with y'all each and everyday... Matt
|
| Dear Walker Family,
My blessings go out to you. He was someone we all will remember.
Abbas Yusuf
|
| As a husband and a father to be (Nov. 13, 2006) I can only imagine the type of emotions, feelings & remorse you are feeling for Randy Walker. My heart goes out to his wife, children & all peoples that have had the opportunity to have had known this man in any capacity. May GOD bless you all & keep you firm in your faith as you process through this tough & vulnerable time. As an outsider looking in, I encourage you to stand firm in your committment to life & celebrate Mr. Walker in all that you do. GO Walker Family & GO Wildcats. With deepest sympathy.
Gary Uribe
Director of Strength & Conditioning
Sacramento State Univ. - Athletics
|
| Dear Tammy,
I have the fondest memories of Randy. I was a young first year teacher during his senior year at Troy High School. I specifically remember him conducing the senior choir during the farewell assembly. I was so impressed with the diversity of interest he showed.
It is always pleasing to see good people succeed. His dedication to young people and their development is an inspiration and in my eyes the greatest mark of success.
Please accept my deepest sympathy at his passing. Steve Boone
|
| God Bless your family and all it members. We are sorry about how one of your dearest family members have passed on. Sorry about your loss and we are praying for you.
Your Freinds in Christ,
Andrew Goodale and Jesse Fleming-Goodale
|
| We are all praying for you and send our love. David T. Martin
|
| My thoughts and prayers go out to the Walker Family. B.J. Dvorak
|
| My family and I extend our thoughts and prayers for your loss. I met Coach Walker once at his office before his first season as head coach. He was very gracious and exuded a quiet enthusiasm and optimism. He was great for the school and the program and will be dearly missed. I'm sorry for our loss but more sorry for your loss. Again, you and Coach Walker are in our prayers. Chris Coleman '89
|
|
My family and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Walker Family. We were fortunate to meet Coach Walker after both the Alamo Bowl and last year's Sun Bowl. He was truly a gentleman as well as an outstanding football coach who was an inspiration to both his players and fans. We drove over 650 miles from the Dallas area to El Paso for the Sun Bowl and stayed well after the end of the game to personally thank Coach Walker and his players for an exciting, hard-fought game. I have a photo of Randy signing my son Trent's miniature NU helmet along with the autographs of 25 of the players. It's a moment we will always cherish. Coach Walker has left a wonderful legacy at Northwestern, and we will miss him greatly.
Jon Abbott, Class of 1968
|
|
Dear Walker Family,
I'm not crying any more but i know you still are. Sorry, my other note, 3 weeks ago, was meant as a poem and lost the punctuation/spacing in transcription.
I lost a brother to myocarditis when he was 34. It was sudden and i still feel the pain of his loss 9 years ago. When Randy was diagnosed i was so scared for him and you... then he got better and we went on in ignorant bliss for almost 2 years. When Randy died on June 30, i thought no, no, no... but now, when i think how it could have been, (like with my brother) i've come to think of that time you had after Randy's diagnosis as a great gift. Maybe this can be some little solace to you.
As that little alumni out there who is praying for you, feeling your pain and our great loss, i'll say it again: i didn't know him but i loved him.
Geri Doran Yanes NU'80
|
|
I was very saddened to hear of Coach Walker passing. The Walker family is in my prayers. God bless you. Dale Wooten, Rogers, Arkansas
Dale Wooten
|
|
I want to tell you how much i loved watching Northwestern football with Randy Walker as the head coach.He was a very good football coach.I think all of the players loved him as a coach too.The day i heard that Randy Walker passed away it really hurt knowing that he was a great person.I have been a very big Northwestern fan for awhile, starting when i was about6 years old.I will miss him very much and i will pray for you and your family to get through this tough loss.
Michael Gorman Methuen,MA
|
| I want to tell you how much we loved watching NU football when Randy coached. My son and I went to games regularly and it had to do with the program he established. His teams were always competitive and well prepared.We knew his players had total respect for him. I can only say we all will miss him very much. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Glenn Kosiba
|
| I want to extend my sympathy to the entire Walker family. Two years ago I sent an email to coach walker and told him how I had two sons who were big northwestern fans and who also participated in football and baseball. Coach Walker then wrote my sons a letter, not only congratulating them on their sports, but more importantly encouragging them to be gentleman, getting good grades, and if they studied hard, they too could someday become a student athlete at Northwestern. More impresive, he took the time to write this letter during the week of the Michigan game. My sons treasured this letter, do so now even more, and wanted to send thier condolences also to the family, and let them know how much the letter meant to them.
With deepest sympathy, The Cliff Family
Kevin, Sami, and sons Ryan and Kyle
|
| God loves you, the Walker family, in you time of loss of Randy Walker. Damian Ellis
|
| To the Northwestern fans, friends and family: I have the fortune of working in college athletics here in Texas, but nothing has ever prepared me to hear the news of a coach passing away so suddenly. Nearly two years ago, I lost my uncle suddenly and still to this day, I don't have the answers or the knowledge of why things like this happen. To my colleague - Mike Wolf - I send to you my support through this avenue and at this time.
"Life can be hard. We all have our good seasons as well as our difficult ones. But hard times bring many blessings. Like strength of character, self-knowledge, courage, greater understanding and deeper compassion. Some of the qualities of the very best leaders that have walked before us.
We grow the most as human beings during our roughest times. So why do we judge them as bad - when they bring such good? The challenging pieces of our lives just might be when we are most alive. And they always bring tiny miracles. If you are awake to them." - Robin Sharma Danny Kambel, Sports Information Director at Texas A&M-Commerce
|
| My sympathy to the family of Randy Walker. From The Va Tech Family and our prayers are with you.
Morris Stowers
|
| My deepest sympathy to you and your children and families. Your husband recruited and offered my son a full ride scholarship to Northwestern but I never had the privlege to meet him. We just toured NW yesterday and Jamy took us around the campus. What a fine young man. You can see the father through the son so I know what a loss you have experienced.Coach Fitzgerald loved your husband and his philosphy about life and football and just could not say enough good about him. That was expressed by EVERY COACH and person we talked with. Again, we will pray for you and your family to get through this loss.
Ed, Mary, Vincent & Melissa Browne
Lisbon, Ohio
|
| I want to express my deepest conlenses to the entire Walker family. Time and Northwestern football must move on without Randy. I pray that he is in the presence of Jesus. Jacob Selzer
|
| My daughter graduated from Miami University two years ago and was a member of the marching band during that era. My sister's stepgranddaugther will be a member of the Miami marching band this Fall.We were looking forward so much to Coach Walker's return to Miami this August. As a part of the Miami extended family we wish you experience God's love and warm embrace during these difficult days. I am sure he will be looking down and cheering on the Wildcats when they play their first game this year in Oxford. Jon Diller
|
| So sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband and father.
My first awareness of Randy Walker came on one of the most frustrating football days I have ever experienced. I transferred to Northwestern from Carleton College in 1950 just after their Rose Bowl victory. As an alumn I suffered with many others thru years of NU football failures.
Then in 1995 when they upset Notre Dame I thought things might be changing. On a beautiful fall day I went to see NU play Miami of Ohio. Savouring a big lead in the 4th quarter I was shocked by Miami's unbelievable comeback to beat us in the last minute of the game.
I looked on the program to see who their coach was- Randy Walker. Little did I dream that he would become our coach and lead NU to back-to-back Big Ten Championships. Much has been said about how he developed young men not just into outstanding football players but also into well grounded adults after graduation. This is all true. But what most impressed me was his sense of optimism and positive thinking something that has always been a challenge for me. Robert Ferguson, Class of 1952
|
| Jane Muszynski
To the Walker family-
My condolences on Randy's death.
I have been following NU football since my son began his freshman year there, and Randy was a joy to watch. Always a gentleman, whether games were won or lost. Positive with players after good plays or mistakes. He has taken the team a long way.
My son, Mike, will be taking pictures, the team's head shots for the games in a few weeks. He was happy to be successful last year in making many of them smile while he did their shots. His job this year will be, without question, much more difficult in that respect.
Jane Muszynski
Longwood, Florida
|
|
I send my condolences to the Walker family and the entire Northwestern Community. My dad is a Northwestern alumn and i have grown up watching Randy Walker and Northwestern Football. I shared in shock and saddness when i learned of Walker's passing. Randy Walker was a great football coach who helped the Northwestern program grow into a competing team in the tough Big 10. No one will be able to replace him. Randy Walker will be missed by all in the Northwestern Community.
David G
|
|
Dear Abbey and Brian, I am so so sorry about your loss of a father and father-in law. I met your Dad only once, and I liked him! I also was moved by the way you talked about him, your personal admiration, respect and love that was so apparent, and I can only say that his time here was too short. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your friends,
Katie and Bob Kirk (and Rory, Quinnie and Clare)
|
| It is difficult to tell you how deeply we feel about Coach Randy Walker's untimely death.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow. Only those who have lost a a great husband of character and integrity can know the depths of your feelings. Losing one's husband can cause a loneliness unlike any other, but having your children near will help ease the difficulty of the days ahead. With your fortitude and courage and the support from the Northwestern University family, we are sure you will adjust to your new situation. We know you are grateful for the many happy years you shared with Coach Walker.
Coach Walker's wisdom and kindness meant so much to my son and family. We will miss him. We send our love to give you strength to bear your sorrow. Mr. & Mrs. Fred Arrington
|
|
To Mrs. Walker - I offer my sincere condolesences and prayers to you and your family. Randy was a great coach, but he was an even better person. I am a graduate of the University of Illinois, but I was impressed with the coaching job your husband did while at Northwestern. He always had his teams ready to play, and they always competed hard until the final gun. I will miss seeing him on the sidelines, always encouraging his players in both good times and bad. But most importantly, he set his players on the right path in life; they may have came in as boys, but when they left Randy's program, they had become good men.
Yes, the Big Ten has lost a true leader. May the good memories of Randy (as well as your faith in God) guide you through this most challenging and difficult period in your life, Mrs. Walker.
Melvin Tate
|
| Randy was a wonderful son and his death has been devastating to us. But, the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all our family, friends, neighbors, Randy's many fans from Troy and all over the U.S.A. has been outstanding!
It is comforting to know Randy died doing what he loved, coaching football and is resting in peace with no more stress.
Sadly missed, Jim and Ruth Ann Walker
|
| On behalf of the Jones Residential College, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to your family. We are dorm normally known for the arts and not sports, let alone football. Yet in the past years, because of Coach Walker's success with the team, our normally art oriented residents, have become football fans. We thank you, and Coach Walker for not only giving us great football moments and memories; but for giving so much to our students and community. Thank You. René Jovel- President of Jones Residential College
|
| Hello Jamie and family. My family and I give or deeps sympathy to you and your family. Jamie it has been a long time, probably since around graduation. Memories of you, me, Steve Greene, and Mike runing around practices or the Yager stadium flood my memory right now. Two memories that I am very fund of was one with you and I at the Country Club, and then one of us at your house for the coach's chipping contest with the holes around your house. Those were fantastic times. We miss you around Oxford. Take care.
-Seth Thacker, Talawanda 2000
|
| My most sincere condolences to the Walker family and to all who knew Coach Walker personally. Although I never met Randy or his family, please know that my prayers are sincerely with you during this very sad time.
Randy made me -- and countless fellow NU alumni-- even more proud to be associated with our alma mater, Northwestern. Sincerely. All those Saturdays I've spent watching NU football games on TV and ranting wildly during each exciting play as my own 3 kids look on with amused bewilderment, its been more than just fun. Its been pride. In this day and age of big-time and big-money collegiate athletics, in which so many major universities buckle and compromise their standards under the pressure to win, Randy was a winner -- but a rare winner; one with with integrity and class.
What I will probably remember most about Coach Walker as an NU alumnus/fan is his class and composure during press conferences immediately after games that NU lost. Total class act, always complete personal accountability, never excuses, never the refs' fault, always upbeat and supportive of his players, genuinely complimentary of his opponent, and full of lessons to learn in defeat. Total class act, total role model, even for some one who never met him in person.
Randy's successors have big shoes to fill, and I am sure they will do their best. Make us proud. And when I say that, I mean make us PROUD. Winning is fun....but above all else, keep us proud of our university and the high standards and decency that it stands for. I'll be watching, cheering with pride, and remembering Coach Walker with the greatest of respect.
Kent Shepherd, Northwestern 1986 Grad
|
| I would like to wish my deepest sympathies and condolances to Randy's family. My first awareness and contact with Randy came while he was Head Coach at Miami University, and I was broadcasting games for the University of Cincinnati on radio. When our paths would cross during Big Ten Media days and other interview opportunities, it was great to re-live to signifigance of the Miami-Cincinnati rivalry with him, as well as talk about his affection for football in the state of Ohio. It was during these times that Randy would often talk about how he idolized another Troy, Ohio native, Bob Ferguson, a great running back at Ohio State. I will always look back fondly on the time spent chatting with Randy, and remembering the success he had coaching both at Miami and Northwestern.
With Deepest Sympathies; Paul Keels
WBNS Radio
Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Network
|
| Coach Walker you are an institution here in Oxford. Your ideals, character and passion will always be remembered. You have profoundly touched so many lives. Your legacy will always be present in those you coached and taught. To be a great football coach is an honor, but you were much more than that. Randy Walker, you were a great leader of men. The Miami, Northwestern, and NCAA family are deeply saddened by your passing. God bless you and your family. You will always be remembered as a true hero and a man among men. Miami Grad 1987
|
| My thoughts and prayers are with the Walker family. A great coach and great guy. Chris
|
| Please accept a heartfelt condolence from the UCLA Bruin family. Those of us that attended the Sun Bowl game will always remember the fiercely competitive team that Coach Walker put on the field that day and viewing the press conference announcing Coach Walker's passing and the one announcing Coach Fitzpatrick's hiring realize that your program will carry on Coach Walker's competitive spirit. Marlan
|
I which to express my deepest sympathies to your family regarding your loss of your loved one that I greatly admired. As a past student and long time fan of Northwestern athletics, he was a wonderful example of what is important in life. He passed on God's love that he had received to others. All of his other attributes are just frosting on the cake.
God bless you and give you His comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
John T. Couleur
|
| I am very sorry for the loss. I was a recruit that had spoken to some of his family when I went there for a spring visit. He was a very nice man and an excellent coach. He is in a better place now. Just wanted to come by and say sorry and I will be rooting for you guys all the way. Noel Roman
|
Dear Tammy,
While this is addressed to Tammy Walker, it is meant for the entire Walker family. Georgia and I attended the wonderful memorial service in Evanston, Il and what a wonderful tribute to man and family. Northwestern University was fortunate to have a coach who did not have his bags packed using our school as a stepping stone to the "next job." Randy was a rock and he was a part of the rock that is Northwestern! He was much to young to leave us, but he gave us 100%. His teams did the same. His players did the same and the fourth quarter belonged to Northwestern because team and coach would not give up. The people, who are the true fans of Northwestern, offer our deepest sympathies to you and the Walker family. His record, which should not be weighed in wins and losses, but what he has done for his school and players, has set a standard others can only dream to reach. He has affected eternity!
Jack Leese
|
| I go to trinity bible college in N.D., and i will pray for Randy Walker, and may Randy Walker be by God.
Enrique Robinson
|
| Perhaps the biggest complement I believe a man can recieve is that one can say "He's a nice guy." Though we never met we watched as closely as a person could over the years. Clearly thats what your husband, father and friend was, a nice guy. No they don't always finish last. I know Coach Walker won the ultimate battle, and for that, we can all look forward to seeing him again someday, at Jesus' house. God bless you all.
David and Annette Bayer, Former Player, Graduate
|
| We share with you a deep sense of loss at Randy's passing. Northwestern football is our adopted neighborhood team and we have had season tickets since "95. The Barnett years gave us hope and Randy took the program to an even higher level. He was the ultimate role model...a consumate optimist...a teacher who believed in his system, his players and his coaches...a man who inspired his team to never give up.
I never heard him utter a bad word publicly about any player. One of his finest moments was when he stood up for Joel Howell on signing day. He was my hero for chiding the naysayers who didn't already know we have a kicker.
I know there will long days ahead for you his family. But know there are many others who miss him and will be asuaged by knowing that Randy was a tremendous human being who was at the top of his game when God took him.
May you embrace the memories of this special person. You will be in our thoughts.
Fondly,
Al and Barb Miller
|
| Dear Walker Family,
I grew up near Northwestern and have lived in San Jose, CA for the past 22 years. Since your husband/father came to the Wildcats, he helped restored the pride of the program. After his arrival I travel twice a year to see his team play. First and foremost, he seemed like a wonderful person and a good coach. After reading many of the messages from all the people that knew him or of him, I wish I could have met him.
Our prayers are with your family.
The Dolan's
|
| To Tammy, Jamie, and Abbey I am sorry for your loss. Randy is a wonderful Coach as well as a great husband, father, son, and friend. My Son ia a senior this year for the NU football team, and each and every week I looked forward going to my son's games because, I know it will be rewarding to watch regardless if we win or lose. Randy is a very unique person who cares about his players on and off the field. It so amazing that he done a wondeful job with the football program and took the team to another level, since he became coach at the University. He will truly be missed, and my prayers goes out to his family.
Demetrius Eaton's family
|
| Dear Tammy,
It is with deepest sympathy I write that I was completely stunned on Friday the 28th to learn that we lost such a terrific man. I can only imagine the void you must be feeling. I found myself trying to "introduce" Randy to people unfamiliar with him in an effort to make them understand the significance of losing him so soon. I look back on my college days and my job working in the Football Office and realize I was truly blessed to get to know such a terrific, one of a kind person. I wish only the best for you, Abbey, and Jamie.
Gina Suever
Cincinnati, OH via Oxford
|
| Through my years of being a Spartan fan and supporter of the Big Ten in general, I have often found myself pulling for NU as kind of my number two Big Ten school in both football and basketball. I always like the underdog and I can identify with being smaller and cerebral, and also purple is my second favorite color to green.
It is great to see any NU coach get more from student-athletes that have often been a bit smaller and physically slower than their peers, and Randy Walker was certainly one who did this. NU is known for intelligent students, but that ability to learn also requires good educators, and Randy Walker seems to have had the ability to teach both about football and about life.
I lost my own father four years ago also to apparent heart attack, and we thought 60 was young. My condolences to you and NU.
Michael Motta
Michigan State U '89 and '91
|
| I have been a "cat" fan since 1980. Although I live in South Bend, I have no formal connection with Northwestern. I (as all cat fans) have experienced many trying years. However, since coach Walker has established the program the Parker family has purchased session tickets (the family pack).
When I found out of coach Walkers passing, I was truly saddened. However as the days went by, I learned more of coach Walker and just what kind of a special person he was (I really wasn't suprised). Like the coach, I too married my high school sweetheart. Knowing how he loved both his wife and children, my sadness has grown. My thoughts and prayers are with the Walker family - I am so sorry.
Rev. Terry Parker
|
| Im sorry for your loss. It was a dream of mine to play for Randy. Marshall
|
| May God bless all of you...Coach Walker is and will always be in our prayers.
Nick Mitrovich Family
|
| When Randy came to Evanston, I knew I would enjoy coming to games from Seattle. A friend of mine who was the Cincinnatti Bengals trainer told me about Paul Brown giving Randy a play book because he knew he would be a great coach if not an NFL player. Indeed he was from my perspective.
It is hard for me to imagine not seeing Randy on the sideline this fall when I can get to Evanston. I can only imagine how tough it is for you to be without him each morning and evening when he was not dedicating himself to the Wildcats.
Thank you for sharing him with the extended Wildcat family. He will be missed by us, too.
Kindest regards and deepest sympathy for your loss.
Tom Dickson - Seattle
Class of '64 - brief career as a prep team quarterback then and season ticket holder now.
|
| Please accept our deepest condolences to you all on this terrible loss.
Coach Walker gave us victory with honor.
Charles & Dorothy Neely
|
| I live In South Dakota, and my daughter graduated from NU in 1996. She was a memeber of the band and lived the revitalization of NU football. I have been a college football fan all of my life and since NORTHWESTERN has had such wonderful success with a group of real STUDENT ATHLETES,it has been a thrill on Satuday afternoons to see them do so well against such odds . This is a tribute to the educator, coach, mentor that Randy Walker was to the men under his charge. He brought integrity to himself, his family, and the University. He will be terribly missed by all!!
Andrew Hawkins
|
|
Hi, my name is cortland selman and i just wanted you to know that my prayers are with your family i was recruited by jeff genyk at nu and had a chance to meet coach walker. once again im sorry and my prayers are with you
Sincerly:
Cortland Selman
Eastern Michigan Lb #9
|
|
Dear Walker Family,
My association with Northwestern University is through a Kellogg School Professor(close friend) and the fact that they are a part of the Big Ten...and my high school fight song is to the tune of "Go You Northwestern". I'm originally from Cass City, Michigan(pop. 1,800). I'm 58 years old and lost my beloved wife to cancer when she was just 45 and I was 48. We had been married 28 years.
I have always been and will remain loyal to my roots and always felt comfortable knowing our teams were in good hands. Randy instilled pride and a sense of worth at Northwestern and the Wildcats excelled under his guidance. I know he will be missed by all of us but I also know the void it has left in you. Keep your faith strong and time will reduce the pain and if you can, know that God has his ways so trust in Him and it will make you stronger.
My prayers will be with you and my thoughts are with Randy...God Bless You and Keep You Always.
Dave Asher, Southern California
|
|
Dear Walker Family,
Our family's deepest sympathy and condolences. We only had the chance to meet Coach Walker once, at the Meet The Team night last August, but I wanted to share with you a story on the positive impact he had on our 7 year old son during that brief meeting.
Upon meeting him in person, it was evident that Randy Walker was not only a great coach, he was a great human being. He connected with my son last year when he looked him in the eye after my son told him he would be the starting QB at NU in 12 years, and Coach Walker smiled and said that he wanted to be a QB too, but didn't get the grades and then emphasized to my boy, with a big smile, to 'get good grades!'. After that, our son started doing 'extra homework' vountarily because, as he put it, 'Coach Walker said I need to get good grades' and scored in the 98th percentile on his Iowa tests this year. That much positive influence and Randy Walker talked to our son for maybe 30 seconds at the most. But, I think, because he talked to him and looked him in the eye, and because of Coach Walker's honest character, it made a definite impact. I can only imagine the incredibly positive effect he had on players he coached and taught for years.
I am truly sad because the world has lost a man of character and real integrity, one who is a rare breed in today's world.
Our deepest condolences and prayers for God to grant you the patience to ease your sorrow.
Qaiser Waraich, WCAS '87
|
| Sorry about your loss. Your family will be in my memories.
Joseph Simeone GA Coach at East Stroudsburg
|
|
It is with a good deal of sadness that I send you my condolences for the death of your husband and father, Randy.
It is an indication of what a unique and special man he was by the wide range of people he touched in a positive way in his lifetime. As a Northwestern Alum and long time football season ticket holder, I was proud to support a team that was led by a person of such high integrity and sound moral compass. He will be missed by myself and the Northwestern community.
God Bless you all, who will miss him even more.
With passionate fondness,
Steve Fuller
|
| Our deepest sympathy to the Walker family for your loss. We are blessed that our son was fortunate enough to be coached by him these last four years and to be exposed to the principles that Coach Walker incorporated into his life.
Robert and Marie Keenan
|
| Dear Walker Family,
My Brother Dan is the Head Football Coach at Detroit Country Day High School. There have been 5 DCD players that have gone on to play for the Wildcats. Current players are Brandon Horn and Kim Thompson. My brother had many occasions to speak with Coach Walker and the other members of his coaching staff, and he always felt that Coach Walker was a man of deep conviction that was steeped in integrity. He passed it on to his players and to such a large number of people that one cannot fathom the impact one person has on so many. We were blessed to have been touched by his unique inspiration. Count on our continuous thoughts of love and prayers for your all in your family.
Tom MacLean (Detroit Country Day HS parent and GS coach
|
| Because we still live in the Hidden Creek home we bought from you in 1999, we especially convey our condolences at the loss of such a remarkable human being and fellow Miamian.
Jim and Jody Brock, Oxford, Ohio
|
| My deepest sympathies to his wife and his two children he was a great coach and the community will miss him. I really can't imagine our football team without him. Thank you for all those years.
Muteb Alshathri
|
| I have been a Northwestern fan for the past 10 years and, Coach Walker, has been the best coach for this school that I have witnessed. I can not begin to understand the sorrow that your family has been enduring the past week. I believe that promoting Coach Fitzgerald will help to ease the pain since I know Coach Walker wouldve wanted him to succeed him. Please know that the Walker Family will always be in my prayers.
Pete Bard
|
| I grew up in Ohio and went to OSU. However, Randy has always been tough to play against and really was one of the very best coaches in the country.
I know he gave the Buckeyes all they could ever handle and I will miss he unique coaching everytime we played Northwestern.
My love and condolences to his wonderful family.
Jerry McHenry
|
| I really liked Coach Walker. He was good for football and good for the Big Ten. An inovater, Walker played a smart game which raised standards for everybody. Except when he played Michigan, I rooted for him and his Wildcats.
My condolences.
Gerry Mason
St. Clair, Michigan
|
| Coach Walker was the definition of character. Although I only had the opportunity to play under him for two years, I have spoke to him every couple months since he left Miami. I would not be as successful as I am without him being there providing advice, perspective and guidance.
It is a comfort to know that he will be looking down on all of his former players providing that quiet questioning in the back of each one's mind asking whether we are making the right choices. If we are not, then we only have to look to his lesson on life as a canvas and our choices as a paintbrush. Everyday we can make a choice of how the canvas will look.
God Bless Randy Walker, Tammy, Jamie, and Abbey
Chris Buckler MU'01 - Asst. FB Coach Marietta College
|
Dear Mrs. Walker, Jamie, and Abbey,
I was notified by a friend while I was on vacation of Coach Walker's death. My husband, son and I watched sadly as his players remembered him at a news conference. Our hearts break for you all. We only had the pleasure of meeting your husband & father briefly at this year's Junior Day where my son was a recruit. I am saddened that my son will never get the opportunity to play for Coach Walker. I don't know where my son will end up going to school, but if he ends up with a coach that is even half the man Coach Walker was, we will all be blessed. Our prayers are with you.
With Much Sympathy,
Mrs. Julie Schoen
|
| "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20
God be with you and your family, you have been in my prayers...
Jeff Mattax, oklahoma
|
| Dear Walker Family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. We are Iowa Hawkeye Fans, but have always respected Coach Walker and what he has done for Northwestern University and the Big Ten Conference. He accomplished so much and the Big Ten Family will miss him!
The Williams Family
|
| Watching Coach Walker's NU teams over the years has picked me up when I've needed it. He was always upbeat, win or lose. I hope and pray that you may take comfort in his positive influence on so many people.
Rob Graber
|
| Coach Walker had two families. His Wife and kids and his football team. He without a doubt was sensational at both. I admire Coach Walker for what he has done and the way that he has done it. Coach Walker was a winner and I have learned much from watching him. As a basketball coach I have taking his ethics as a coach and a role model and applied them to my job in basketball. Coach Walker will always be remembered as a loving father, devoted husband, and a role model to his team. He represented the Northwestern Community with a passion that goes beyound belief. God Bless You and your family.
Kody O'Connor
|
| To the Walker Family,
I first want to send all the deepest sympathy to each and everyone of you for the shocking news and loss to Randy. It was a HUGE lose to the University of Northwestern---Randy Walker will always be remember as a leader, family man, respectful & a WINNING COACH. Again, deepest sympathy to you all (Walker Family) during this rime of grief. Thank You & Much Happiness.
Victor Montgomery II---Ohio
|
| My prayers and thoughts go out to your family in this trying time. Coach was one of God's best creations!
Bernie Factor- Football coach at Hoban High School
|
| To the Walker Family:
As an NU alum (WCAS '73), past President of Northwestern University Entertainmnet Alliance (East), and a devoted Wildcat fan for more than 30 years, I can't even put into words the shock and dismay I felt, like everyone in the Northwestern Community, when I heard the sad news about Coach Walker. He embodied everything that was good and admirable about our wonderful University--integrity, loyalty, commitment to academic excellence, persistence, and love (to you his family--and to his players and coaches). I have met NU football players who played for Coach Walker (and their families) at alumni events in New York, and after speaking with them, it was apparent to me that Coach Walker wasn't just training football players, he was developing fine young men and future leaders of our society. He made me proud that Northwestern was known for both its high academic standards and its stirring last-second victories on the gridiron.
I only wish I could have met him. He gave my family and me too many thrills to mention. It will be tough watching games without seeing him on the sidelines--always upbeat and applauding and urging on his troops, no matter what the score or whether a given play went well or badly. However, I know that Coach Fitz will have Coach Walk sitting on his shoulder and supporting him, and that is a comforting thought.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless his memory and comfort your family during this trying time.
Paul Levinson--NU Grad '73
|
| I first got to know Randy when I was talking to Jamie about the sports business. What started out as a brief thank you turned into an hour conversation that only raised my already high opinion of him. We discussed everything from the team to discipline to parenting to North Shore Country Day(my alma mater)to Northwestern....as a 17-year NU basketball broadcaster I spent enough time to know who is a good fit for NU and who isn't. It's a great mark of the school that not everbody is- it's a special place. Randy was a great fit and I could tell he was committed to that job and that school for all the right reasons. To use an overused phrase "he got it" and NU and the players are much the better for it. We need more principled men like him as teachers and fathers and friends. Please accept my condolences but also my congratulations for being able to spend so much time so close to someone like him.
Bruce Blair- ESPN
|
| Dear Walker Family,
I attended NU and was the Spirit Leader of the Marching Band my senior year. I know that I speak for all members of the Band past and present when I say that we all had the highest regard for Coach Walker. He will be missed. We will remember you all in our prayers.
BJ Mitchell
|
|
Dear Mrs. Walker, I was at NU, visiting from Arizona, the day your husband died. I was at the 50 yard line Sunday, June 25th when my best friend called me while standing at the 50 yard line of Ryan Stadium. I am writing you because as I told my friend it was amazing what your husband achieved in such a short time. As a high school football coach, I appreciate that your husband had his priorities in order and greatly influenced the lives of many young men. I met your husband by watching the Wildcats play...I felt his passion by their effort...I am so sorry for your loss yet grateful for the man you loved and always will and the time you had together.
With Much Respect,
James H. Ford
Assistant Football Coach
Tempe High school
|
|
Tammy, Abbey and Jamie,
I was shocked and saddened when I learned of Randy's death. He was an incredible man that inspired me to be a better teacher and coach in the few discussions we had.
Jamie, I understand your emotions right now. My father died when I was 26. Time will help the pain and you will always remember the good things that your father passed on to you.
My wife and I have prayed for all of you and we will continue to do so. Take good care of each other.
Jim Carter,
coach and teacher,
Talawanda Schools, Oxford, Ohio
|
|
I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences to the entire Walker family and the Northwestern community as a whole. This is still such a shock to me and all of my fellow NU grads. Randy was such a fine person beyond the scope of the football field. To have heard all of the comments made about him by both current and former players, there is no better tribute to a teacher! He was really so much more than a coach and I was truly blessed to be a fan of this team while he was with us.
Sheryl Nussbaum-NU Grad '91
|
Dear Walker Family,
My name is Kevin Zilch. My Uncle played at Miami University on Mr. Walkers 1990 team. Before that season, he was seriously considering quiting the team, until a phone call one night from Coach Walker changed his mind. My uncles name is Andy Billman and i know he and my entire family send our utmost simpathy to your family.
Kevin Zilch
|
I was a tremendous fan of your husband and remember two tremendous years he had at Miami. But, after reading what every one has said about Randy since his death, he was truly a very special person. I know how hard it will be for you and your two children, but what wonderful memories and now on can take them away from you. I first read about Randy's untimely passing from the Miami news that I get online. He truly will be missed by everyone who had contact with him. My heart and prayers go out to your entire family.
Also, I have been involed in one game agaist NU and have seen two games that Miami beat NU. I will definitely be in Oxford for the Miami vs NU and this will be the first time I will root for NU.
Dick Wallace, Bernardsville, NJ
Richard W. Wallace, '65 Miami University
|
| Randy Walker was not only a remarkable coach, but also a remarkable man. I remember reading about the B10 coaches dinner, how every B10 coach respected him. Coach Walker may have been the most UNDERRATED coach in America. What he did with the talent at NW was just remarkable. Being competitve year in and year out. My final memory of Coach Walker was when the 'Cats beat MSU in East Lansing, 49-14. Rest in Peace coach Walker. My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Walkers family.
Spartan Fan
|
| I wish you only the best. Godspeed.
Ilya Bendich
|
| Dear Tammy, Abbey and Jamie
Sending you my deepest condolences. I had the privilege to know and hang out with Randy when I played football at Miami. At that time he was a graduate assistant, and latter an assistant coach. Randy was one of the truly good people at Miami. He did his thing with grace and class.
Please know I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
May GOD comfort and bless you.
Keith
Keith "Bear" Harvey, Miami football '76- '80
|
To the entire Walker Family,
I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Coach Randy Walker. He was a great coach, husband, father, and mentor. I wish I could have had the pleasure to play for Coach Walker. I have heard nothing but great things from the men who played for him throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jeff Larma
Jeff Larma
|
| I am very fortunate to have met and talked with Randy on several occasions. When you talked with Randy you came away with a special feeling of respect for the man. He always had time for the fans and was always upbeat. His glass was never half empty. His attitude was infectious, his disposition bright and his outlook always positive. I am blessed to have known him.
While his football coaching accomplishments speak for themselves, it is the man who will be missed. He has left his mark on Northwestern, it will endure and the University community is much better for it.
To Tammy and the family, I want to express my deepest sympathy. Rest assured that he is with God and looking down on you.
David A Wuellner - NGN Member
|
| He will be missed
Scott Harlan
|
| To the Family,
My Condolences on your loss.
Coach Walker made Wildcat football so exciting. He gave us teams that never quit. Everyone that follows college football will miss him.
Dennis Hogensen
|
|
This is an excerpt from a personal letter that I wrote to the Walkers. I feel this story should be shown to all:
"A perfect example of the kind of man Coach was: We were playing against West Virginia, and Jamie, who was helping hold Coach's wires, got completely run-over by one of WVU's running backs. Jamie - I'm guessing age 10 or eleven at the time - was trying to be tough and not cry, but he did get hit really hard, and there was no stopping a small bit of tears.
In the middle of this huge game, Coach walked up to Jamie, checked on him, put his arm around him, and smiled. Jamie's face changed...he smiled, wiped his face, and went back to his job. Coach's face changed too...HE smiled, relaxed, and went back to HIS job. It is THAT perspective that made him a great coach. It is THAT perspective that made him a better man."
Thanks for everything, Coach. You will be sincerely missed. - Jim
Jim Clement - Miami Football,1990-93
|
Abbey,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My dad called me to tell me and we were both in shock. Your family was always so welcoming to me and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Karri
Karri Kennedy Murray
|
To Mrs. Walker & the entire Walker family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Walker, and all my thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. Coach Walker touched my life, like he did many of his players, in a very strong and profound way! His lessons in life will continue to be taught everyday through the players he has connected with throughout the years. It is because of Coach Walker, and his lessons, I am the person (and coach) that I am today. He believed in me and gave me an opportunity to be a part the of the Miami 'Redskin' family and for that I own him very deeply. Without his trust and guidance, I would not be where I am today. Thank you Coach...God bless.
Andy Aracri (MU Football 96-00)
|
|
Coach Walker made my lifelong dream come true by giving me a chance to play on a Big 10 football team, and I will never forget the impact that he had on my entire life.
Colin Kennedy, #88
|
|
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Walker family, and Randy's friends and colleagues...
Boothe Davis Logan, WV
|
My first memory of Coach Randy Walker was as a spectator in 1995 when Miami of Ohio staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Northwestern 30-28 after trailing for the entire game. Walker's visiting team taught the favored Wildcats the importance of playing for four quarters.
When he assumed the position of Head Coach in Evanston, Walker trained and prepared his players to play for four full quarters. Over and over again, I learned that if the Wildcats were within striking distance and time remained on the clock that the game was not over. Late rallies and overtime victories became the hallmark of the Walker era. Randy Walker did not merely coach a football team, he was teaching his players important life lessons. In some small way, I hope that I benefitted from my vicarious learning experiences watching from the grandstand. Randy Walker will be missed by his family, friends, players and many admirers in Evanston and elsewhere. His legacy on and off the field will endure. God bless Coach Randy Walker and his family.
Daniel Kelley
|
The Walker Family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Husband, Father...Coach Randy Walker is the best Coach...Northwestern Univ. Football is Number #1..I'm going to miss him..I love Northwestern Univ. Football...I will pray for your kids & family too..God Bless You/Peace..
Chariss M. Washington "Deaf"
|
|
I sit here lost for words, My heart feels so sad that such a wonderful coach and person was taken from us so soon. Our thoughts and prays go out to you through these hard times. We feel so blessed and honored to have known Randy and to have been a part of his staff. May god bless your family.
Howard and Renee Feggins
|
|
Our Prayers & sympathy goes out to the entire Walker Family. We admired what Coach Walker did not only as a Football Coach, but what he did for the whole Northwestern Community. He will be forever remembered in our prayers. May God Bless you & your entire family.
With Love & Sympathy,
Susie Cordova & Eric Gegner
|
|
It is with saddened heart the loss of a great person in coach Walker. Being a former football player at the University of Toledo in the MAC Conference, Randy corresponded with me through the years. No matter how busy his schedule was he always had the time to send me a card to wish me well. He truly made you feel a part of the Northwestern Family. His legacy lives on in our hearts. He remains a loving man first to his family and a sincere compassionate man to all those lives he touched. I will forever miss my dear friend. May the Lord be with the family at this time.
Bill Keran-Toledo Ohio
|
|
Today, the tribe weeps. Rest in peace, Coach Walker.
Forever a Miami Redskin
|
|
Dear Walker Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your husband and father. I did not know Randy but I admired the way he conducted himself as a coach and as a representative of Northwestern University. He loved his family and he kept his priorities in order. He loved football, he expected excellence from his players and he was a great role model for his players and coaches. We will all miss him greatly. May his memory be for a blessing to you and may you find comfort in the time you shared together. I hope that coaches that follow in his footsteps will live up to the same high standards he set.
Sincerely,
Mort Denlow
|
|
Dearest Tammy, Abbey and Jamie,
My sincerest sympathy goes out to you.
I considered it an honor and a privilege for the short time I knew Randy while working for the NU Training Room. Many a time, Randy's post game talks in the locker room spoke to my own heart, leaving me awe-struck and changing my life. After I moved to Wisconsin to care for my aging parents, my Mother and I would spend our Saturday afternoons together watching the Wildcats. She passed away in May and I am struggling with another huge loss in such a short time.
Your Husband/Dad was a man of integrity and utmost character. I know you will miss him so very much.
My love and prayers.
"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." Leonardo da Vinci
Sarah Rechner Nurse Practitioner
|
|
May I pass on my family's deepest condolences. We all had the opportunity to share Randy the public person. Thank you for that. You had the privelege of knowing him personally, intimately.
The NU and Miami communities, coaching, and football lost a fierce comptetitor, great teacher, and honorable man. We all will miss his class and grace; and it will be a deep blow. How much more will be yours for all those private moments only you'll know.
God speed his soul; and may He carry you all through this with His tenderness and mercies.
Michael A. Russell, McC '89 & '98, Rocky River, Ohio
|
|
To the Walker Family:
A life long Wildcat, Graduate and former Football and Baseball player-I was deeply saddened by Randy's passing.
I met him when he was first hired and I could see the sparkle in his eye and knew then the Cats would be put on the right path again.
He was an inspirational leader and I will always remember the last second victory in 1999 from the top of the locker room outside the N-Club when Damien,Kustok and company put it into the end zone.
It was special and the carryover led us to the Big Ten crown the next year.
Coach Walker was certainly a gift to our program and for his time, we and the Wildcat nation were blessed with a true leader not seen since Ara P in the early sixties.
God Bless and I know he'll be forever looking down on his family and the Wildcats!
William J. Hansen 65/66-N.Man
|
|
Dearest Tammy, Abbey and Jamie,
My sincerest sympathy goes out to you.
I considered it an honor and a privilege for the short time I knew Randy while working for the NU Training Room. Many a time, Randy's post game talks in the locker room spoke to my own heart, leaving me awe-struck and changing my life. After I moved to Wisconsin to care for my aging parents, my Mother and I would spend our Saturday afternoons together watching the Wildcats. She passed away in May and I am struggling with another huge loss in such a short time.
Your Husband/Dad was a man of integrity and utmost character. I know you will miss him so very much.
My love and prayers.
Sarah Rechner Nurse Practitioner
|
|
My heart goes out to the Walker family in this time of hurting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mrs. Walker, Jamie, and AbbeyThe football community and the community here at Northwestern will sorely miss our Coach. As a cheerleader, he inspired us, and he led his teams to unbelievable victories that we will never forget. Coach Walker and his legacy have made me a Northwestern Football Fan for life, and for that inspiration and integrity, I am grateful. May God bring you peace in the difficult time to come.
"...and we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
Laurie Beth Gallien
|
|
Dear Walker Family,
I wish you all the best in the coming months. Losing a father is tough, especially the kind of man Randy was - I can tell because of the caliber of friends that he had. I didnt know of Randy that much but as a Penn Stater I certainly know of the Northwestern football program. The Wildcats have always been a tough team to beat, especially since 1999. I imagine that the characteristics that the team are directly related to the kind of man Randy was. May God bless your family richly and may Randy rest in peace.
God bless,
Jason Hohl, Penn State '03
|
|
I wanted to send a quick note of thought and prayer to youf family and the entire Northwestern community for your tragic loss. I was shocked when I heard the news. Although I didn't know Coach Walker particularly well, I do have one memory of Randy. Last spring, I was fortunate to take in a spring practice while I took an afternoon away from the Big Ten Conference office. Towards the end of practice, as drills were going on, Coach called all the players to the endzone line. Coaches proceeded to put cones down the field as Randy gathered the players and spoke of always hustling and doing the little things in practice. As the players prepared themeselves for sprints down the field, Coach asked one of the players to come forward and read what was on his practice plan. The player turned towards the rest of the team and loudly said, "APRIL FOOLS" Everyone burst out laughing and breathed a sigh of relief. Lighthearted, have some fun, but keep the edge needed to be a successful tea!
m. He knew how to do that and that's what I'll remember most about him. He will truly be missed! God bless.
Josh Larsen, Greensboro, NC
|
|
We never had the privilege to meet Randy, but his work has touched us in many ways.
We wanted you to know how much we admired him, how proud we are of his (and your) contributions to the NU family, and most especially that our prayers are with you.
May the Lord bless and keep you, and give you peace.
Rob, Amber, Ben, and Cameron Zielinski
|
|
As an avid football fan and a loyal Washington Husky fan, I to am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a great coach, Randy Walker. I have enjoyed watching the progress that Northwestern has made of the years. It doesn't matter who you root for, what school you belong to or what side of the field you are on, when one of your own football brothern passes on, it touches everyone no matter how slight or how deep. I know that Coach Walker will be missed a great deal not only by his players, coaches, friends and family, but by everyone who is a fan of Collegiate Football. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time especially for the family. God Speed Coach
Greg Brown
|
|
Dear Abby, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was dearly loved and respected at Miami. I wish you comfort and peace and know that your father lived a very fulfilling life. With all my prayers.
Tara
Tara Cheek Battaglia
|
|
My condolences go out to the Walker Family and the Northwestern Community. A day never went by when I was at a Northwestern basketball game that Coach Walker would say hi to my family and I. Northwestern University has been part of my family for 50 years. Coach Walker was a geniune human being and he will be missed. If he wasn't coaching football he was enjoying a basketball game at Welsh-Ryan. God Bless The Walker Family.
Ryan Trauger
|
|
I am deeply saddened by the lose of Coach Walker. He was not only a great coach, but a great person. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Walker Family and the Northwestern football players.
Adam Fay #76 NU '01
|
|
Sending you my deepest condolences. My name is Lynn Kamara and your father/husband coached a family friend of mine (Kurt Mattes-current player). I was devastated to hear the news of your great loss- I too lost my father to a heart attack when he was only 46 years-old. He left behind a wife and 5 young children so I can sympathize (I believe) with your heartache. I will be thinking of all of you. I know it must feel like you won't be able to manage this loss, but have faith and stick together- It is true that grief shared is halved. Respectfully, Lynn
Lynn Kamara
|
|
I'm sorry about the loss of your husband & father. He was an outstanding man, husband, father, & coach. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Eric Meeks
Pasadena, CA
|
|
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Randy Walker's family and the entire Northwestern University community. May Our Lord comfort you and sustain you during this time of loss.
Sincerely,
The Cunninghams
|
|
I met Coach Walker when he spoke at a Kicking Combine I attended in Miami FL. The information he provided helped guide me to make my decisions regarding my opportunities and college choices. Even though he did not sign me, he did sign the quarterback from my high school team and a kicker that I became friends with during our kicking competitions. They both had great things to say about Coach Walker and were very excited to play for him. Your loss is shared by many.
Steven Woodward
|
|
My condolances to the Walker Family. I was on vacation whith some friends who were fellow churchgoers and Miami colleagues from Oxford when we heard the news. It was difficult to see both my perspective (proud Miami grad and fan of Randy Walker the Coach), and that of my friends (fans of Randy Walker the neighbor, husband and dad).
Miami University Grad, 2001
|
|
The family of Coach Walker has our deepest sympathies. Coach Walker set an example of integrity, honesty, loyalty, determination and passion for life. He will be missed.
Carissa and Larry LaTourette
|
|
Deepest sympathies
From everyone at UPS
|
|
My heart goes out to the Walker family at this most difficult time. I would like you to know that I am truly grateful for the academic and athletic opportunity that Coach Walker provided to my son Kim Thompson, Wide Receiver #84. I'll never forget the evening that he spent with my family during the recruiting process. He was such a personable man of much integrity. He will be deeply missed. I will continue to keep the Walker family in my prayers.
Ms. Beverly Thompson
|
|
May God help you during this trying trime. Our prayers are with you.
Dave Goldin
|
|
Dear Walker Family,
Our thoughts are with you during this time of tragic loss. As parents of a Northwestern football player, please know how much we appreciate the significant contribution Coach Walker made to our lives. We extend our sincere sympathy.
Steve and Melody Highlen
|
| IM A BIG ILLIONOIS FOOTBALL FAN,BUT I ALWAYS MADE SURE I WOULD GO TO A N.U. GAME EVERY YEAR.I FEEL FOR YOUR LOSS, RANDY WAS A TRUE HERO ON AND OFF THE FIELD,NOT EVER REALLY MEETING THE MAN I COULD TELL HE HAD TONS OF CLASS,HE WILL BE MISSED...
GLENN CUNNINGHAM
|
|
Our daughter just graduated from NU, and had four wonderful years in the NUMB. The thing that struck her immediately as a freshman was that the team and coaches actually appreciated the band, and went out of their way to say so. So different from her high school experience! Players and coaches regularly visited band rehearsals, including Randy. This is just another illustration of the wide range of Randy's care and concern, and the way he made people feel valued.
One more thing: Randy and the team always sang the fight song, but Randy also expressed appreciation to the band for the quality of their singing. He clearly had a sense of humor.
Our best to you, Tammy, Jamie, and Abbey. We will never forget Randy.
Michael and Linda Krentz, NU 74, 77, 78, 80, 81
|
|
Our condolenses to the Walker family we are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Randy Walker
Sara Rodriguez
|
|
I must admit that before beginning school at Northwesten, I had little interest in college football. However, after attending my first Northwestern game - and first college game at that - I fell in love with the sport and the team. I watched Coach Walker at every home game this past season and also traveled to El Paso for the Sun Bowl as well. If Coach Walker was able to inspire me and my classmates, who are simply fans with deep respect and admiration for this school's team, I can only imagine the impact he must have had on those who knew him personally. His legacy will most certainly live on forever, and those who were touched by him will never forget him. My most sincere condolences for his family, friends, and team.
Marla Brizel, WCAS 2009
|
|
I hope to be there for the memorial. If I cannot get a plane there on time please know my heart, and prayers will be with you. Even though Randy and I lost touch over the years since college; I still followed with great pride his success first at Miami and then at Northwestern.Time, familys, and work play havic with friends staying in touch.I wish now we had written more. Even though we didn't stay in touch I know that we would have picked back up where we left off at Miami. I don't think Randy would have changed a bit. Knowing him inflicted me with a sense of heart and character that he possessed more then any one I have ever met. Randy never knew the meaning of the word quit. Randy was like a brother to me and we often spend hours talking about life. He was where he wanted to be, with Tammy, a great family and coach of a major college. I have thought often of Randy over the years. I want so much to say goodbye, but I want more to say Hello again.
Dennis Lieberman
|
|
We first met Randy in the hospital shortly after his birth. His youth and adult life were mirrors of his dedication to life and his chosen interests. On one visit he had just returned from running the levee back of the Troy football field. He spoke about his challenge of being a team captain and of his faith in his group and his team. We talked about his academic success. That is what I remember most.
Don & Rosalie Armstrong
|
|
Our thoughts and hopes are with you at this time...please believe that Randy brought and shared so much with so many poeple...it was a pleasure to meet and talk with him, but a feel respected not just as an avid fan, but as a person.
Thank you...Randy...rest in peace.
Robin, Marla and Tricia Pendergrast
|
|
Dear Tammy
My heart is with you and your children. I first remember Randy playing ball with my brother, Chuck. And, of course, lots of other Troy memories. I'm so sorry the world has lost such a fine person.
Nancy Wray Liebersbach
|
|
Your husband and father was a real man who I respected and really liked. He was always fun to talk to after games, and he had made the time to chat with "the NU faithful." Randy will be missed for a long time, and we will pray for you. May God bless you.
The Chris Chambers Family
|
|
I would just like to send my condolences on the sudden passing of Coach Walker. The Big 10 has always been my favorite conference and he was an integral part of it. Rest in piece, coach.
Avi Kapen
|
Tammy, Abbey and Jamie,
I am at a loss for words, but as these next few weeks pass into months, I'd like you to know just how much admiration and respect I had for Randy, and how profoundly I will miss him. I lost my breath when I heard of his passing. He was my coach and mentor for my first 3 years of college, and nobody had more influence in my personal development than he did. He expected a lot from his players, but he gave just as much in return. I've been fortunate to keep in touch with him over the years, and it absolutely made my day everytime he and I would talk. Like so many of his former players, my life has been enriched because he was my coach and my friend. You will remain in my prayers. I miss you, Coach.
Jonathan Hall, UNC Football 1985-1989
|
|
Deepest sympathies to the family and all friends of Coach Walker, the coaches, and the players, and all of Northwestern University. Athletics is a small part of our school, and football is part of athletics, but the team and its successes helped me reconnect with NU, seek out fellow graduates and alumni, and think about my days as a student. My wife and I traveled to El Paso for the Sun Bowl and it is incredibly sad to realize that it was Coach Walker's final game. I'll keep wearing the purple and following the 'Cats, but my heart is heavy.
Jeff Kosnett '76
|
|
Even though I never met Coach Walker, it's with wet eyes that I type these words. I've been archiving college football with the University of Michigan for 27 years. As a college football fan with a LOT of friends in Chicago and specifically at WGN Radio 720 this news is so tragic. At 60, I have now been reminded FAR too often of my own mortality. We must love and appreciate every single day...each of which is a gift from God, which some say is why it's called "the present." It somehow seems appropriate that the Northwestern primary color is purple, which in the Catholic faith symbolizes penance and suffering which all Northwestern fans must feel right now. My deepest sympathies.
Art Vuolo, Jr.
www.vuolovideo.com
Novi, Michigan
|
Dear Tammy, Abbey and Jamie,
Please acccept my condolences on Randy's passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Randy was so much more than a football coach; he was a husband, a father, a teacher, a mentor, a role model, someone who made you feel better about yourself when you talked with him. Not to diminish his accomplishments here at NU in any way, but I will miss him more for who he was on a personal level. All of you will be in my prayers, may God be with you all.
Sincerely,
Jeff Potnick NGN
|
|
I would also like to offer my deepest condolences to the Walker family. My first year at NU was in '95 and I was lucky enough to see the Purple go to Pasedena and attend the game. I never thought NU football would see those heights again. Little did I know that Coach Walker would come along. The level of play he brought to the team on a consistant basis rivals anything in NU football history. I met coach walker one time in 2000 before I graduated. I didn't get to talk to him that much, but being from small-town Ohio myself, I instantly identified with him and his style. I was in the seats for the epic wins over Michigan and later, Ohio State. Both of my parents went to OSU and were at the game also. That victory over the Buckeyes meant so much to me and so many people. Later, my dad and I attended the Motor City Bowl together. I just want to say thanks for all the great memories and your efforts in representing the purple and white so well. You will be dearly missed. You're in everyone's thoughts and prayers.
Aaron Markworth
NU Grad 2000
|
|
Dear Mrs. Walker & Family:
I first met you and Randy in 1999. Although, I am not an NU graduate, however, I have supported NU athletics since 1985. Randy was the best! We have crossed paths many of times and the last time we saw each other, I introduced my son Patrick to Coach Walker. I will never forget the smile he put on my son's face. I told Randy that my son will be waiting for a recruiting visit. When I told my son Patrick that Coach Walker "went to heaven", my son said, "daddy it will be ok, because Coach Walker will have a lot of fun up in heaven". I had tears in my eyes. My son Patrick is 7 years old. May God bless you and your family.
Patrick H. Kramer
|
Tammy, Jamie, and Abbey:
I had the good fortune to work with Randy when we were both assistant coaches at NU under Francis Peay.
He was a great football coach, but an even better man!
It is difficult for me to find the words to express my sympathy and warm thoughts which I extend to you now.
Maury Waugh
|
| I have always been a fan of Coach Walker. He has proven to be a legitimate coach. I wish we had obtained him as a coach at Michigan State University. Still, I was able to appreciate him as a coach of another Big Ten school. He will be missed, and I will pray for his family. The lesson learned from this loss is to go for it and live life to the fullest today, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Thank you.
Gerald Henry, 3/85 Michigan State University Graduate
|
|
I am an 18 year old high school senior who has been infatuated with NU football since moving to chicago four years ago. NU football is the most cherished part of my life...it is the most passionate and exciting part of each year. It has also given me an opprotunity to stay connected with my dad during adolescense. Driving to away games, and tailgaiting at Ryan Field are events that enhance our relationship, providing us with valuable time to strenghten our love for each other. In the process the team has become an extended family for me, and coach walker a familiar and loved man. Though usually stoic in these situations, coach walker's death has been an extremely emotional situation for me, and is still unbelievably hard to accept. I cant imagine a football season without him...his enthusiasm, dedication, and personability has had a monumental effect upon me. Not only a superb coach, randy walker was a great man and someone I look up too. I miss him terribly and !
will forever remember him for his accomplishments on the field and affability off of it. My sympathies to his family and friends.
david peterson
|
|
Dear Mrs Walker, Jamie and Abbey
I am very sorry for your loss. I played for Coach Walker from 93-97 and I can tell you that he has greatly impacted my life. I am a better person for knowing him and I will always remember the lessons he taught me both on and more importantly off the field. He always talked about the "Expect to Win" attitude. We will all be thinking of you during these difficult times. God Bless Matt Kordos
Matt Kordos (Miami University)
|
| To the Walker family and Northwestern Football team, our deepest sympathy on the passing of Coach Walker. It has been a honor being a part of "Kamp Kenosha" summer football training camps at UW-Parkside.
Dennis Casey & Friends from University of Wisconsin-Parkside Student Union
|
|
I can only echo the words of this message board that Couch Walker has reached all of us in different but significant ways. As a kid who grew up in New York away from the pagentry of High School Football Randy Walker provided me with a college experience full of Community, School Spirit and Pride. The campus atmosphere that he engendered through his committment to the Northwestern Football team was remarkable and ever present along our lakeside campus. The values that he portrayed in every speach he made and every game he coached set a standard by which we should all try to live our lives. I will forever remember my days at Northwestern and I will forever be grateful to Randy Walker for helping to make them so special.
Eric Gretch, Northwestern 2002
|
|
The foodservice team at Camp Kenosha extends their deepest sympathy to the Walker family. He will be greatly missed by all of our staff.
ARAMARK Dining at "Camp Kenosha"
|
|
I'm so sorry for your loss. While I never met Coach Walker, we are football season ticket holders and like so many people felt like we knew him in a public way. But, I have a private, heartfelt link. Three years ago, my husband, Tom, suffered a stroke at the age of 53. Coach sent a hand-written note filled with positive thoughts and encouragement. It meant so much to hmy husband during his extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation. While so many of us "knew" the public coach, a few of us were indeed blessed to have been touched by his thoughtful private side. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Griffith
|
|
I'm still stunned by Coach Walker's death. I am a huge Northwestern fan and it was an unforgetable honor to talk to Coach Walker last spring. I was speaking in downtown Chicago, and took the train to Evanston to meet Coach. It was a visit I will always cherish. He was sincere and passionate. I remember leaving the football offices and thinking that I wish every football coach at every level could be like Coach Walker.
"The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
-Psalm 34:18
My prayers for the comfort of Coach's family and the entire Northwestern community.
Mitch Holthus, Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs
|
|
As a graduate assistant coach in 1988, I served with Randy on the NU staff when he was running backs coach.
Those were dark times for the program (1-10.) There was little enthusiasm or optimism on the staff. And I confess my experience as a grad assistant had made me very cynical about the program, in spite of my positive experiences as a player.
When Randy was appointed head coach, I reflected on those days in 1988. I recalled that Randy always remained positive and never complained. His charges emulated his ways; they always stayed focused and played tough. I also remembered that he treated us - the grad assistants - with kindness and respect. This unfortunately was not typical at that time.
Sure, Gary Barnett brought some excitement to NU for a moment, but he demonstrated a lack of consistency -- and more importantly, a lack of integrity.
This made Randy's job tough. But he rose to the challenge quickly, accomplishing much more than raising the program to a new level. For me, he helped heal some old wounds and restore my faith in the Wildcats.
Thanks, Coach.
Bob Dirkes (Player from 1983 to 1986)
|
|
God Bless Coach Walker. A wonderful role model to young people everywhere. He will be missed by all.
Michael Frain
|
|
Dear Mrs. Walker, Jamie, and Tammy,
Mr. Walker served and continues to serve as a tremendous influence in my life. His enduring positive attitude shone as a model of the approach a person should take in life. I feel honored to have known Mr. Walker as a tremendous football coach and someone who always loved one of my very best friends, Jamie. Whenever I had the fortunate chance to speak with him, Mr. Walker was always gracious and despite his high status never seemed to put himself above me in any way. Mr. Walker will always be one of my role models, and I wish to express my appreciation for his personality, his accomplishments, and his take on life. Mr. Walker lived as a great man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff Schell
|
|
First off, my sincere sympathies go out to each of you. Everyone is thinking about you during this difficult time.
I've been saying for the past week, Coach Walker was "one of the good guys". And, that's all you've been reading in the press since last Friday. During his Harry Caray NGN lunches Randy wouldn't sit down and eat, but rather would walk around to greet each one of his guests/fans. I always thought that was so classy!!! He made you feel important enough to chat with even for a brief moment.
Timing is never good on things like this. It does remind me about Coach Ricky Byrdsong too.
RESOLVE: That's what the Football Cats will do this Fall without a doubt. This program and its work ethic has Randy Walker's sweat,tears, brain power, hand and footprints all over it. Healing takes time. It will be very hard for the players, staff, student and University name.
However, it will be heartwarming to see how it unfolds. Despite what people may say, there is no controversy on Coach Walker passing away at too early of an age.
Someday, I hope to be remembered in a Cradle of Men/Fathers/Mentors/Co-Workers as "one of the guys" too. That's something to be proud of in this society and our sports world.
Respectfully,
Don Eisenhauer
NU Grad 1988
Valparaiso, IN
|
|
My family lived behind the Walker's in Troy many, many, many years ago. I've always been able to point to Randy and say he (and Robby) used to babysit my sister and me, and that he taught me to throw a football! I think my love of football started way back then when that little 5 year old girl was in awe of these amazing young men who gave us their time and attention.
My mother died suddenly last year about this time, so I know a bit about how difficult a time this is. Let the people who love you, and loved Randy, care for you. And be kind to yourselves.
Kim Hansen
|
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Walker family. Coach Walker recruited me at Miami, and I learned the game of football. But more importantly I learned how to compete. Coach Walker was the type of coach that made players want to be the best that they could be. He was tough on us but it only made us better. The game of football was blessed to have him.
Signed
~A Red Hawk~
C. Boyd
|
|
My heart goes out to the Walker family. I know words cannot ease the grief, but please know Coach brought so much joy to Northwestern. I'll always remember the 2000 win over Michigan and the 2004 Ohio State win. That's how I will remember Randy Walker - jogging off the field after those two wins in complete jubilation.
Coach Walker will always be a huge part of Northwestern and NU Football.
Greg Goldsborough
|
|
Dear Walker Family:
It was my privilege and honor to know Coach Walker the past few years. We met after I sent him a copy of "The Junction Boys" for his reading enjoyment. He then wrote back and thanked me and asked me to come over to meet with him a couple of times in his office.
He made such an impression on me that when I attended NU's game vs. Arizona State at Ryan Field two years ago, I cheered for Northwestern, instead of my alma mater, ASU!
I felt he had an innate ability to handle adversity better than many coaches I knew when I served in the National Football League (and I worked for 2 Hall of Famers). One of those two coaches, Hank Stram, even placed a call to Randy a few years ago, just to say how exciting his NU team was to watch.
I hope to attend the funeral tomorrow, even if it means waiting in the "Public Seating" line.
I was fortunate in that I got to know Randy even for just a short time. We will all miss him and mourn his loss with you.
I hope these memories will help soothe your pain at this most trying time.
Dave Mann, Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
Vernon Hills, IL
|
|
I am at a loss for words. The Walker family is in my prayers and thoughts. The treasured memories I have of Randy will last forever. He was truly a gift and a present God sent my way.
Charlie Imel Urbana, OH
|
|
Word will and certainly cannot express our sorrow for your loss as well as the loss of one of the great people of our lifetime.. We have followed Northwestern football for 15 years and attended all of the home games, some away games and the Motor City Bowl. The thing we most loved about the school was Coach Walker.. You could always tell he was a straight shooter (honest/caring) and his players expressed this same trait.. (We even got to know several over the years)
We will all will never be the same with his loss/influence and will keep you in our prayers and thoughts. God must have wanted someone great for heaven and Coach Walker was his chosen one... We have to believe that we were certainly lucky/fortunate to experience someone like him even though it was a very short time period...
Dan and Catie Barron
|
| As a 2000 grad, I had the opportunity to attend the Fall 2000 Wisc-NU game in Madison with a UW Grad. There I was, wearing my purple proudly amongst a field of red and white, watching Randy Walker leading the team to a victory in double overtime. It was an amazing feeling to be that lone NU fan along side hundreds of Badger fans...including most of my family. But no matter what color you were wearing that day, you had to respect Coach Walker. I am deeply saddened, as most alums are, by this devastating loss. My condolences go out to all of Coach Walker's family and his many NU players. Erin Smith
|
| My sympathies go out to the entire Northwestern family at your deep loss. Even as Purdue students, my friends and I loved to cheer for Northwestern because they were "scrappy". They always proved to be worthy opponents under Coach Walker. My father also loved to reminisce about working with Coach Walker when he was a member of the Miami Football Team. He is truly saddened by this loss as we all are. Northwestern Football will never be the same. Anne Himebaugh (daughter of Jim Himebaugh, Miami '77)
|
| Randy was one of those individuals who always had a positive outlook on everything he did whether it be on the field or in ordinary settings. I feel priviledged to have known him a a player and watch the fantastic job he did as a head coach.
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to Tammy and her children. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ken Hauck -Miami Teammate '76
|
| I am so sorry for your loss. Our daughter is an alum and an employee of NWU. We have watched several games with your husband as head coach and I was always impressed with his professionalism and his love of the game. My husband coached HS football over 30 years so I understand the stress to a certain degree. Again, I am so sorry. Peggy Clifford
|
| Our hearts go out to you. We will miss Coach Walker greatly. He was an engaging man with great character. We will truly miss him. We will never forget what he has done for our son, Trevor Rees. May God be with you. Keli and Drew Wall
|
| Our heart and prayers go out to the Walker family and the Northwestern University with the recent passing of Coach Walker. Our youngest daughter is a '99 NU grad and we've spent a lot of time in Evanston. We're also U. of Michigan football ticket holders so we've seen the good work of Coach Walker and his staff. He will be greatly missed. May God bless and comfort you in your loss. Ron Doorn
|
| Coach Walker was a great man. i remember when i first met him at the NU football camp and thinking to myself "if he decides to offer me a scolarship, this is the man i want to play for." His positive attitude and unselfish methods of thinking by putting the team before anything really left a lasting impression on me. I was very excited to play for him as my head coach, i know he would have only made me a better person and a better player. I wish only the best for your family in this time of sorrow. Brendan Mitchell
|
| Dear Mrs. Walker and Family:
Randy represented everything that was good regarding an academic institution that could also
compete on the athletic field.
He accepted a monumental task and he demonstrated
his leadership and ability to motivate these exceptional young men.
I am sorry that your time together has been so short. You can be sure that he fulfilled his role
here on earth as few of us ever will.
I have you and your two children in my prayers.
God Bless. May Randy Rest in Peace.
Sincerely, Thomas Mulvey ( Class of 1986 )
|
| Tammy, Abbey, & Jamie,
My heart broke when I got the news that your husband and father had passed away. He was a huge influence in my life. He was the one who spoke my dream of playing in the NFL into existence and it was in part because of his belief in me that I kept trying even after getting cut three times. I'll always remember Randy, and will take what he taught me through the rest of my life, for he didn't just teach me about football, but about life. He was the kind of man that I strive to be; one who speaks truthfully and courageously, one who cares about people and is willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed, one who knows what he believes and lives what he believes. My prayers go out to you. I know your loss is great. May you be comforted as I am in knowing that Randy had faith in Jesus, who promised eternal life to all who believed in Him. We will see him again one day! Bob Christian
|
| I would very much like to offer my sincere condolences to the entire Coach Walker family, his staff and Northwestern University. Having played for Coach Walker at Miami of Ohio during the 1990 season, I had the fortunate opportunity to be exposed to such a wonderful and intelligent coach and an awesome friend. He'd call Jim Clement and me into his office hours before practice. While we thought we were in trouble for something, all he wanted was to tell us stories. He loved telling stories. A man with an incredible sense of humor, a man who always put God first, he cared so much about all his players on and off the field. I have, in the past, sent him emails to congratulate him on his success at both Miami and Northwestern, and he always replied when he could. Coach Walker was and still remains to me as one of the very best people I have ever come to know. Although The Bible says we should rejoice when a loved one passes, it is very difficult to do so, as he so dearly and unselfishly touched the lives of everyone we came in contact with. Although I am crushed at losing such a great person, Coach Walker is in Heaven now and, as I fight away my tears, anguish and broken heartedness, I want to thank him for being so instrumental in my life, for being a great coach and unbelievable friend. You will be sorely missed sir and I pray that The Holy Spirit brings peace and comfort to your family and all at Northwestern University. Joe Napoli - Miami 1989 & 1990
|
| I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. As Randy's personal friend, teammate and FCA cohort at Miami I'm deeply saddened. Northwestern University received the very best in Coach Walker. May his legacy live on in the hearts and minds of everyone touched by his passion and drive to excel. My thoughts and prayers are with Tammy, the entire Walker family and Northwestern University football program. May God stengthen all of us who grieve Coach Walker's passing. Ralph Schneider (Miami '76)
|
| Our Family gathered together at the Football Reception for graduating Seniors. We were welcomed by Tammy, Randy, Coach Cushing and others. I am so glad that I took the time to tell Tammy & Randy a story. I was driving home from my nursing job one day listening to Sports Radio, "The Fan". The subject was a Coach who had fallen from grace but was heralded as a "winning" Coach. There was a comparison made to Randy not in a flattering light. I told Tammy/Randy that I called into the station. I voiced that I was so glad that my Son was playing for a Coach where He would graduate with "Character and Integrity" intact. I told Randy that "I want to tell you that today personally. He kidded, "Have you been talking to Tammy?" "No", I replied. Laughingly He said,"you need to tell this to the A.D." Thinking for a minute, I said "Actually I did!" "After the season was over, I told the A.D. that I was glad Sean played for you!" Then he really laughed. I also thanked Tammy for all the time given to boys like ours. I like to reference the fact that My Dad was a lifelong friend of the Coach, Vince Lombardi. The reason being, that He was someone that taught men about being mentally and physically tough. But there was something that he taught about "Spiritual Strength" that made the difference in nurturing the total person. Coach Randy Walker will be remembered in the same context. He Coached in a way that He thought was "Right". His was an unwavering Voice of Reason among popularity seekers or those without the guts to see it through. That is the test of a Man. That is the test of a True Coach and Leader of Men. He would not falter in his support of his players, even though sometimes they faltered on or off the field. His was not a job that he could leave at the office.Tammy He's so much more to you. He's the love of your life. To Abbey and Jaimie - he's Dad. To his future grandchild he leaves a powerful legacy of the Total Man, "Mentally, Physically and Spiritually Tough"! God Bless You All. Our love and gratitude to you, Randy. Sallyann & Ron Mansfield
|
| To The Walker Family-
On behalf of the Morris Community High School football program, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Coach Walker. We truly respected and appreciated Coach as he we have grown to know him through his recruitment of our players. His loss is shared throughout the football world, both college and high school. Our hearts lay heavy with yours and we pray for your comfort in this difficult time. God Bless you. Dave Auwerda- Offensive Coordinator, Morris Community High School, Morris, Illinois
|
| Dear Walker Family and NU Athletic Family,
Words are very difficult for everyone right now. Like many of us in the game of college football, I considered Randy Walker a friend. He made me feel like his friend even though we only came in contact a couple times each year. It was one of his many special gifts. When Randy brought NU to the Motor City Bowl a few short years ago, his team reflected the honor, dignity, class and enthusiasm of its head coach. Randy became an excellent ambassador for our bowl game in Detroit. I will never forget that.
As you read the myriad letters to your family, it is obvious that Randy was a unique man and coach. The best of the best. As Coach Perles has said, "you might tie him, but you can't beat him." So special in so many ways. He endeared everyone to himself and to NU football. My thoughts and prayers are with you every day... Ken Hoffman, Exec. Dir., Motor City Bowl
|
| On behalf of all the fans at the University of Wisconsin and the Badger Student Fan Club, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Randy Walker. What we will remember about Randy Walker was that his teams were ready to play any team on any given day, and do what they can do to win. This was evidenced by the many close, high scoring UW-Northwestern games we have seen. We have the highest respect for what he has done to rebuild Northwestern. It is devestating to see this happen. Wisconsin fans felt this similar loss when we lost our beloved Head Football Coach Dave McClain to a heart attack in 1986. We extend our prayers to the Walker Family, NU Fans, the NU Student Body, and all the proud NU alumni, players, and staff affected by this tragedy. May God bless Northwestern Football in this time of tragedy. Badger Student Fan Club
|
| We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and the University during this difficult time. Linda Lawson --
Big Ten Band Chairman
Sun Bowl Association
|
| I was just told about this site. Although it deeply sadden me to read all the messages it made me realize how many peoples lifes Coach Walker touched. Imagine how many people haven't heard about this site? :) I recently wrote him a short letter telling him how I felt about him. In short, he taught me football, but more importantly, he taught me how to be a better man. Best Wishes! Dustin Cohen
|
| Tammy- Words cannot express my shock and heartfelt saddness for Randy's passing. As a teammate and classmate I had the privilage of knowing a fine individual and great competitor. I also followed Randy's coaching career and was proud for his accomplishments. Although I have never met the children and we have spoken only a few times over the years I know from conversations with Randy at Miami that you were the love of his life. My condolences to you and the family. Dave Potts (Miami 1972-76)
|
| As a Southern Miss Golden Eagle fan, I wanna thank his family for allowing him to do what he loved to do. And let them know that as a fan of College Football I loved watching his teams play the game and how much class he and his teams always showed. We've all been blessed to watch him coach at Miami Ohio, and Northwestern and watch and enjoy watchin him run one of the most exciting offenses in college football. He will be missed here on earth but know this God just got a hecka of a man and God's Coaching Staff in heaven just got alot more exciting. God Bless All of his family and God Bless the Northwestern Family and my Condolences to u all James ( Unversity Of Southern Mississippi )
|
| I am a UW-Madison Student, and let me tell you I have the greatest respect for what he has done for the NU program. It is sudden and saddening to see that he has left the world too early. NU has been blessed to have a talented man like Randy Walker take NU from the doormats of college football to a Big Ten Contender. What I will remember is spirited, close, down to the wire NU and UW games when it was decided on the last play in most years during the Walker Era. But also, I will remember how much he left a lasting impact to the NU program. Being a student season ticket holder we would like to extend our offer to any NU student fans to come to Madison this year to share their memories. As a gesture of sportsmanship in the Big Ten it is fitting that we would like to have a way for NU student fans to grieve with their fellow rivals. It brought back memories 20 years ago, when our beloved Dave McClain died of a heart attack at the UW. I can't know what you are going through, and time will heal. My prayers go out to the NU program, the NU community, The Randy Walker Family, and the many lives he has been blessed to touch and impact in a positive manner. To all the players, I pray for you to get over this in the best way possible and to have a great season. May the Holy Spirit lead him to the reward of the heavenly kingdom, and let his works at NU rest in peace. Kyle Maichle (University of Wisconsin)
|
| My wife was not a football fan when we met 4 years ago. But she came to love everything about Northwestern Football, and much of that has to do with her love for the determined, but caring and earnest nature of Coach Randy Walker. We send our prayers to his entire family. We can't imagine games at Ryan Field or on TV without the Coach prowling the sidelines. No NU game will ever be watched by us without remembering everything Randy Walker stood for. I am now a teacher of sixth graders, and my love for NU is something they quickly learn to understand. Part of that enthusiasm always came from how I explained to them about Randy Walker's focus on doing things "right". He truly understood that teaching (or coaching) isn't about teaching skills or content alone -- it's about nurturing human beings. As you hear his players describe him, you know that quality will be his greatest legacy. Chris Lambros (NU '92)
|
| My family is deeply sorry to learn of the passing of Coach Walker. My daughter graduated from NU in 2001 and was a big (huge) football fan. From her college days, Northwestern has been our team and Coach Walker was our coach; first as a wonderful person and also as a great coach. I never met him personally, but everything I heard him say, or what I read about him confirmed a person with only the highest integrity and compassion. Your family and the Northwestern family has suffered a huge loss. My family also feels your loss. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Rich Schmidt
|
| We moved to chicago four years ago and, knowing my son, David, and I would find a common bond in College Football, we became Northwestern season ticket holders. Litle did we know just how captivated we would be by Randy Walker's 'Cats and the inspiration he provided his players and the fans. In so many ways he helped to teach my son the values of never giving up and believing in yourself. We started with going to home games - last year we saw every game but one, home and away. We are so saddened by the loss of Coach Walker: Even though we are relative outsiders to the Northwestern community, we would bump into him at the "Meet the Cats" evening, or the Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, or after a practice, or after a road game and in time it seemed he would recognize us. He always shared an upbeat "how're you doing", and my son felt so connected when he would field his questions each year at the "Meet the Cats" event. It is so hard to believe he won't be on the sidelines, arms folded as he takes in the game or walking over to encourage or use the moment to teach a player. Coach Walker was a great, upbeat role model and we will miss him terribly. Thank you, Coach, for four wonderful years, for all you did to shape the lives of so many, for the example you led with, and for the connection you brought to the life of a father and his son each football season. God Speed, David & Chan Peterson
|
| Dearest Walker Family;
I want to express my deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. I was fornuate to arrive in Evanston near the same time as Coach Walker watching him turn a program around from lovable losers to Big 10 Champs.
The memories Randy brought to the Northwestern family will never be forgotten. Coach propelled NU into one of the greatest collge football games in history as NU pulled out a thrilling victory over Michigan (54-51) in front of a national television audience. Thanks for allowing us to believe in Purple Pride.
Randy will be missed in Evanston and throughout the collge football scene. I'll be all choked up August 31st. Thanks Coach Brian Philip Young
|
| Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father and husband.
Coach Walker was not only possessed a great football mind, he was a great man. I remember meeting him after the team defeated MSU in 2000 en route to the Alamo Bowl. Coach Walker and the Wildcats landed back at Ryan Stadium late at night, where a throng of us awaited them. Despite the late hour and the weariness, Coach Walker still took the time to shake the hand of every fan waiting there.
Again, I am so sorry. Randy Walker exemplified Northwestern. We will all miss him and I hope that a community's love for him will help you get through this difficult time. Scott Harrison
|
| Dear Walker Family - My sympathies are with you during these tough times. Coach Walk was an incredible coach, the year I spent around Northwestern Football still shows up in my coaching to this day. It was an honor to be around and know him. I will keep the family and Coach in my prayers. Pat Baker - Dayton, OH
|
| My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your entire family. I didn't know Coach Walker but respected the way he conducted himself on the field.
As a family we have said a lot of prayers for you and Randy. God Bless the Walker's and know there is a lot of people pulling for you outside of the Northwestern family. Dave Gallagher (Hawkeye Fan)
|
| I'm a Michigan Wolverines fan. I was, however, very happy for Northwestern and their fans to finally have a competetive team in recent years. More impressive to me was Coach Walker. I usually don't find myself in a position of admiring the coach of an opposing team but Randy Walker was different. I'm a Michigan fan but I am deeply, deeply saddened by the loss of Randy Walker. I didn't know Coach Walker, but I know he had character. Far too young to leave this life. My condolences to the family. Craig Penrose, Ann Arbor, MI
|
| Our family would like to thank you for the opportunity Coach Walker gave all of us by offering our son Austin a Football Scholarship at NU, and the great privalege for both parents and son to have known him. Our devestation over your loss cannot be expressed in words. Randy came into our home and we immediately knew he would make an everlasting posititve influence in our sons life, way beyond the football field. He took a kid from the south to the north in more ways than geography. We trusted Randy from the moment we met him, and we are thankful he saw something in Austin,that Austin did not.Our son called us minutes after learning, crushed that the coach he had come "to love & respect" was gone.We have challenged him that he bears the reponsibility with many others before him, to carry on the legacy that Coach Walker began on & off the field, and in that way he will live forever.We are all better for having known him.God Bless you all! Wiley & Daryl Matthews
|
| I would like to wish my deepest sympathy for you and the entire Northwestern family. It is truely a sad day for college football. Randy Walker was respected by all and was a true gentlemen. Matt Kelly (University of Texas)
|
| I am deeply saddened for the sudden loss of one of the best college football coaches in recent memory. I am a Sooner fan down ihere in Oklahoma but i still want to say my condolences and my true heartfelt sympathy for the Walker family and the entire Northwestern family. Jason Bruce
|
| Mrs. Walker-
I wanted to give you and your family my condolences. I know your faith is God during this time and you know that He will bring you through this trial. You are in my prayers daily.
God Bless, Marvin Brown (Past NU Player 01')
|
| Tammy,
As a former President of the Miami Alumni Chapter in Seattle I hosted Randy for a luncheon in the mid-1990s. Additionally, I for fortunate enough to have joined you, Randy, and the Miami football team on road trips to LSU, UNC and UC. Like everyone, I was shocked to learn the news about Randy's passing. I have two favorite memories. One is the look on his face when I gave him a baseball autographed by Ken Griffey, Jr. The other is the chance we had to visit while I drove him over to the University of Washington's Husky Stadium to show him a football stadium he had never seen before. Randy's contributions to both Miami University and Northwestern University have been huge. My wife, Jennifer, my son Brian and I all want to express our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your tremendous loss. Dan Ferrell - Miami University Class of 1971
|
| Please accept my condolences on the loss of Coach Walker. As a Michigan Alum, it was just downright fun to watch him coach and watch his teams play at Michigan Stadium. They did it with a tremendous amount of love, devotion, and tenacity for the game they played. He will be sorely missed by all of us in the Big Ten. Richard Legg
|
| My family sends their deepest sympathies to the family of Coach Walker. I am a senior in high school who met with Coach Walker several times this past spring, and within the last two weeks at senior camp. As far as the recruiting process goes, I was truly looking forward to working with him at the college level. He was a good man, and amazing coach. He will be missed by so many. Niko Mafuli
|
| I am an alum of Northwestern and although I did not know Randy personally, I do teach at Troy High School. I worked for Randy's brother, Rob, for four years as he was our principal.
I was very surprised to hear of the loss of Randy on the local news. The interviews from people that knew him in Troy were very touching.
My heart goes out to Randy's wife and children. Peace to you. Irene Sheldon Imboden
|
| Dear Mrs. Walker, Abbey and Jamie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I played for your husband and father at Miami from 95-98. Coach Walker impacted my life greatly. Football is the best metaphor for life and I try to embody the messages Coach Walker impressed upon me in every aspect of my life. I am a better person for knowing him and I will always remember the lessons he exemplified. Please know this, Coach Walker's legacy will live on. Thousands of young men have benefitted from his influence. Specifically, I remember his talks on responding to adversity and in finishing the task at hand. Every message he delivered not only made us better football players but better men as well. I will honor Coach Walker's life by embodying his teachings and life lessons. He impacted so many of us. Just one simple example.. After I graduated from Miami, I began using Coach Walker's signature line when asked "how are you doing".. "I'm doin' great, how you doin'?"
He was always "doin' great!" And why wouldn't he be? After coaching us, he got to go home to you all.
Mrs. Walker, Abbey and Jamie thanks so much for lending us your husband and father all these years.
God Bless You All, Chad O'Reilly, Miami 95-98
|
| Randy was a true leader -- one who leads by example and by deed -- a wonderful man. He was self-effacing despite his remarkable talents and achievements. His smile illuminated the room, and the warmth of his personality made everyone he conversed with feel special. His integrity and dedication were immediately evident. He was irreplaceable. We hope his legacy continues to inspire past, present and future Wildcats. Carol & Neil Rowe
|
| I send my deepest thoughts and prayers to the Walker Family. My brother Tyrell talked so highly of Coach Walker and everything that he stood for.l I just want to say that he exemplified the type of person every player would love to have as a coach, and I am very sorry for your loss. Tony Sutton
|
| Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Tammy,
Jamie, Abbey and the entire Walker family. Coach
Walker touched our lives in so many ways. His presence on and off the field was an inspiration to all. Words cannot express our loss and sorrow. We will miss him dearly. Cindy & Dave Gaborek
|
| We never really met Coach Walker, but saw him often while we were running or walking along Sheridan. He was either on a walk himself or out in the yard. We always said hello to each other--he just had such an approachable, unassuming, kind presence. As I read and listen to what players, fellow coaches, and commentators say about him, I am even more saddened--the kind man who always had a smile for our family walking by was so loved and respected by all with whom he came in contact. You must all be so proud of the example he set for his players, the Northwestern and Big Ten communities, and college athletics in general. I am so sorry for your loss. Katie and Scott Schoessel
|
| Our prayers and thoughts are with the Walker family as the Northwestern community has stuffered a great loss. Coach Randy Walker was what was right about college football as his memory will live on forever. Phil Steele's College Football
|
| We are so sorry to hear about your loss of your husband and father. We we so impressed with Coach Walker and Coach Brown during the recruiting time. We had a great visit here at our home, in Texas and during our offical visit at Northwestern. I really felt that Connor would get the best care and coaching from Coach Walker and his staff and be loved by the staff at NU. We will miss him. You are all in our prayers.
Sincerely, Liz Fitzpatrick and Connor Smith
|
| Our deepest sympathies from our family to yours.
Living in Dayton, Ohio we have followed Randy and his football career since he became coach at Miami of Ohio. We also had a son graduate from NWU and so we again watched and cheered for Randy and NWU football. Football seasons will not seem the same.
Randy seemed to be one of a kind (as a coach and person) and will be missed by everyone he touched.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Walker family.
Sincerely, Jim and Sally Valeri
|
| Big Jim, Ruth, Rob & Tammy, The "Walkman" was and will always be my personal "Hero" both on and off the field! He learned from Great Men, he played with Great Men and he taught so many to be Great Men !! You can bet he's still working on his X's and O's in heaven. Deepest sympathy from the entire "Lydman" Family !! Bob Lydon - MU - 76 #57
|
| My deepest condolences on your loss.
Coach Walker represented the best in execution,
Loyalty and Dedication as a coach.
God rest and bles his soul and your family. Art Brickman, Ebus;51
|
| Dear Walker family,
I am truly saddened and shocked to hear about the death of Randy Walker. I am a huge Northwestern fan and will greatly miss him. I hope that in your time of need you think of him as the kind of husband and father he was. Know also that he is with God and will watch over his family and his Northwestern family Victor Zaccagni
|
| Coach Walker was truly passionate about coaching but even more passionate about the players that would be touched by his guidance. Prayers go out to all who feel his loss. Charolette Hunt
|
| My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time or your loss and our loss. I remember Randy as a player at Miami when I was coaching against him at Toledo. When my staff and I visited Northwestern to discuss football over the last 5 year Randy was a gracious and helpful host. We discussed living in Florida around Bonita Springs and going to Doc's for a beer and grouper sandwich. I will miss him as a coach and friend as will all of our coaching fraternity. Again my prayers are with Randy and all his family. Dan Simrell --
Head Coach,
University of Findlay
|
| My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Walker Family. I was a walk-on player at Miami and had the privilege to be a team mate with Randy in 1974 and 1975. Randy treated me and everyone he came in contact the same...with respect, dignity and compassion. His drive, determination and most of all his character stood out above all the rest of our team. I also had the honor to serve as President of the Miami University Athletic Departments Red & White Club Board Of Directors while Randy was head coach. You could always count on Randy to give of his time and share his love and his pride in Miami. Prayers abundantly are offered for Tammy Jaime and Abbey...your husband and father touched so many lives and he will always be remembered with love. Mario Macioce-Gahanna, Ohio MU '78
|
| I'm sorry about Randy's untimely death. Even though I'm a Hawkeye fan, when Northwestern beat Iowa 28-27 the reason was Randy's coaching. He was a tremendous coach and even though I didn't know him personally, I'm sure he was a great person.
You're in my thoughts and prayers. Cade Jones
|
| I'm sorry for your umtimely loss of a gentle giant. No words can adequately comfort you but please know you are in my family's thoughts.
He leaves behind a legacy. He earned the respect of many by his example on & off the field. The best way we can honor him is to carry forth in that same spirit. For someone who left us too soon, he indeed lived a full life. Dan Weinrib Medill '92
|
| You are truly in my prayers, I met Randy a couple months back during the recruiting process for my son Justin Hickman. I was so looking forward to my son playing for such a wonderful person. Even though Justin was not offered by Coach Walker, we were very hopeful. Coach Walker just showed to be the type of person that I wanted my son to be lead by. The world was blessed with a truly wonderful person that touched so many young men in such a great way. Please know that Coach Walker will live on in many people's heart.
Keep your heads up even in a time of sorrow.
May God bless and keep you.
From the Hickman Family Desiree Hickman
|
| Dear Mrs. Walker.
Every spring for the last five years I would bring my sons (michael and robert) to the spring scrimmage/stretch with the Cats. The team was there to work and get things done. It was also a family day and you felt that. The players and coaches had time for everyone. I am sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family -- NU players and fans we'er lucky to have Randy as their coach. Kevan Mathy -- Mundelein, Il.
|
| We were very much saddened to hear of Coach Walker's passing. Brandon informed us as soon as the football players received this devastating news. Coach Walker was a strong, positive influence to our son and therefore greatly respected by us. Coach Walker had a calming sincerity about life as well as football. Whether you saw him on or off the football field this was the way he came across to all who knew him. We will always be greatful for the time and guidance he gave to our son. He will always be remembered in our hearts.
Mrs. Walker, Jamie, and Abbey, you have our deepest sympathy. The Northwestern University has suffered a very important loss to this organization.
Sincerely, Thaxton & Marcia Roberson --
Pearland, Texas
|
| I never had a chance to meet Randy but from knowing his father while I was growing up, it sounds like Randy was just like his father. Jim, his father was always so proud of both is boys. Our family also had the opportuntity to know one of his team members, Sean Wieber. I don't think I will ever forget the excitement that Northwestern had during the NU/Michigan game a few years ago.
I send my deepest sympathy to the entire Walker family. Having lost both my parents, always remember all the good times and laughs you have had Randy. It is such a tremendous comfort. Sue Gump Gilliam - Niceville, FL
|
| My name is Bro.Joseph Dugick,O.S.B. Iam a Monk of Mount Michael Abbey in ELKHORN,NE.we the Monastic Community of Mount Michael,Faculty,Staff,Student Body would like to offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family at the loss of "Randy Walker" please except this prayer from us.And May God Bless all of you.
I Said a Prayer For You Today
I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard---
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word.
I didn't ask for wealth or fame,
I knew you wouldn't mind.
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind.
I asked that He'd be near you
At the start of each new day,
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small,
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all.
May God Bless all of you at this time of your loss. Bro. Joseph Dugick,O.S.B.
|
| As a member of the class of 1989, I am proud of what Coach Walker was able to accomplish both on and off the field. I am truely sorry for your loss and you can take emmence pride in Coach Walker's legacy that will forever be left upon the Wildcats both past, present and future. David Sigman
|
| Walker Family:
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I was fortunate to interact with Coach Walker through coaching football at Carthage College. In all my brief encounters with Coach Walker, he was nothing but a true gentleman - a first class person that you should be so proud of.
We were very fortunate to have him allow us to bring a group of players down this past spring to watch a Spring practice. Coach went out of his way to say "hi" to each of them and to make us feel very comfortable and welcomed.
You could tell how much he loved the game of football and the kids he coached. He taught me how to truly be a coach and mentor of integrity.
Please take care of yourselves and know that many of us are thinking about you and praying for you. Gary Williams
|
| I do not know Coach Walker or any of his immediate family personally. My family and I all went to the University of Iowa and I've been a loyal hawkeye fan for many years. One memory of Coach Walker that will always be remembered by me is watching him during the miraclous comeback last year when Northwestern beat Iowa with 2 touchdowns in the last couple of minutes of the game. The television camera showed Coach Walker several times during those last few minutes and the thing that impressed me the most was how positive and expressive he was with his players, showing his never "give up" attitude and believing in his players that they would somehow win that game. I was extremely disappointed to see Iowa lose that game but I was also very impressed with the way Coach Walker handled adversity and somehow willed his team to an improbable victory. Northwestern University was so very lucky to have him as coach of their football team. I have total respect for Coach Walker and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife and children. Michael Storck
|
| Our deepest sympathies and prayers to Mrs. Walker and her children. Coach Walker did a tremendous job at Northwestern and will be missed terribly. Please accept our condolences and prayers for your family. Ann Caudill & Robert Thiry - Pittsburgh, PA
|
| A frequent visitor at summer camp practices
and a true patron of Wildcat football. Randy
truly is a inspration and a incredible
person. He demonstrated to be a model coach
for the rest Big Ten.
Condolences go out to his family and the
Northwestern Wildcat football community. Mike Reth --
Racine, WI
|
| Dear Walker Family, My deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband and father. He was a true inspiration to many. I was one of the lucky ones to have learned many life lessons from him as he coached and mentored me from '88-'90 at NU. He will be missed greatly! Curt Zipfel
|
| What a shock and unspeakable loss this is. My father passed away at 52 so I know how hard it can be. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Coach Walker will live on in the lives he touched. Chuck Phillips
|
| Tammie & Family,
We were devastated to hear about Randy's sudden death. It was announced in church yesterday and we called Jerry Juren and told him.
You were such special people and so many people in the church have fond memories of you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God watch over you and comfort you.
Sincerest sympathy, Merle & Peggy Minor --
Durham, NC
|
| i would like to entend my deepest sympathy on the loss of randy. he was truely a wonderful person and his loss will be great. if i had a son that was going to play colledge football, i would have loved for him to play for a coach like randy. god bless you and your entire family. Rich Weiss
|
| Tammy and family,
One of our children attended and graduated from NU in 2005. Some of our best memories of being in Evanston are being at Ryan Field. Win or lose, you always knew that Randy's team would be well prepared, well conditioned, and totally committed, both physically and mentally. He personified excellence and doing things the right way. And it is obvious that he had the same approach to his family, his church, the university and everyone he touched along the way. We cannot imagine the loss you are feeling, but hope that the thoughts and prayers of so many people are of comfort to you, Jamie and Abbey. We will always follow NU football and remember Coach Walker.
In deepest sympathy, Kevin & Mary Jo Keith
|
| I would like to send my condolences to the Walker Family on the loss of Randy. I knew Coach Walker while working as a Certified Athletic Trainer at Miami University. Although I did not know him well, I still remember speaking with him almost daily as he went for his afternoon walk/jog. Coach Walker was always very open and kind in our short conversations. After he left Miami I always kept up with Northwestern Football Program to see how things were going for him and the program. Please know Randy, his family, and the Northwestern Community are in my thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully, Jennifer Beardslee
|
| I first met Randy at an alumni function in Houston. During our talk, we discovered that we had both played for Dick Crum.....Randy in College me in High School. This led to the telling of stories and a feeling that we had known each other for years. Randy made me feel proud to know him and that he was the leader of the NU footbal family. I will miss him and I wish all the best to his family. Dennis Yanta
|
| My main memory of Coach Walker will be of our golf games...then enjoying all the 19th hole stories about his life, family and football...all told with that infectious smile of his. A great coach and person that had all the right values. And a most tragic loss for the Walker family and his extended Northwestern family. Russ Schwem
|
| Walker Family- For as long as Coach Walker has been at NU I have watched his teams because they always played hard and were entertaining. Everything I have ever read or saw about him on TV indicated this was a special man. I am truly sorry for your loss and the coaching fraternity has lost one of the good ones. May God keep you comforted in your time of need. TK Dodd Asst FB Coach Campbell HS Smyrna, Ga.
|
| I was shocked and saddended to learn of the
passing of Coach Walker. I had the opportunity to
interview him in the past and was always impressed
by his positive attitude, knowledge and love for the game of football. The competitive zeal of his Wildcat teams was impressive and obviously reflected his coaching. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, children and the Northwestern family. Bill Marklevits Noram Int'l Corp.
|
| I feel deeply for your loss and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am an athlete at northwestern and a huge follower and fan of the football team and have always had so much admiration and respect for Mr. Walker. His loss is a very sad one but he will always be remembered by those he influenced and his fans like myself. My condolences for this tragedy. Alex Kiaie
|
| Dear Tammy, Abbey and Jamie,
My prayers are with you as go through this difficult time. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news. Though it has been many, many years since we attended Parkwood United Methodist Church together and I babysat Abbey and Jamie, I remember you all like it was yesterday. Take care and God Bless, Laura Denny, laura@lldenny.com
|
| Across the country from our family to yours:
We are experiencing a great sense of sadness
here in California for the family of Coach
Walker and for all of those who knew and
respected him.It is with deepest sympathy that
we send our condolences and extend warm
greetings to the family at this difficult
time. Family of Sam Cheatham
|
| We are deeply sadden with the passing of Coach Walker. His visit to El Paso's Sun Bowl 2005 brought new friendships never to be forgotten, he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and Northwestern University. Tony Ponce-Sun Bowl-Big 10 Team Host Committee Chair
|
| To the Walker Family,
My heartfelt sympathy for your sudden loss. I hope and wish that you share your fondest memories of Randy with family and friends for years to come, and I hope that you are able to see how he touched so many lives as a father, a friend, a coach, a mentor.
My heart goes out to all of you. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers forever. Kyle Dunaway-Akron, Ohio
|
| i cried
i'm still crying
how can i convey to you what he meant to us?
the little alumni out there
Randy coached the first game I ever saw NU win, I waited 14 years and saw 21 games before I saw them win... that game was NU v Michigan 2000.
i was in the marching band when NU went 1-23-1 (the win was an away game)
i was raised in Nebraska and in those days I believed my purple NU could win someday
i religiously checked the paper every Sunday during football season to see how my cats did between '80 and '95
shortly after they started to win I moved back to the midwest and managed to come to a game or 2 each year
i was at the rosebowl in '95 and when Barnett left i believed we could still win
i prayed when Rashidi Wheeler died, i believed NU would overcome, and they did... with Randy
i didn't know him
but i loved him geri doran yanes NU 80
|
| I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Walker family. Coach Walker will be dearly missed. The Troutman's family members of Kim Thompson #84, Southfield, Michigan. LaJuanda Troutman
|
| "Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm"
On one of the first days of freshman practice, Coach Walk asked us," If you can tell me who said that, we're done with conditioning." One of the more intelligent players on the team blurted out, "Vince Lombardi!" He was right and we were done for the day. (Fast-forwarding through the rest of the four years I was blessed to play, if Coach Walk tested you with any quote, you had a 97% chance of being correct if your answer was Lombardi).
Coach Walk was nothing less than purely enthusiastic. He had a true passion for his family, friends, colleagues and Northwestern football that was contagious to all that knew him. Talking with Brian Huffman, we both admitted to using "Coach Walkisms" in numerous conversations. Many of the lessons he taught us not only applied to football, but to the game of life. I am deeply grateful for all he taught me, knowing I have/will apply what I've learned to the work force and, more importantly, to the relationships I hold dear.
I have been truly blessed to have known and have played for Coach Walk and my heart weighs heavy with sadness at his passing. He has touched the lives of all he knew and will truly be missed. My heart and prayers go out to Mrs. Walk, Jamie, and Abbey. Doug Szymul - #49 -Class of '04
|
| Obviously the college football world has lost a great ambassador. As a fellow college coach I've always admired Randy Walker from a far. I wanted to take this time to say my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Trust in the Lord and know that Randy is coaching in a better place. May God bless you and watch over you. Rich Fisher
|
| There is nothing I can say to express the impact Coach Walker had on my life and the lives of everyone he touched. He offered me a role in his program and invited me into the NU Football family, and for that I will be forever grateful. That family is devastated right now, but I know that because we were blessed enough to learn from such an incredible teacher we will somehow find the strength to perservere. Tammy, Jamie, and Abbey, I can not imagine the depths of your sorrow. But I can tell you that, without a doubt, Coach's legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to play, coach, work, or even simply speak with him. We will take care to maintain a good attitude and invest ourselves in our endeavors, and take the time to finish what we start. And we will always remember to trust ourselves. Alicia Mumbert
|
| I feel so bad for the Walker Family. My wife and I send all of our love and prayers to them and all associated with Northwestern University. Just remember that God loves you and he will bring you through this difficult period. D. Scott Harrison III MSU '90
|
| Dear Tammy,
I was saddened today to hear about Randy passing. I remember you both as you attended Parkwood United Methodist Church during part of my tenure there as pastor between 1978 and 1982, and Randy was an assistant football coach at UNC in Chapel Hill. I enjoyed knowing, worshiping, and fellowshiping with you.
I pray for comfort and strength for you and your family as you go through this difficult time and adjust to his physical absence.
I retired in 1999 and now live at 10508 Sedgebrook Drive in Riverview, Florida 33569 in the winter and 108 Bridlewood Avenue in High Point in the Summer time (June trough August.) Our phone number either place is 813-600-5193.
Peace and Comfort, Jerry Juren
for Ann and Jerry
jurenj@earthlink.net
|
| My deepest condolences from a Boilermaker fan and from all Purdue fans. Coach Walker was a tremendous coach and above all else, a tremendous person, one that all fans on the other side of the field truly respected and admired. Ryan
|
| Dear Tammy, Abbey and Jaime,
I hope you remember us...Randy did his internship with Don at South Point High School in Belmont, NC. We have such fond memories of traveling to games with Jack and Beverly Lineberger when Randy was with Coach Crum at Carolina. Abbey was such a bright and precocious child. Randy was just so...Randy. He was the kind of person that people immediately warmed to and everyone felt he was so worthy of entrusting students to. Please know that we have followed his career and have never been surprised as his successes. He had such potential but even in his shortened coaching career, he touched the lives of thousands. What a great memorial. Please know that you all are in our prayers and we know that God will hold you in the palm of His hand. Don and Melinda Ratchford
|
| Tammy, Jaime and Abbey
We are shocked and deeply saddened by your loss. Words are not enough - but that's what we can share today. While Randy never visited our tailgate (Tammy, you did every week) he was often a topic of conversation. Sometimes we shook our heads in disappointment - other time we shook our heads in amazement - "how did they pull that one out?".
At social events, Randy was always ready with a football story. He loved talking about his team and how the kids presented challenges, like being awake for pre-game sessions on Saturday mornings. His visible pain when discussing an injury to a player was genuine - he hated when anyone was hurt.
Randy is a loss to us and to Northwestern. We will miss his enthusiasm and upbeat attitude. Of course, our loss is nothing compared to yours. Nothing will fill the gap he leaves in your lives.
We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
N.U.T.S
Zoe, Dan, Liz, Kitty, Matt, Sandy, Frank, John, Judy, Andy, Pam, Margaret, Bonnie, Bonnie, Dan, Usha, Debra, Cindy, Dave, Rob, Priscilla, Matt, Beth, Helene, Jerry, Joe, Bob, Delissa, Dave, Ellie, Greta, Ron and the many guests who share our tents on game day. N.U.T.S (NU Tailgating Society) West Lot
|
| Tammy & Family,
Words cannot express our astonishment and sorrow at Randy's death. From the days when Randy lived in the next block and I walked to and from Kyle school with him to the days in high school where we shared classes in AP English with Mr. Prouty and Mr. Rosen; I will never forget what a great friend, student, and athlete Randy was. Pat remembers how Randy benchpressed maximum amounts of weight - and what a talented football player and dedicated athlete he was.
We both continued to enjoy and watch Randy over the years with Miami and then with Northwestern. Northwestern was a favorite, as that is where Pat's cousin, Tommy Myers attended and played football.
With a background in cardiac nursing, I realize how things like this can happen with little or no warning. That knowledge cannot change how I feel or help to lessen your grief. May pleasant memories help to ease your pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Pat & Marcia (Mitchell) Shanesy
Waynesville, NC
patrickshanesy@bellsouth.net
|
| Dear Mrs. Walker and Family,
I wanted to let you know how sad I am at the loss of Randy. I did not know him personally and my connection with him was through my daughter being a student at NU, class of 05'.
I have spent countless Saturdays listening to the games on the web or lukcy enough to come to the games from my home in Connecticut. Through Randy, I've become so personally intertwined with not just NU footbal but the school itself. As I've heard from some of the players, Randy was much more than a coach and I hope that this will give strength to you all as you go through this difficult time.
Warmest regards, Keith L. Wolff
|
| I never personally met Coach Walker, but I know to the very depths of my soul that he was a great man. I wish I could tell you how proud I am that he was associated with our university. He was loved and respected by all. He made a difference. I am so sorry and offer my condolences to every member of the Walker family. I know I will never forget him and his legacy will be carried from year to year . . . integrity, hard-work, loyalty, perseverence and determination. Matthew Houston (CAS '86)
|
| My deepest sympathies on the passing of your husband and father. Coach Walker has left a great impact on the entire Northwestern family -- past, present, and future. In my one and only opportunity to meet the Coach, I thanked him for the excitement which he brought to the program and for helping us to believe that we could be contenders every year in the Big 10. Thank you for sharing him with us and for supporting him in making our long-sought dreams of annual contention become a reality. We will never forget what Coach Walker did at NU. I will pray for you in the days to come that the Lord will continue to comfort you and bring you peace. Eric W. Brown - Class of '91
|
| Darcy's dad is a Northwestern Alum and we are big fans ourselves. We are truly sorry for your loss and Randy will be missed greatly by our family. Our prayers are wtih you all. Phil Hansen & Darcy Hodges
|
| there are limited ways in which to express our sadness and support, but i hope the sheer numbers of people who say a genuine and kind word will give you strength. He was a good man, what more can be said of anyone. Tapan Maniar
|
| Dear Walkers,
I never went to NU, but love the program and what Randy Walker has done with it. He always seemed like a great coach and person. I was so sad to hear this news, as were my daughters, now in their 20's. I will miss him.
My sympathies and best wishes to you all. Mark Nelson, Traverse City, Michigan
|
| Dear Family;
I never had the honor of meeting Coach Walker in person. I wrote to him two seasons ago when Northwestern beat Ohio State. I am Buckeye born and bread, but I was so proud of Coach Walker and the Wildcats, I had to write him. Within two weeks I received a personal note from Coach; a letter which has a very special place of honor in my home. I felt a connection to him through that note, it meant so much to me. He seemed to be such a great man, I wish I could have known him. When I heard the news on Friday, I had to stop driving, I was so shaken up. It seems so unreal. I wish I could say something to express my sadness; I feel as if a part of me is missing. I will always remember coach Walker, and treasure his letter to me forever. May your family be at peace knowing that Coach has gone home to be with the Lord. God bless you, and Go U. Northwestern! Ryan Krasik
|
| Mrs. Walker, we met briefly at the Navy game a few years ago, although I'm sure you do not remember me. My sincerest condolences in your terrible loss. I have buried a mother and a son and understand your pain. You will get thorough it eventually because you will come to realize, if you haven't already, that any alternative is unacceptable. Requiem aeternam, Randy, and peace be with your family. Dennis W. Brandt Mu '68
|
| To the Walker Family: The virtues that Coach brought to athletes through the game of football are infinite! The little boy that he once was would certainly be proud of the man he became. My heartfelt sympathies to each of you. God bless you and God bless the Northwestern Wildcats Football Team. Rex Sponhaltz-Head FB Coach-First Flight High School-Kill Devil Hills, NC
|
| Jim/Ruth Ann & Rob:
We are so very shocked and saddened to here about the sudden death of Randy. Please accept our condolences. It is a great loss. He was such a fine gentleman and has made a positive influence on so many young athletes.You have much reason to be so proud of his life. May God give you peace and comfort at this time. Don & Mary Jane Brown
|
| I was an Alpha Delta Phi fraternity brother of Randy's at Miami. I will always remember him as a man of reat faith. Reading the many good things about Randy brought tears to my eyes. My condolences to his family. I am now the pastor of St. Mary's Church in Oxford. I know that the football game between Miami and Northwestern will be a time when many members of our community will share fond memories of the times they spent with Randy. Eternal peace, Randy. Fr. Len Fecko
|
| My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Walker family. Rob - I have been following your brother's career since we left Toledo. You all have much to be proud of. Speak fondly and often of your brother, it really does help. The Northwestern family will truly miss him, he will be hard to replace.
God Bless You All! Susan Vavro Mann
|
| My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
I thought you should know that although NU football typically gets little press here in Philadelphia unless NU is playing Penn State, Coach Walker's death has received wide spread attention in Philadelphia. I think its amazing the effect your husband/father had on people not only in the immediate Northwestern family, but on those who only read or heard about what an amazing job your dad had done at Northwestern and respected not only what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it. Joe Hamill CAS 1986
|
| you are in our prayers and he has done a great job no matter where he tavelled in life. we wish his family peace and comfort. may GOD be with you always.
May yur memories of Randy be a source of inspiration always . . . joe mchale and sarah
|
| Dear Mrs.Walker and family,
Joan and I were so sorry to learn of Mr. Walker's untimely death, first, by virtue of the undouted loss to you, your family and many friends, but also by virtue of the calamitous loss to Northwestern and its football program.
We send our most heart-felt condolences to you and all those thousands of friends, near and remote, who feel this loss. William and Joan Kern
|
| To the Walker Family:
I want to express my heart felt sympathy to you at this time.
We at Ohio State are suffering with in your time of Loss.
My Prayers go out to you at this time. David Priore -- Ohio State Football Program Seller
|
| Our prayers and thoughts are with you. The Jack Terretta Family
|
| I am saddened by the sudden death of Coach Walker. I met him randomly during the Alamo Bowl season, and he was very warm and gracious when I wished him luck with the season. I appreciated that he instilled hard work into the team which translated into positive results on the field. He will be missed. My condolences to you all. David Lo
|
| I am an alumni 1982 and a football fan my entire life but I MOST respect Coach Walker for the men he created to continue the tradition of leadership that Northwestern is famous for.
I am not big on words but if there is ever a scholarship fund created in his honor you can count on me.
I wish you God's strength and I will keep each family member, player and friend in my prayers at this time of sorrow.
Hold each other tightly he is watching your character Anthony Alexander
|
| To The Walker Family,
I am struggling to put into words what Coach Walker meant to me as a player at Miami, but most importantly as a person and in my daily life. There hasn't been a day since I graduated from Miami that I haven't thought about Coach Walker and the lessons he taught me. I raise my kids and live my life using many of the same lessons and sayings that Coach Walker said and used with us. When I heard the devastating news, I felt like a part of me also passed away but I can assure you that part of Coach Walker will forever live in me, my wife, and my kids. I'm sure that anybody who has ever played with, played for, coached with, or simply knew Coach feels the same was as I. Coach Walker prepared me for life and I can never thank him enough for that. Tammy, Abbey, and Jamie - Thank you for sharing Coach Walker with the world. I will never forget him and my family's thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Gary Layton, Miami University '95
|
| It is with our deepest sympathies to you and your family that we remember your dear Randy's life. Troubling isn't the word for how we feel today. He was a vital, strong willed man and will be remembered for his deep loyalty to Northwestern's football program and to the University in general. Our sincere prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Mignery --
Columbus, Ohio
|
| To the Walker family: I have and will continue to pray that you will have the peace of Christ in your hearts during this very challenging time. Nick Blase, a college football fan from Georgia.
|
| Tears grace my keyboard as I attempt to verbalize how heartbroken I am right now. Before his passing Coach Walker had a meeting with the team. He let us know how proud he was of us, not for what we had accomplished as football players but rather for how we carried ourselves as men. He closed the meeting out by letting us know that he loved us. I can say without hesitation that I am the one who is proud. I am proud that I can stand before others and proclaim that Randy Walker was my Coach. I am proud because I know that one day I will be an excellent husband, father, and friend because of what I learned from him. I am proud because I know I can carry on the legacy of an incredible man. There will come a time when my tears will cease and my hurt will start to subside. But the impact that Coach Walker had on me will never be forgotten. This team loves one another and we love the game, but we love OUR coach that much more and we will continue to make him proud. Chris Malleo, Northwestern Football
|
| Dear Mrs. Walker and Family
I was so saddened to hear of the death of Coach Walker, he will be missed by not only the players but the families. I will always remember Coach Walker visiting my home here in Michigan, it was a snowy day and him and Coach Genyk pulled into our drive. He laughed because the snow removal company had not done it's job and he said that he had come to shovel the snow. But one thing I will always remember about that visit was a comment he made, he told us that he would not promise to make my son a great football player but he would promise to make him a great man. Today I remember the stories he told us that night about how hard work and perseverance pays off in the end.
Thank you Coach Walker you kept your promise, I am sorry you could not see the end results. Debra Jones-McConnell
|
| Tammy, Abby, and Jamie,
My prayers are with you at this time. Randy had a huge influence on my life. He was passionate about football, family, and his faith. Tammy on many of our conversations at dinner on Wednesday nights after seeing you after practice he told me how lucky he was to marry you. He loved you with all his heart. Abby, he spoke so much about how you were alot like him. Jamie, he was proud of you. He was so glad that he could work side by side with you everyday.
I remember a conversation we had in the spring after his heart episode during the Purdue week and he asked me what I thought heaven was like. In the end he shared that the scoreboard in Ryan Field did not matter, but the heavenly scoreboard did. I know that he is making a difference in heaven today.
I know when Randy entered heaven he was greeted by a multitude of people, but one special angel was waiting for him with his heavenly headset, my son, Luke Johnson.
Coach meant the world to me. I will always remember him and his will to make people better. He transformed many young boys to men over the time they spent with him. Everyone I ever met who knew Coach is better today because of him.
Again, my prayers are with you always. God bless!
Proverbs 3:5-6 Jere Johnson
|
| My heartfelt sympathy to the Walker family. I truly hope you can find peace in the knowledge that coach Walker was an outstanding individual. He restored respect to Northwesetern football. Gary Kaufman NU '71
|
| To the Walker Family,
Please accept my deepest sypathies. I have 1 short but very fond memory of Coach Walker - I had the pleasure of meeting him on a plane bound for to New Orleans in very early January several years ago now. He was en route to the coach's convention and I was on route to my company's sales meeting. I sat down next to a man and his wife in coach (I had the aisle - he was in the middle seat!) and I thought "My God this guy looks familiar!" And then I noticed the purple folder and finally it came to me. Talk about out of context! In any event, I identified myself as an alum, and a happy one at that. I thanked him for what he'd done up to that point for our football program and for respecting the importance of the academics for our players. We had a lovely chat - he was a very easy man to talk to and he smiled so broadly that it lit up the plane. I'm smiling now thinking of it. Ellen (Class of 1988)
|
| Our family sends its heartfelt condolences to Tammy, Abbey, and Jamie. As long-time season-ticket holders at NU, we watched him many times as the classy leader of hundreds of student-athletes giving their best, just as he always did, on the football field; but my favorite memory was very late one night meeting the team as it returned to Ryan Field after an exciting road victory. I introduced our twin boys, Sam and Charlie, to Coach Walker, and although he probably had other demands on his time, he spent about ten minutes talking to them not only about football but their high school studies; he was totally focused on them -- his compassion shone like a star. Arnie, Wendy, Sam, and Charlie Fabrikant
|
| Dear Walker Family:
My wife and I send our prayers and wishes to you all. I had the pleasure of working as a student manager under Coach Walker for 4 years, along side Jamie. While the on field excitement is something I will never forget, what touched me most about Coach were moments apart from football. He showed me the same respect he had for all his players and always had a smile on his face. As he often said, "Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm," and his enthusiasm for football and for life were contagious. He will be truly missed by all throughout the Northwestern and college football communities, but his passion will never be lost, living on through all those he has touched. Jason Brown
|
| Randy - Thanks for some wonderful years of sometimes frustration and delicious elation. If you see my Dad up there, tell him he is forgiven for being a Michigan fan. We will miss you. My thoughts are with your family. Cindy Ross NU 1976
|
| I was devasted to learn of Randy's passing from Chris Boyer while I was on my way to Atlanta for Summer Nationals. Randy was a great guy and a wonderful coach and we shall all miss him. There is little else one can say but to give you our sincerest sympathy at this time of extreme pain and to let you know that you are in our thoughts. Laurie Schiller, fencing coach & Cathy Weigley
|
| My deepest sympathies to you on the passing of Coach Walker. I am an alum and former basketball player from the late 70's and in my visits to the school and homecoming games, I was astounded at the transformation of school, it's spirit, and unity. Coach Walker and the program he established had a huge role in that transformation. Those of us in the "Wildcat nation" all have suffered a tremendous loss, but none as great as yours. You are in our prayers.
God Bless, Bob Svete
|
| Our deepest condolences to you all on this terrible loss. Les and Patti Rutherford
|
| Dear Mrs. Walker, My name is Harold Blackmon and I played under coach Walker for two years. My final year under coach Walker was the 2000 Big Ten championship season. I must admit that at first I considered Coach Walker to be a pretty tough coach. We had our disagreements at times, but as time went on and I grew more mature, I finally realized why he was so tough on us. He was preparing us for the real world. He taught me that in order to get what you want out of life you have to sacrifice nothing but the absolute best is good enough. I am fortunate to have realized this and I will be forever grateful for those lessons he taught me during our short time together. I know I have become a better person because of him. God Bless and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Harold Blackmon
|
| You have my deepest sympathy and I hope the love and friendship of the Northwestern family helps you through this terrible time. I am a very proud graduate of Northwestern and will always feel very proud of the work your husband/father did with our football program and more importantly, with the young men he coached. Rebecca Marsh '87
|
| Mrs. Walker & Family. Words can not express the sadness I am feeling over the loss Randy. I only met him a couple of times, but he touched the life of my eight year old son when he met him about two years ago at Ryan Field. I was visiting a friend on staff at NU and my son got to meet him. My son told him how he wants to play for the Wildcats when he grows up, and Randy told him he can't wait! While sadly Sean will not have the chance to play for Coach Walker, his positive encouragement is showing signs already as Sean is now in his second year of Football with the Lakeland Cardinals in Fox Lake, and he loves the game. I believe the positive encouragement Sean received from Randy motivated Sean and the results are already showing. I am just greatfull that I/we had the chance to know him.
Please know our hearts and prayrs are with you and your family, and our wonderful memories of him will live on for ever. Dennis Whiton
|
| Our deepest sympathies to the Walker Family.
Orchard Lake St. Mary's Football Staff
|
| I will always be greatful for the infuence that Randy had on my life. It started with FCA and classes we shared at Miami and continued through out our coaching careers. I know that no matter where he was coaching, be it in Chapel Hill, Oxford or Evanston, if I needed assistance with a problem, he was a phone call or visit away. He always asked how things were going with my family and my career. I also remember the lesson on how to reply to the question, "How are you doing ? " that I heard on several occasions. It will be tough to follow his example as a coach and as a person, but the world would be a much better place if we all tried a little harder to do so. God Bless ! Doug and Krista Taracuk, Miami '75
|
| I enjoyed watching the football team and Randy Walker was an excellent coach. I'm very sorry for your loss. Kathy Miller
|
| I'm not even in Northwestern yet. I'm going in next year as a freshman and this came as shocking news. My deepest condolences to your family. Randy Walker sounds like an amazing leader and this loss will surely be felt through the entire Northwestern community. Liana Baker Class of 2010
|
| Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your husband, father and friend. As a Northwestern alumna ('52 and '64), I always enjoyed the football games, but never more so than these last years with Randy. He brought out the best qualities of the scholar/athlete program. Yes, I wanted us to win games, but I am more impressed with the number of men who graduate. Reading the tributes from the players and other coaches is testimony to his integrity and character.
Blessings on you and may God give you strength in the days and years ahead. Marilyn Blum
|
| I am very sorry for your loss, I cant begin to
imagine the sorrow you must feel for losing some-
one you love. I am fan of Northwestern football
and of college football in general, he was an
outstanding coach, and seemed like an even better
man. My prayers out with your family. Stay strong. Tim (Roanoke, VA)
|
| I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am praying for you and I will remember Coach Walker as an energetic, passionate coach with great integrity. A great symbol of what a college coach should be. I am truly sorry. steven becker
|
| Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Coach Walker will be in our prayers this entire season. Servite High School Football Team (Anaheim California)
|
| I live in Alabama and I am a Vanderbilt Football fan but I always loved to watch Northwestern FB games because the class Northwestern had when they played and I am truley sorry and I hope I am able to be a coach like Randy Walker when I get to Coach oneday May GOD BLESS YOU in this time and just take every thing to him. Shelby Waddell
|
| I am a high school senior right now, who has always dreamed of playing at Northwestern because my dad played there. I can tell you right now in all my years of watching northwestern football Coach Walker was the best coach we have had. I cried when I found out the news. I hoped to have the chance to play for him some day. Michael Fiedler
|
| I truly love watching Northwestern games - Brett Basanez is one of my favorite college football players of all time. No doubt his accomplishments were fostered in large part by the tutelage of Coach Walker. God bless Coach Walker and may he rest in peace; he was a great man. Tim Olsen
|
| I have no direct affiliation with Northwestern University except that my father graduated from the dental school in 1944.He had great pride in the school and hoped that one of his children would attend.None of the children had the combination of academic proficiency and athletic ability so my brothers and I have been silent rooters for many years.
We had little to cheer about until Coach Walker was appointed Head Football Coach.I find it remarkable that he was able to attract the right mix of players and do it without dissent fom alumni who correctly wanted to maintain the school's academic reputation.
Coach Walker was truly unique and his legacy hopefully will be a statement to Division 1 athletic programs that a competitive football team can excel in all areas of student life.
My prayers are with his family. Wes Johnston
|
| Our prayers are with your family during this difficult period. May God comfort and protect your family. Lean on your faith and your many friends. The Fred Bemenderfer Family - Plano, Texas
|
| To the Walker Family:
We're very sorry to hear of Coach Walker's passing. We've only heard and read great things about him and the work he did to bring enthusiasm back not only to the football team, but to the university as a whole. We're proud he was part of the NU family and legacy. Thanks for sharing him with us and supporting the fulfillment of one of his dreams. As a result, he's made an impact that few will ever accomplish at a time when it was needed most. We pray that the positive impact he had on the lives of those he touched will remain with them, but especially with you. Please accept our condolences.
Yours truly, Kwei and Yasmin Akuete
|
| I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Randy was an inspiration to many. My prayers are with the family. Lil Fesperman, Miami University
|
| My deepest sympathies go out to your family. André Johnson
|
| Coach Walker was a wonderful man and a wonderful coach. It truly broke my heart when I found out he died. He will always be remembered in all of our hearts. I will continue to pray for all of the family members in hopes that God will bring them peace.
With Love Rebecca Davis -
Class of 2008
|
| NOT ONLY WAS RANDY A GOOD FRIEND BUT A CREDIT TO HIS PROFESSION AND THE GAME HE LOVED SO MUCH. HE WAS ALWAYS READY TO TALK AND WE ALWAYS HAD GREAT CONVERSATIONS ABOUT LIFE AND HIS FAMILY-- I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY GARY SMITH, NEW YORK JETS
|
| Dear Walker Family:
Coach Walker provided us many moments of joy on the playing field, and endless pride in the tremendous young men he recruited and molded at NU. This alum will always appreciate the fact that he took on -- and met -- the challenge of doing things the right way.
Thank you for sharing him with us. We will miss him terribly. Curtis Shipley, Class of 1985
|
| FootbaLL!!!the greatest game in the world,Randy a great man all given to us by God. I give my deepest sympathy for your loss.I pray that his memory will last for all the good that was in his life. Moving on if we as living people want to have hope in our lives we need to ask the Lord for strength. But the only way the Lord can hear us is to ask Him to forgive us and to accept Jesus into our hearts.Because 1 John 5:12 says He that hath the Son hath life;and he that not the Son of God hath not life Lrd blesss you all. Joe - Lancaster,PA
|
| As a Michigan fan, I always thought Coach Walker was a great coach and a class act and would have loved to have him coach UM. I will be praying for your family and know the entire UM community is thinking of you in this time. Coach Walker was all class. Brian Hollenbeck
|
| We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our condolences at this very difficult time Rich, Renee and Ross Lane
|
| Only meeting Coach Walker 3 times, and i now for some it doesnt leave in impact but for me it did. Im a senior at Antioch community high school and meet him at the junior day, spring ball and the one day camp, he had 2 weeks ago and every time we talk he gave advise and taught me life lessons.From makeing your self better each day to telling your parents you love them for bringing me out to Northwestern. Everything he told me, i took to heart to become a better person and everyday i wake up i here his voice say " make yourself better today" I am vary thankful for getting the chance to meet and talk with Coach Walker and my prays go out to Coach and the Walker Family Brad Fortney
|
| Dear Walker Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I will also be praying for everyone in the Northwestern Community especially the football players, the coaches, and the athletic department staff. Having been an athlete at Northwestern I know how much effect a coach can have on thier players. I watch the NU football games whenever they are televised, and I always enjoyed the way the Cats played under Coach Walker, and I admired his commitment to academics as well as athletics. Even through the television his smile and excitement were contagious. I will remember him every time I watch a game. College athletics has lost a great coach and he will be sorely missed. Susan Harrelson Ross '95
|
| Tammy,
Karen and I send our deepest condolences to you and the whole Walker Family. I will miss my extended phone calls from Toledo to Randy which always lasted longer than intended, and I would always be aching from laughing so much. He was a great human being and I will always hold him close to my heart. I still have a photo of the two of us taken after one of the Toledo games here in my office, a daily reminder of a good friend.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Gary Hinkson
|
| As a fan of Northwestern and Randy..I am very sad at his passing. We all know that when he meets his lord..he will say "Well done my son".
Although I have never personally met Randy, I enjoyed knowing his as a fan if Wildcat Football. I admire his work ethic, dedication and the respect/love he had for his players.
He will be missed, but remembered!
Prayer for his wife, kids, players, coaches and everyone else that has been grieved by this loss. Paul Block
|
| Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of Coach Walker. It is a great loss for all and he will be truly missed. I will always remember his enthusiasm and love for the game as well as his respect for the players he coached. He was an inspiration to many and touched the lives of countless people. This is a shock to everyone and I wish your family peace during this difficult time. God bless. Eric Bachmann --
NU '88/'90
|
| Dear Walker Family:
I am an eleven year season ticket holder. Coach Walker accepted my invitation to be the featured luncheon speaker at my organization's summer seminar exactly one year ago. I had the distinct honor and priviledge of being able to introduce him. It was the proudest moment of my tenure as a member of the Chicago Tax Club. Words can not express the full impact of my sadness upon hearing the news of Randy's death. I know that all NU Wilcat football fans feel as I do. Randy was extremely sucessful, but he always did it the "right" way. He was the epitome of integrity, on and off the field. He was truly a role model for the many young men who wore the purple and white, and the fans and our sons as well. I pray for you in this most difficult hour, and hope that time may help bring you comfort in this most difficult hour. He was taken from us much too soon, and I will miss him dearly. James Olinski
|
| I send my deepest sympathies to the Walker family. Although I was not privileged to walk in Evanston at the same time as Coach Walker, he gave all alumni something in which to take great pride. Coach Walker proved you can win in Division I football at a world class academic institution and not compromise your character or integrity. In fact, his teams added greatly to the spirit and class of the entire university. God Bless Coach Walker. Chris Sonnenday, Class of '93
|
| I am sad for the Walker family, Northwestern University, and anyone who is a fan of college football. We all lost a man of incredible integrity, discipline, and faith.
I had the pleasure of walking-on to Miami's Football team when Walker was Coach. Though he admitted to never espousing an original philosophical idea, many of the ideas he preached I had never heard from anyone else before or since.
From him, I learned that what matters in life is not what happens, but how one responds to what happens. He preached to "play the next play," to focus on controlling what one can control, and to trust youself and your preparation. Some of those are ideas that I hope and pray the Walker family and Northwestern football can bear in mind in this trying time.
In short, Randy Walker was a good man and I am a better man for having known him. Paul Poast, Miami 1996 - 2000
|
| Dear Walker Family,
Randy's passing is Knute Rocknesqe in meaning to me, alums and college football fans everywhere. His spirit will live on for decades to come as we remember his personality, his team's many comebacks and their gritty performances.
I feel his personal aura and demeanor were the highest representation of NU's Motto found in Phil 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble.. meditate on these things".
Thank you Randy and family for fighting the good fight. My prayers are with you and his inspirational life will warmly live on in my heart. J D. Miniear Class of 82'
|
| I remember back to March 2001, Coach Walker visited my home in Clear Lake City, Texas. He came for a visit to meet my parents. We talked for awhile in the family den...then we moved to the kitchen table for coffee and cake. What a great time we had with the Coach. He was so personable and my parents liked him alot. That was the beginning of a wonderful relationship. In fact when Coach Walker when see me on campus, he wanted to know how my parents were and if they were coming to the game this weekend.
What a great man!
My mom had reservations about me going to school so far away from home, but Coach Walker assured her I would be just fine...he was true to his word. It was only because of the Coach she let me go.
Coach Walker will always have a place in our hearts. I am not sad anymore for I have for I am known a great teacher and person other than my Dad. Herschel Henderson -- #24 --
NU class of '05
|
| Mrs. Walker, Abbey & Jamie:
To say I am saddened would not be sufficient. I have followed NU Football for the past 10 years and have gotten so much enjoyment out of Coach Walker.
Even though we only met once in passing (at the 1999 Alamo Bowl), Coach Walker inspired me by the exempliary way he conducted himself on - and particulary off the football field - as a family man and a "molder" of the athletes that played for him.
I will miss him dearly - My prayers are with you and I will feel the Coachs' presence each time I attend an NU football game from this point on. Rick M. Daitchman - Chicago, IL.
|
| My thoughts and prayers go out to the Walker family and to Northwestern family.
Randy Walker was the kind of coach for whom I would want my son to play. He was a man of high character, and he taught his players much more than the game of football. Doug Harper, Peachtree City, GA
|
| To the Walker Family on behalf of my own I want to exstend to you my deep sympathy for your loss. I first met Coach Walker when I was seven years old at the University of North Carolina, then again in 2001 when Northwestern came to Duke University. In my exsperences with him this is hardly a concern for the game of Football. The world lost a great man, a man of class, a caring man a man who not only dedicated his life to the game but the young men who played it. As for Northwestern Football, he provided athletes which most major programs shrugged off a valuable asset. He taught them to fight, which will be needed on the field, but more importantly of the field in the game of life. He served as a role model for these young men and placed in there hearts a desire to succeed. For this we should all be so greatful. Godspeed Coach Randy Walker 2nd Lt. Jason Roberts
|
| My prayers and sympathies are with you right now. I sincerely hope that you will be able to rebound from this great tragedy. The Walker family has lost a great husband and father; Northwestern University has lost a great coach. Seth Holland
|
| I am a new member of the Northwestern University family, and I would like to send you my deepest compassion for you, my new family. My prayers and the prayers of all the Northwestern family are with you. Just remember that God will be present with you in this painful and trying time. Mr. Walker's legacy was much too large, to be subdued by something as final as even physical death. He is still living spiritually and is present all around us. We will never lose or foget Randy Walker. God bless you. Aireale Rodgers
|
| Tammy, Abbey, and Jaime, We were shocked and saddened to hear of Randy's death. We remember your family fondly from our times with youth sports when we both lived in Oxford. So many people affiliated with the University didn't want to be bothered with us but your family wasn't at all like that. We met you when Abbey and Betsy were assigned to the same softball team. Chris was selected to play on a tournament baseball team that Randy helped Homer coach.
Chris went on to OSU after graduating from Piqua High School and roomed with John Pearon. Those two had fun with their friends when Northwestern played at OSU, Chris telling people Randy had been one of his baseball coaches and John saying he was a cousin. I have no doubt that Randy would have walked up to them to ask how school was going if Chris was still playing baseball if he had seen them in that crowd.
I keep reading the line in the columns that Randy wanted to see his grandkids someday. We weren't exactly thrilled when Betsy became pregnant a couple years ago but we are thrilled with Lily and understand his sentiment. We will give Lily a hug for him.
Again, you have our sincere sympathies. Ken and Mary Ellen Alexander
|
| As a Northwestern graduate (Class of '67), I am particularly saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Walker. He embodied all that is great in college athletics. My thoughts and prayers go to the entire Walker family in their time of sorrow. Paul Jacobs
|
| so tragic this a loss like this is you run out of the right words to say. from what i could see and hear people say about coach Walker, was that he was a man that not only cared about football,but those whom he ever came in contact with in some shape or form.my heart in it's entirety goes out to coach walker's family, friends, and the entire Nothwestern community. terence rice
|
| Our heartfelt sorrow on your loss and we wish you comfort in our prayers. Northwestern University was fortunate to have a man of his dedication leading the football program. We know he was committed to his family and the Northwestern family. He will be irreplaceable. David and Eileen Monsurate
|
| Please accept our deepest sympathy! We were shocked and we were very sad to hear of the loss of Randy Walker. We had the pleasure of meeting Coach Walker on recruiting trips to Northwestern and a summer camp for our son, Adam, in 2003 and 2004. With the whirlwind and oftentimes overwhelming process of recruiting, we remember our experience on the visits to Northwestern as very professional, informative and pleasant.
Coach Walker was someone we immediately respected. We could tell he was a man of principle, integrity, and honor. We met a lot of college head football coaches in our travels with Adam, and Coach Walker was most definitely one who DID personify the values we as parents appreciate in coaches who coach our sons. He exemplified a positive attitude anyone in the same room could feel.
When a teenaged boy comments on the good charachter of a head coach after a recruiting visit, well, that speaks volumes. When we heard the sad news this morning and talked to Adam, he repeated those sentiments of 2-3 years ago.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach's family and the whole Northwestern community during this very difficult time!
God bless- Klaus, Mary, (and Adam)Koss
Stoughton, Wisconsin
|
| To the Walker Family: Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We like you to know that we appreciated the time, support and advice Coach Walker gave to Shaun. It helped to know that he had someone he could rely on if he had a problem. We are so sorry for your loss. Coach Walker was a great person and Coach. He will truly be missed. We will keep you in our prayers. May God continue to bless you all at this difficult time. Shaun, Frank, Crystal & Alexis Herbert
|
| I'm terribly sorry for the loss your family is enduring. I was a student at Miami in the 1970s and remember watching Randy play as a member of those great Redskin teams...I also saw him play in high school when he was at Troy and I was at Springfiled North. It was great to see him do so well in coaching...obviously, it was something for which he had great talent and great passion.
Randy brought real class & respect to Northwestern and the Big Ten...he must have been very proud of his family...As an Ohio native, I can only say that we're incredibly proud of our "own"...and that includes Randy.
My prayers are with the Walker family. Reed Liming
|
| I am a HS football coach in Wyoming. Our family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May God bless you all. John Cundall Family
|
| My sincere sympathy to your family. We are keping each of you in prayer. I am a big Miami of Ohio fan and followed coach Walker during his time in Oxford all the way to the present time. I was fortunate to get up to Evanston to see a game several yeas ago.
God Love and Keep each of you! Paul Scholl
|
| Dear Tammy and Children,
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. I have followed Randy's outstanding career and I was proud to say I knew the Randy and Tammy from Troy High School.
Sincerely, Jane E. Devine
|
| My son and I are very saddened by the news of Mr. Walker's untimely death. He was an up-and-coming head coach, but more than that, seemingly an even better person who loved his players, as shown in the Luis Castillo situation last year. He did leave a lasting legacy as a coach though, and in my own family his memory will always live on in the pictures that Mr. Walker personalized and sent to us earlier this year. My son is only 2, but I hope that he grows to be a big football fan like myself, and someday in the future I can show him the picture of Mr. Walker personalized in his name and tell him what a great coach he was and how unfair life can be sometimes. R.I.P. Shaun and Dylan DePasquale
|
| My condolences to the Walker family. I am so very sorry for your sudden loss.
We heard of the loss from Lisa, wife of Scott Corrigan, Randy's cousin. Randy sounds as though he was a wonderful person and I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Please take care and God Bless. Heather Leinenweber
|
| To The Walker Family-
I just wanted to send my prayers, thoughts, & blessings to your family from here in Orlando, FL. Death is never an easy to get use to & I just pray the Father heals your minds, hearts, & souls of the devastation to what has happened to you all. Know The Father has your husband/father/friend/coach with Him & now foremost Coach Walker is an angel in the sky watching over you all. Coach Walker & God can hear every cry you all will make & I pray everything is answered to your understanding. Again, I send my thoughts, prayers that the Father heals your hearts. God Bless, Be Blessed, Be a Blessing! One Love. One Prayer. Scarlett Ekeroma
|
| There is really nothing anyone can say to lessen the pain of loss. I would just like to offer my teams and my deepest sympathies. Coach Walker was a great man.I am actively being recruited by this great university and cant see it without him let alone the great program he built. Best wishes and god bless... Nick Torresso ( Schaumburg High School Recruit)
|
| I never met Randy but since I have been a fan of the Wildcats for more than forty years, in my own mind I believe that I knew him. He obviously was a remarkable man. He could handle victory or defeat and still be what he was - gracious in victory and indomitable after a loss. From the time he became to NU as the head Coach his personality and outlook on life seemed to never change, each showing attributes that every man admires. His players always used the same words to describe him: firm and courageous. His memory will live on among them for many years. He indeed has more sons than just one, Jamie, among the young men who played for him. Your loss is impossible to describe and for his admirers to know, but please remember that you have the collective prayers and best wishes from all of his fans. God bless each of you. Roger K. Claudon
|
| Dear Mrs. Walker:
I am very saddened to learn of the loss of your husband and friend. Northwestern has always been one of my favorite teams, and your husband was a man of character and integrity.
I have prayed for comfort and strength for you and your children. May God bless you.
Sincerely, Juan Manigault
|
| To the Family of Randy Walker,
we send our most sicnere thoughts, prayers and sympathies to you on the passing of Randy Walker.
althoguh I did not know him at Miami, I like all of that generation respected and admired him and have ulled for himt hroughout his career and family life.
as a Miamian, we are especially saddened at this time and will keep your entire family in our prayers.
love and honor, Becky Russo Miami '78
|
| i would like to personally send my condolances to the walker family as well as the Northwestern football family. Coach Walker was a great person, i had the chance to speak to him once after Northwestern played Michigan State in East Lansing, and Coach was very kind and took time out to talk to me for awhile. Not only was Randy Walker a great coach, but he was also a great person, the college football world has lost a hero. He will be greatly missed. Aaron Vorce
|
| We would like to thank Coach Walker for bringing the "spirit" to our children's experiences at Northwestern. Although neither one had the privilege to know Coach Walker personally, he served as a role model for the entire Wildcat community. We have many wonderful family moments of NU football games, bowl challenges and player recruitment efforts. Although both Jeff and Jill are no longer students, they will continue to honor the spirit that Coach Walker modelled and own, with pride, their Northwestern experience.
May your love and the many heartfelt thoughts that reach out to you, bring you peace. The Levinsohn Family
|
| I am, like everyone else, stunned and saddened by the loss of Randy Walker. I became an NU fan because of Dave Eannet and WGN, but I stayed a fan because of Randy Walker and his style of coaching. I'm a teacher, so I appreciated his awareness that players are students first and athletes second or at least the two are equal. I loved that you could never count NU out. There were so many exciting comebacks. He seemed like a gentleman, an honest man, an ethical man. We will mourn his loss as a coach, and as a role model for the young men he coached. My husband is an Illinois fan, but always rooted for NU when they didn't play Illinois. We send our sympathies and our prayers to his family and friends. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Dolores Sierra
|
| Dear Mrs.Walker,
We are praying for you and your family as you cope with your loss.
I would like to say thank you for sharing your family's time, which allowed your
husband,Randy Walker countless hours to coach my son,Mark Philmore and numerous other young men.
Because of your love and support of Randy's coaching, you have blessed my family and others' and given our sons the opportunity to grow into better young men,play football,experience life, and get a college education from Northwestern University.
May God continue to bless you and your family Mrs.Walker, as you have blessed us and others unconditionally. Sincerely,
Mark,Katya and
Mrs.Philmore
|
| Walker family, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I never had the honor of meeting Coach Walker in person, but I got a sense of what he was about by how he coached, how his teams played and various interviews he gave. I had a great deal of respect for him as a coach and as a person. He was everything that is right about college athletics and will be sorely missed. May God bless you all during this difficult time. John Roby
|
| I'm very sorry for your loss. Coach walker was an amazing coach and a great team leader. He is an inspiration to us all.A man that loved his job, and more importantly his family. May god be with you all. Jeremy Feldman
|
| Although our paths did not cross much while at Miami, OH, we followed Randy's career both at Miami and most recently at NU. Cindy, '74, was an education major and I (Gary) was a business major. We attended several games after graduation while I was obtaining my MBA at Miami in '75-76. Our oldest daughter, Lindsay, finished her freshman year at Northwestern this year where she has been a member of the NROTC Color Guard at the home football games, and we never failed to point out that Randy was an Miami grad. We have plans to attend the MU-NU game in Oxford in August and have been arguing as to what side everyone was going to sit on!!!!! We are stunned by Randy's passing and our hearts go out to all of you. Randy leaves a legacy at Miami and Northwestern that we feel honored to have been touched by. May the Lord continue to keep you and yours in His care. Gary and Cindy Schafer, MU, 73 and 74 (Dublin, GA)
|
| Dear Mrs.Walker:
You have my sincere condolences.
I work part time for a small market radio station in Celina, Ohio and am a big college football fan, along with high school.
I follow the Big Ten closely and have always admired the way Randy handled himself. It was simply first class.
In this age of coaches who are ego-maniacs and only care about winning, it was pleasant knowing that there was a coach who honored the really important things.
Again, my sincere condolences. May God bless!! Mark Wulfhorst
Coldwater,Ohio
|
| I was having dinner last night at a restaurant in Washington DC when someone told me that Randy had passed and I immediately looked at the sportsticker running across the screen in the restaurant bar and I saw the news and could not believe it. My condolences go out to his wife Tammy as well as the kids Abbey and Jamie. May God Bless Randy and his family during their loss of a wonderful football coach but a wonderful man as well. DJ Thomas,, West Hyattsville, MD
|
| To the Walker Family,
My name is David Gray and I had the opertunity to meet Coach Walker one week ago while attending a one day camp as a punter. I just wanted you to know that by talking to Coach, I was inspired to improve not only as a player, but as a person. I also wanted you to know that I will never forget how, in that short time he spent with me, he made me feel,that I was important to him, and that he really wanted me to do well in life.
Thank-you, David Gray
|
| The Brown Family wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the Walker Family during your time of loss. We will be praying for your family and for all the lives that Coach Walker touched.
We did not know him personally, but we feel that we know him, because of the wonderful works he accomplished at Northwestern. He brought great honor to the school. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Kevin L. Brown '85 and Family
|
| My prayers and thoughts are with you. As a long time NU fan, he brought class and integrity to the program and the people associated with it. He will be missed. Dan Howe
|
| I am an avid NU fan (B.S. in Ed. '61). I have never met Coach Walker but have seen his coaching craftsmenship at several home and away games. He was truly one of "us". He loved the university he served, and served it with moral, ethical, passionate professionalism to the enduring honor and credit of Coach Walker and the Northwestern Community around the country. May God's blessings be with you. He will be deeply missed. Roger J. Kurucz, D.C. - Albuquerque, New Mexico
|
| My name is William Dickens. I am an Evanston resident and attend Northern Illinois University. I visited Northwestern and at one time was planning on attending there. I met Coach Randy Walker when I went to observe the football team. Coach Walker was a wonderful man who was very passionate about what he did. His love and respect for every one of his players was quite evident when I met him and he was always pushing them to be better persons. My and my families prayers and heart felt condolensces go out to the Walker family. May God sustain during this tumultuous time. God Bless William Dickens
|
| My deepest sympathies go out to the Walker family. Its never easy to lose someone you are close to, especially so unexpectedly. To the Northwestern family, my sympathies as well. As a Big Ten football fan albeit of a different team (Wisconsin)I'm deeply saddened by your loss. Coach Walker seemed to be a great man and was leading your program in the proper direction. He was doing it the right way with hard work and dedication. God be with you during this very diffucult time. Daniel Dahnert
|
| Prayers and love to you all. Our hearts are with you in the times of need and support. Gregory Lim
|
| I am truly saddened for your lost. I can imagine the grief the community is felling right now. I know I almost got physically ill when I first heard about Coach Walker's passing late Thursday night. Even though my family are all Ohio State fans and graduates, including my grandfather who was an All-American football player for OSU in 1946. We all are Big Ten loyalist and always root for Big Ten Schools in bowl games and NCAA Tournaments. We were really impressed with Coach Walker as a coach and even more impressed with him as a caring human being. We attended the game when NU beat OSU in OT on national TV in 2004, even though we were not happy with the result. We were truly happy for Coach Walker and NU Athletic Family. It was a great victory for the program and put NU back on the map nationally. We believe he was one of the finest coaches in football. Even though he coached at NU, us Ohioans had great pride in the fact he was from Troy, Ohio and came from the "!
The cradle of coaches" Miami of Ohio. He will be missed by all. He has built a great foundation for Northwestern football. We hope his successor keeps up the tradition and builds onto that foundation. We will be attending this years NU vs.OSU football game in November, but we will be attending with heavy hearts. RC Cohen, OSU Class of 1994, IU Class of 1997
|
| Coach Walker brought pride to NU football. His profound commitment to the players and his high standards exemplified the very best in college football. His personal integrity was obvious.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Randy, but I feel like somehow I knew him. The NU community misses him deeply; we have lost one of our very best, Dwight Grimestad '74
|
| Randy stood for what is good about college football...........molding young lives and setting high standards..being a leader, he led by example. He was a winner in everything he did. Bob Galloy
|
| He was a special man. I treasured my personal relationship with him and he was a friend to our football program. Tim Rucks, Head Football Coach, Carthage College
|
| My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the Walker Family and the Northwestern football program. Randy was a great player, a great coach, but an even better person. He will be missed by his Miami Teammates who followed his career with great pride. May God give you strength in this time of great sorrow. Gary Quisno, Miami Un Teammate 1976
|
| Dear Tammy, Jamie, & Abbey,
It has been a long time since we used to meet at Goggin watching Craig and Jamie play hockey. When Randy moved on to Northwestern, we were all so proud that we saw one of the "good guys" have great success.
We just wanted you all to know that you and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
We deepest condolences, Craig, Karen, Craig, Kristen, Kevin, and Ryan
|
| To the Randy Walker family,
Please accept my family's deepest sympathy for your loss. Randy was in several of my classes at Miami, and I truly cherish the brief amount of time I was able to spend with him. He had a positive influence on everyone he came into contact with. Randy was a class act, an inspiration to all, and will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Steve Yerkes (MU '77)
|
| As a former NFL player, I know what it means to wear the "Northwestern N" on my helmet. I am thankful to Coach Walker for maintaining the pride that we alumni cherish. However, my heart is sad because we have lost a great individual in a time where great individuals are rare. I pray that God gives you strenghth during this time. Curtis Duncan, Northwestern class of 1987
|
| I am sorry that Randy past away.I'm a season football holder and enjoyed his coaching that he brought to Northwestern. James Cosgrove
|
| As a OSU and Big Ten fan, I always respected and admired the job that Coach Walker did at Northwestern. As a fan I always knew a trip up to Northwestern was a frightening ordeal because of the great job Coach Walker has done. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. John Crawford
|
| Every year Coach Walker brought his team to our campus in August for pre-season "Camp Kenosha." Every year we were impressed with the the type of people that represented that program - first class in every way. Coach Walker would not have it any other way. David Williams, Athletic Director, UW-Parkside
|
| I want to express my sympathies to the Walker Family. I was sorry to learn of your loss. Randy Walker displayed a passion and pride for his work that will be sorely missed.
I would also like to extend my condolences to the members of the football program at Northwestern University. You have lost one of the best coaches in college football. Michael Margolis NU '87
|
| As a graduate of Northwestern ('91, '01), I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Walker. My family and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Walker family and his players and coaches. His upbeat attitude and fight until the end style will always be cherished and admired. I thank Coach Walker for all that he has done for our University. He will be missed. Adam Weiser
|
| We were so saddened by the loss of Randy. Our family always held in the Walker's in the highest regard.
As their next door neighbors in Oxford, they were as down to earth as any family you'll ever see.
We were truly blessed to have known them, if even for a short time. The Sutter Family
|
| Walker Family,
Our prayers go out to you. I had the very fortunate opportunity to also play football for the 'cats and have been a season ticket holder basically since I left school. I can tell that your husband and Dad conducted himself with integrity and the values that Northwestern stands for when I am sure he was tempted many times to cut corners. He put the men on his team and staff first. I would have been honored to play for him and he will be missed by our family. Not only did we lose a great coach, but we lost a great man. Dean Koester Class of '85
|
| I am so sadden by your loss. I respected the work of Coach Walker just by what I saw on the field. The creativity on offense, the passion of play by the defense and special teams was just just outstanding. However that pales when compared to the class with which Northwestern Football displayed. THAT IS A REFLECTION OF COACH WALKER'S CHARACTER.
Coach Walker and Northwestern represent many good things about competitive athletics. Hard work, commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the field, passionate play, caring about something greater than yourself are all worthy and noble skills. I came to see those characteristics in Coach Walker and his program.
In these difficult days ahead, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Respectfully, Michael D. Feldman
Head Coach of Track and Field
Osbourn Park High School
Manassas, VA.
|
| I remember Randy most as my coach at UNC Football camp back in 1978... I was 9 and had been admitted to the camp underage because my Dad was a booster at UNC. Randy and Jack Himebach looked after me and made sure that the bigger kids did not pick on the little guy from Hickory. Later on my Dad would help show Randy around the Western part of the State and I would get to know him on a more personal level. I was pretty excited when your Miami team came to Kenan and beat the Heels and I knnow that was a big day in his coaching life. I cannot imagine what you are going through now but I pray that you find peace in the fact that randy touched so many lives in a proactive and inspirational manner. Mike Waddell, Sr. Assoc. AD, Univ. of Cincinnati
|
| To the Walker Family,
Your loss of Mr. Walker was devastating to my wife and myself. It is hard to put into words the grief we feel for your family.
Four years ago, our daughter Tara was accepted at NU as an intern in the Sports Department. She called us late in the day on Friday and and was very upset. She still works at NU in the sports department and knew and admired The Coach very much.
Tara has gotten us involved in the NU Football Team and we were able to follow his accomplishments. He will be missed greatly by his friends and the NU Family that came to Love Him.
Our Prayer's are with you and the Coach!
Sincerly, Angie and Walt Scheidegger,
Shady Valley, Tn.
|
| My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so saddened by the loss of Coach Walker...he always conveyed such a tremendous sense of optimism and it was infectious. He made every Northwestern fan feel that no matter the odds, the team would be successful and I'm sure that was a huge key to his success as a coach. His passing is a tremendous loss for the entire NU community. Thank you for sharing your husband / father with us. Laurel Hartman (Speech 94)
|
| My thoughts are with Randy's family and the Northwestern family during this difficult time. As a Penn State alumnus, I always knew Northwestern would give us a great battle, and do so with sportsmanship and class. Here's hoping the tradition and legacy Randy was building at Northwestern continues on in his vision. Mike Sheaffer
|
| I would like to offer my condolences to the Walker family.
I'm a Tennessee fan and I respect Coach Walker and the fine things he has done for Northwestern. Very Respectfully,
Terry Story
|
| We all grieve your loss, and pray for Gods peace to comfort your hearts...Randy was a man of spirit and faith, and will be welcomed into heaven. As King David said he will not come back to us...someday we will return to him. Pastor Ralph Searles --
Christian Fellowship Church --
Crystal Lake, IL
|
| To the Walker family, to the entire Northwestern University family, and to the Big Ten family, I wish to express my sorrow at the loss of Randy Walker. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ed Paserba
|
| Through your very special team, Coach Walker, you have instilled in us students a sense of pride for our university. Thank you for all the memories, and your family and you will be in my prayers. God Bless. Soon Hui Tan, NU Class of 2006
|
| The Garneaus express our deepest love and support to the Walker family. Ever since Randy arrived at Evanston we have been season ticket holders traveling all the way from Colorado to attend NU games over the years. He has brought pride, respect, and high standards to our university of which we will always be better for his efforts.
May God's love shield you in the days to come. Ben Garneau
|
| My most heartfelt condolences to the Walker family on your loss. Randy exemplified everything that I love about my alma mater and all that is best in college sports. He will be greatly missed. Leslie Jabara, Music '95, NUMBalum
|
| I just want pass my condolences on to the Walker family. I am a Troy Ohio native who was introduced to football when he was a player on those great Trojan football teams. Seeing him play is one of the main reasons I am such a fan of football today. Mr. Walker ran a clean and competitive program; he will be missed. My prayers go out to your family. TM Stroud
|
| To the Walker family - My first football game againt Minnesota in 2003 made my love and attachment to this school grow, and I have not missed a game since. Coach Walker ran the program in a way that all of the Northwestern community is proud of, not just because the program was successful but Coach always ran things the right way. I am mourning the loss of our great coach, and my prayers and condolences go out to as you mourn a great father and husband. Adeeb Hakim NU '07
|
| I was a freshman when NU went to the Rose Bowl - so I was of the Gary Barnett bandwagon. But when he turned and left us, I was glad that Randy Walker came to take his place. I live in Seattle and a young alumni group gathers to watch the games. We were always in constant praise of Randy - for you want someone decent and respectable and good to coach for such a great school. Randy Walker was all of those things...I was proud he was our coach - no matter how the score ended up at the end of the game. I am sorry he passed so soon...I am sorry it was so sudden and unexpected but I am glad he was able to do what he did and I am glad he was a part of the NU community. He will always be remembered and revered for his respectability, talent and coaching. I thank you Randy, for doing NU proud. Becky Allardice
|
| We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you. Jim and Nance Mumbert
|
| My deepest condolences and prayers for the Walker family. Coach Walker brought honor and pride to Northwestern family. His contributions will be remembered for ages to come. Ben, Class of 84
|
| I am sorry for your loss. The world was lucky to have a man like Randy. You are all in my prayers. Tyler Grandstrand
|
| As a former resident of Evanston and a fan of Big Ten football, I send my prayers to the Walker family in their time of need. Matt Ray
|
| Thank you for the work ethic, pride, excitement, and passion you brought to Northwestern. You gave us many wonderful memories over the past eight seasons that will be cherished forever. My deepest sympathies to the Walker family on this terrible loss. You will be sorely missed. Godspeed. Ka Wai Cheung, '01
|
| I wanted to pass along my condolences to your family on this tragic loss. Thank you for sharing Randy with us. Northwestern Football has always been very dear to me. I will always appreciate not only the success he has brought to the program, but more importantly the honesty and integrity that he emphasized as well. Jonathan Brown
|
| We are so saddened by the news...we have so many fond memories of Randy and Tammy at Miami with Tammy's involvement in our ice skating program at Goggin, and Randy elevating our Football program...words cannot describe how we feel. Mitch and Vicki Korn
|
| Please accept my condolences on the passing of Randy Walker. For me, a fan of Northwestern football, he was the definition of integrity. I never met him and yet he touched my life and thousands like me. I'm a baseball coach and I will pass on his spirit to all my boys and girls.
To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town. A.E.Housman David R. Creighton
|
| Our daughter Kendra attended NU as a field hockey player. In her first summer and subsequent four years the athletic departments bonded and in her case the best friends she made were members of the football team. Most importantly were Randy and Jaime, who she considered a great support and a very good friends. I know that you even invited her to your home, something she will always treasure. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to your family as you have always been a special part of our family. Love, Fernado and Mary Mesa
|
| Each and everyday you will be missed. Not only will your wife and children miss you, but you "other" family: students, athletes,and staff will never forget your presence on and off the field. You have touched more lives then you will ever know. Thank you. K.Kline
|
| Thank you, Coach, for all the exciting football games. I work as a security guard for the athletic facilities, and you always took time to greet me and my dog, Loge, when we were doing our rounds. We will miss you deeply, but we feel you are still with us. Tom Adolphson
|
| Coach Walker gave long time Wildcat fans something to cheer about again. I never met him but welcomed him into my home every Saturday during football season. I am deeply saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time. He will be missed and remembered by all. Joann
|
| My brother, John Gill, just finished his freshman season under Coach Walker. I often talked to John about the season and he always mentioned the coaches. I think some of the things that make boys good at football can also make them a difficult group to coach. Our family has a streak of stubbornness, of which John got his fair share. It takes a strong personality, a person of integrity, charisma, and value to lead somebody like that. This is how John sees Coach Walker, as a true role model. I went to UCLA, but haven't really had that much respect for our football team because of the lack of discipline and respect our coaches commanded in years past. When Northwestern played the Bruins in the Sun Bowl, I was rooting for the Cats because of the respect I have for their program (and because of #70). I'm sure this is a hard time for your family, but just know that your grief is shared by the team, the Northwestern community, and everyone related to it coast to coast. Karam Gill (San Diego, CA)
|
| As a loyal NU alum, I am shocked to learn of the untimely death of Coach Walker. His contributions to the program were manifold, and his legacy was just getting started. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us and heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss. Kati Ling Olsen
|
| Dear Walker Family: I am very sorry for your loss. When I was an assistant in HS I coached current player Demetrius Eaton. "Meechie" always talked about the respect and love he had for Coach Walker. In the process of me becoming a head coach at the HS level I looked to Coach Walker from a distance. I would always pick "Meechie's" brain as to how Coach did things. Again I am sorry and God bless you. Jeff Wallack - Head Coach Milw. Hamilton H.S.
|
| The Big Ten Conference has lost one of its finest mentors, and we all send our prayers out to the Walker and Wildcat families. Kevin from Ann Arbor
|
| I am an Ohio State fan, and I had great respect for what Randy Walker did for Northwestern Football. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to Northwestern Football. You lost a great coach and he will be missed. Scott Abate
|
| To the Walker family, I am sorry for your loss and hope you find strength in the fact Randy had a tremendous impact on thousands of people. As a Badger fan, I was always impressed with his coaching ability. The Wildcats always seemed to play at a high level and that was due directly to Coach Walker. Tom Williams
|
| To Coach Walker's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Words cannot express how much Coach Walker meant to me as a Northwestern grad and forever NU football fan. I would send him an e-mail from time to time, and always appreciated how he would personally respond to each and every one of them. He sent me an autographed picture and a hand-written note, which is one of my prized possessions. I even have the fond memory of asking him a question at last summer's Meet the Team night. In one of his e-mails, he said that he hoped to meet me someday. Well, I had the privilege of talking to him when I asked him a question. I just wish I got a chance to introduce myself personally to him, because he is someone I admired and respected. Coach, I will miss you. Your life means so much to so many people. Thanks for everything you gave to Northwestern and everyone who had the pleasure of talking to you and meeting you. Sean Lindo
|
| The Northwestern and Big Ten Conference have lost a rock solid individual. Although not a Wildcat fan, I appreciate the accomplishments Coach Walker made at Northwestern. Jason Kertz
|
| Dear Walker Family:
I was very sadden this morning when I learned of Coach Walker's passing. I have been attending Northwestern games for 40 years....basically since I have been five. Since Coach Walker arrived on campus every year has been exciting with high expectations. As a high school athletic director I can only hope my coaches would process the same desire to succeed but most importantly do it with in the rules. His importance on academics also meant a lot to me. As I have heard and read all day he was a perfect fit for Northwestern. I hope family and friends get you through the early weeks but I know the memories will sustain you for a lifetime.
Best Wishes and Thoughts! Mark Pos
|
| I myself am a football coach and father. I heart gose out to you in your time of loss. you and your family will be in me and my familys prayers. Ken Snyder
|
| I am not a Northwestern fan, but always wanted to see NU win when they weren't playing Ohio State. I admired how Coach Walker ran his program. Coach Walker ran an excellent program and had that program towards being a Big Ten powerhouse again. My thoughts and prayers are with the Walker family. Anthony Kepley
|
| Hello My name is Dylan Johnston, I was born and raised in Evanston but last year i moved to Mundelein. I am still a huge fan of NU I go to every game and always dressed in purple black and white. I just want to send my condolences to the Walker family and I will wear black band around my sholder with R.W. on it in memory of the greatest coach in NU history Dylan A Johnston
|
| I am a purdue football seson ticket holder but have come to pull for the wildcats also because of the class and dignity coach walker showed. It is a loss for the big ten, football and all mankind. My deepest condolences Don Sullivan -- Purdue University, class of 1995
|
To the Walker family,
Coach Walker was a big influence in my sons life, Coaching him for four years at Miami. We could not had picked a better role model.
Thank you for his time from your family to help mold my son Dustin. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Difficult moments, seek God
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment ,thank God
May you feel Gods loving arms surround you. Prayers and Peace to youKim & Donna Cohen
|
| I was stunned this morning like so many other Chicagoans to here of Coach Walker's sudden death. I'm his age and it really struck home how fleeting life can be. I was heartened as I read in the condolence messages of Randy's faith in Jesus Christ. What a wonderful hope we have in Jesus that death is not final. Christ's death and resurrection gave mankind victory over death itself. It is a beginning to life eternal with Him where all tears are washed away and joy never ceases as we are reunited with loved ones in the presence of our Savior. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to you for God's peace and comfort in this difficult time. Steve Sartell, Huntley, IL
|
| I want to express my deepest sympathies to the Randy Walker family. Mr Walker made the Wildcats more than winners he made them respected around the Big ten and around the Country. I am going to miss seeing him on the sidelines while watching games on tv because he was so calm and cool about things. God Bless you Coach Walker and Family. Mr Eric McDermitt
|
| Sorry for the tragic unexpected loss. He sure made my favorite college team an every Saturday must see. He was too young, and I wish God would have picked another coach for his team; but alas he always wants the best. Tony and Cathy Carlquist -- Carson City NV
|
| Dear Walker Family, My heart goes out to you in this time of great loss. I am a 1979 NU grad and have had season football tickets for 13 years. I have had a wonderful time enjoying the exciting and successful football program that your Dad and husband helped build. I only know "Coach" from a distance, although I do feel a bit closer for having taken my sons (now 10 and 13) to several pre-season meet the players and Coach events at Ryan field. I can say that based on everything I know about him, I have nothing but great respect. He was obviously a hard working running back in college who appeared to have squeezed every ounce out of his talent. He was a good coach, and a bright and articulate man. More importantly, he seemed to be a good leader of men. With all due respect to the quality of NU football players, the team's standings in the Big Ten on average have vastly exceeded their average recruiting rankings. A sign of good coaching and leadership! Finally, your Dad and husband seemed to be a man of integrity. We all appreciate his commitment and loyalty to NU as evidenced by his recent long-term contract and statement that he wanted to coach the rest of his career here. I am a religious man, but understand that words about God and heaven can't salve the great pain you feel right now. Still, I believe that you all will be with him again. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeff Kinzel
|
| Randy is first and foremost, a genuine, wonderful man who has touched many lives in so many positive ways. I did not know Randy personally, and in truth, sat on the visitor's side of the field at NU games, since I went to Illinois and Northern Illinois. However, I saw how classy Randy conducted himself with everyone around him, and how he touched his players, fans, and the community. May the Lord be with you in this difficult time. Know that Randy left a legacy that will go on, and that he is with God. Perhaps in heaven, I will meet him, and maybe then he will let my team win just once. Scott Barrows
|
| I can only imagine how hard this is for you. Coach Walker brought us an exciting and competitive program. His teams never gave up. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm sure he was as wonderful a husband and father as he was a coach. Someday you will all meet again. Stay strong! Ed Crane NU '79
|
| I don't personally know Randy Walker nor did I go to Northwestern but I feel we lost a great man in the world of college football. My heart goes out to the Walker family. On behalf of all the Louisiana State Tiger family RIP and we will always be thinking about you. Brandon Bartholomew
|
| We are so sorry for your loss. In these times, you must look to your family and friends to help push you through. And above all, God. Coach Walker was an amazing mentor to his team and to all the boys who grew up wanting to play for the Wildcats. The Ohio State-Northwestern game had become a great one the last few years and one reason was soley on the type of character Randy Walker led his team to carry. Again, our condolences to you and yours. Sports don't matter in a time like this, healing does. A Buckeye Family
|
| As a neighbor to the Ryan Field complex, I've had the pleasure to meet Coach Walker while out walking my dog a few times. Each time, he has been a genuine, down to earth, good neighbor. We will miss him, and the energy and excitement he brought to Wildcat football. Dan, Evanston, IL
|
| As a person, I can only know Randy Walker by what many have said of him: Character, down to earth, dedicated, bright, caring and loyal. I wasn't lucky enough to know him. As a fan ( Michigan State and collge football in general) I had great admiration for him. His teams were always well coached and they played hard. You had to earn your victories over his teams- Miami or Northwestern. I am truly sorry for your loss. Mike in Lansing, MI
|
| To the Walker Family: We express our deepest condolences to you at this very difficult time. Our son, Todd, thought the world of Randy Walker. He was a great coach, a great leader and a great role model. As parents of a freshman who was learning the game of college football under Coach Walker, we felt privileged that our son, Todd, was learning from "the best of the best." Our hearts go out to your family and you are in our prayers. Godspeed. Keith and Marian Dockery, Atlanta, GA
|
| I will greatly miss Randy very much. I was looking foward to this year to see the best coach in the nation make this team shine with the loss of Brett Basanez. You are my favorite coach every and I will greatly miss you. Jordan Anderson
|
| Tammy, I am so sad to hear about your loss. It struck very close to home. Coaches wives are a unique and special group, and I know that all of us are thinking about you and your family. Remember that you shared your husband with so many young men and their families. You know that they all will surround you and lift you up. As a football coach, Randy has, and will always have, such an impact on so many people. This impact and influence is something that will come back to you so many times in the future and in the most unexpected ways. This gift will constantly remind you of the wonderful things that "your coach" did and I know will give you strength. Many many people are grateful for the way you shared him with others as he coached. I am thinking of you and will continue to pray for your family. Liz Mullins, Arkansas Tech University
|
| Please accept my deepest sympathy and sadness for the loss of Randy. My prayers are with you. The Big Ten and college football was a better establishment with Randy Walker. His contributions to Northwestern Football and to Big Ten Football cannot be measured. Jim LoPresto Edinboro, PA
MICHIGAN season ticket holder since 1964
|
| To The Family of Randy Walker- I just want to send my deepest condolences to you in your time of need. I was not a Wildcats fan (even though my girlfriend goes there), but I truly admired what Coach Walker was doing with the program. In an era when steroid abuse and detrimental conduct off the field is common place in college sports, I never had to worry about hearing any allegations involving Coach Walker's players or coaching staff. I truly thank you for everything and wish you the best in the trying times to come. Sincerely Yours, Thomas Kunz
|
| I miss you. Katie Kapinos -- Wildcat Kids Club
|
| MY STAFF AND FAMILY IS PRAYING FOR YOU AND THE WHOLE STAFF AND THE FAMILY. May GOD BLESS YOU. coach jackie cooper,INDIANA STATE ,WIDE RECEIVER COACH
|
| To the Walker family my name is Phil Kocinski I was a big fan of Coach Walker I always enjoyed watching NorthWestern Football Games he was one of the greatest Coaches I am sorry about his sudden death he will be missed I offer you my condolences. God Bless. Phil Kocinski
|
| Coach Walker will missed here at Miami and at Northwestern U. My sympathies go out to his family and to both universities he was an ambassdor to 2 great football programs. To his players I also offer my sympathies. God Bless you Coach Walker, you will be sadly missed. What a huge loss, when I heard the news this morning I cried, I really liked him as a person and a coach. Lisa Wright Miami U Class of 97
|
| Walker family, my entire family and I would like to send my deepest sympathy and regret for your family's loss. Randy was truly loved and cared about by thousands of people. I have been a life long Northwestern Wildcats fan as long as I was able to talk. I am 23 now. But, when Randy took over the head coaching job, I bought season tickets to sit on the 50 yard line so I could watch him coach as well as root the team on. Over the years, I have gained a great deal of respect for Randy from his work ethic on the field and off the field. He was truly a passionate person who set an example by his leadership and he will be greatly missed by his family, Northwestern University, the community, and the fans. He turned into my favorite college football coach mainly from his impeccable character. I will continue to root the 'Cats on for undoubtly the rest of my life in honor of his legacy which nobody will ever be able to duplicate. My family is also grieving the loss of a great person, too. David Behrens
|
| As a student (and dance team member) who was studying at NU at the time Coach Walker took over for Gary Barnett, I really saw how he handled the transition with grace. I always admired his abilities as a coach, but most of all, I admired his rapport with his players and the school at large. My prayers go to his family and all who witnessed his quality as a human being. God Bless. Jessica Ray Herzogenrath, NU Class of '02
|
| God Bless You and your Family. Titus Hughes
|
| I just want to send my deepest condolences to you in your time of need. I was not a Wildcats fan (even though my girlfriend goes there), but I truly admired what Coach Walker was doing with the program. In an era when steroid abuse and detrimental conduct off the field is common place in college sports, I never had to worry about hearing any allegations involving Coach Walker's players or coaching staff. I truly thank you for everything and wish you the best in the trying times to come. Sincerely Yours, Thomas Kunz
|
| I am a bulldog fan, but just wanted to say, he always ran a top notch program may he rest in peace. Win for him next. Jason Barnett Athens, Ga
|
| I have been a Northwestern fan for several years. The reason - the school always placed acedemics above athletics. It was Randy Walker who made the school a winner, not by fluke, but by example and leadership. This is the man who, in my recolection, took this program to as many bowl games as all of it's other coaches combined. An example of his work was a response that he made at a press conference after a loss. During the questioning, he talked about teaching and motivating the student atheletes. One reporter made a comment about team speed. Mr. Walker's response was, "...you can't teach speed." That reply reflected the great coaching ability of the man. He always asked for and got the best out of his players, no matter what. He always challenged them fairly, motivating them always to do their best. His legacy is one to be proud of, and with that legacy, he will live on. Angela and I send our condolences to your family. Rest assured we are grieving too. Dale and Angela H.
|
| The Walker Family,I don't know if you remember me but I played fullback for Coach Walker at NU in 1988 and 1989. I wanted to say how sorry and saddened I am to hear of his passing. I can truly say that coach has shaped me to the person I am today and I am grateful. He is and always will be a true inspiration to me. God Bless you all and the Northwestern Family. Steve Rosholt
|
| I wish to extend to you my deepest sympathy on the death of your husband and father. Although I knew of him only as a football fan, I understand that he was a man of good character and principles. I'll miss seeing him on the sidelines. May the Lord comfort you all through this time of sorrow. Michael C. Vidic, Kankakee, IL
|
| As a member of the Catbackers, I can imagine your great sense of loss. What a fine example of a married couple you were. Not only do we respect Randy for the superb coaching job and nurturing he did for the NU football program but as a husband and father he probably exceded even that accomplishment. My prayers are with your family. Judith B. Sanger
Sp 60 Judith B. Sanger
|
| Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Coach Walker. He represented Northwestern with class and dignity, and made me even more proud to be an alum. Chris Tomasson,
Class of 1985 Chris Tomasson, Class of 1985
|
| Thank you Mr. Walker for being a fine ambassador for College Football. Dan Striblin
|
| Not related. I was a student at Miami when Coach Walker saved Miami football. I also took football theory from him and his staff. He is the reason I have Miami season tickets today. He is my fan favorite coach of all-time. And in football theory= he offered to make some calls for me to get into coaching (I actually was going to work for a CPA firm, but he didn't know that). I feel so sorry for you all. God bless you. Coach Walker was a terrific ambassador for Miami. Chuck Walker
|
Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your fine husband Randy. I first met Randy in our freshman hall at Miami. He was respectful and kind to everyone even as a college freshman, and a real credit to the football program. Later, as a chief medical resident in Chapel Hill, I was fortunate to talk with Randy many times as he visited players in the Student Health Service. He was a very kind, thoughtful individual, and I held him in the highest regard.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Tom Stuckey
|
| I am not a NU allum but I sure do love Northwestern Football. Even though Coach Walker was not an academic Professor I think we have lost one of the school's great educators. Having talked to several players and parents the last few years I have come to realize he was using football to teach some of the most valuable lessons in life to his students. And as a bonus he took the rest of us on a heck of a fun ride. My deepest sympathy to his family and I thank them for sharing him with the rest of us the last 7 years. David Barnes
|
| Our thoughts and prayers are with you with this great loss. I met Coach a number of years ago and he took the time to explain somethings to me. It made a great impact on me with the way I deal with others. My condolences. Don Patterson
|
| I am a Spartan through and through but I had a lot of respect for the Northwestern program because of Coach Walker. His teams always played hard and you knew no game would be easy against his bunch. Being at the game in Spartan Stadium this past fall, I saw his genius at work as NU ran my Spartans out of the stadium. To their credit, there was no show boating and everything was done with class. I think I speak for many Spartan fans and fans everywhere that he will be missed throughout the football community and beyond. Best wishes to the Walker family. Harold Shelton
|
| You are In My Prayers.Stay Strong. Quentin Davie
|
| What a man,what a coach!! We'll really miss him. Dale & Janet Kriesel
Paul and Dorothy Joslyn
(Alumni of Northwestern) Dale & Janet Kriesel
|
As a proud Ohio State Buckeye fan and Proud Big Ten fan I have watched Randy Walker coach in the Big Ten now for several years. I always felt he did it the right way. Never a bad word about an opponent. Always positive and upstanding in his actions. He was a great leader and helped take Northwestern football to a new level. He lead his program with class and integrity. He was a man very good man and a very good coach. Big Ten football is better today because he was part of this conference. I offer my heart felt condolences to his family, players and staff. He will be missed.
God rest his soul.
Dave Secontine
Houston, TexasDave Secontine
|
It is with great sorrow that I write this message to you. Although my son wasn't invloved in NU football he loved going to the games and he loved Coach Walker. My husband and I attended games in Evanston and Randy's presence was such a good thing. He was the perfect coach for the Wildcats. He will be sorely missed, in many ways. Our prayers to your family. Bless all of you.
Marguerite Hill, mother of Senior Evan HillMarguerite Hill
|
| I remember well the respect that Coach Walker had during his days at the University of North Carolina. Through the years since the time in NC, I have admired his successes and the way he achieved them. I'm sure many in NC share my sadness at your loss and offer sympathy. May the special memories sustain you in the days ahead. Rodney Nelson
|
| I am shocked and surprised by this tragic loss. My condolences to Coach Walker's family and all of the Wildcat family. Jeff Moulden
|
| just a dad in CT of a young lady who was a member of the class of '05 and who, herself, was not much of a football fan. but since '01, fall saturdays find me in the den, wildcat hat on, listening to WGN streaming online. i'm proud of the program, whatever the record, because coach walker made it a program that's easy to be proud of. in this day and age, even at outstanding academic institutions, that's no mean feat. G-d bless you and his memory. stu mandel
|
| Dear Tammy and family, from the first time we met your husband Randy,(on the home visit) we knew our son Corey would be at home at Northwestern. We knew Corey would be in good hands because Coach would be tough but compassionate. Coach was honest, respectful, trust worthy and very funny. There was no b.s. He talked about Corey getting a great Northwestern Degree, not just an education. He would graduate, and that was very important to us. We were woken up at 1:30am with a call from our son telling us that Coach had passed, we were shocked to say the least. You have our deepest sympathy and you are in our prayers. Lori and Larry Wootton
|
Although Randy Walker was not one of our customers, we at jay's barber shop were great fans of his. Many coaches and players came to us including pat fitzgerald. There was much sadness of our clients today. We loved him not only for his great coaching , but for being a great human being. We will miss him and our prayers are with his family.
Customers and owner of jay's barber shopJay's barber shop
|
| I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Coach Walker. My dad played and coach with Coach Walker. I will keep Mrs. Walker, Abby and Jamie in my prayers. God Bless,
Shavonne Smith Shavonne Smith
|
May God watch over you and yours at this time...
Numbers 6:24-26
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.Mike
|
| I still remember the day I first met Coach Walker who was recruiting for UNC at the time. This world lost a good football coach, a great man and a wonderful family man. Duane Murray
|
| I am a Michigan fan. I had so much respect for Coach Walker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Brent Robertson
|
| Tammy, I don't know if you remember me, but we used to go to church with all of you at Parkwood Methodist in Durham.I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. We know Randy was a much beloved husband and father. May God hold you close now and always. Karen Vanderlinden
|
| Ray Larson Words alone can not express the loss. God Bless the Walker and Northwestern families. Ray Larson
Piqua,Ohio
|
| "Live life fully, Love Wastefully, and BE all you were created to be". You didn't necessarily say it, but you lived it! Thanks, "Walkman", for impacting my life along with countless others. You gave your heart to everyone, we will all carry a piece of it with us forever. Tammy, thinking of you, Abbey, Jamie, and your entire family. We love you very much! Thomas Agne
|
| To Coach Walker's Family: From this terrible loss we all take note that we all have a final day that only God is privied to. I have nothing but the highest admiration for Coach Walker - from afar. He thrilled us fans with his offense. I especially remember the great win at home against Michigan in the Alamo Bowl year! I went home from that game drained and convinced I witnessed one of the greatest games in college history! God Bless you ! Jim Flood - a fan of NU and Coach Walker
|
Sorry for your loss. I just met the coach 2 months ago, and he autographed my hat for me. I got my picture taken with him too, and I will always remember him as a great coach and leader. Once again, sorry.
Love,Andrew Kapinos Jr., 9 Years old
|
| My thoughts and prayers are with you as are all the thoughts and prayers of everybody in Southern Mississippi. Terry
|
| Words alone can not express the loss. God Bless the Walker and Northwestern Family. Ray Larson
Piqua,Ohio
|
| As a high school football coach I was invited to and attended clinics, events and games at Northwestern. Coach Walker was a leader in every sense of the word and did a fantastic job at Northwestern. I will truly miss the opportunities to learn from him in the future. Northwestern has been so fun to watch because Coach demanded and received the best from his players and coaches. As a football fan I loved watching the Wildacats play the Randy Walker style of football that many try to emulate. Coach Walker has made a significant difference in the lives of many and will be deeply missed by the football community nationwide. Dan Starkey
|
| It seems as if it were a life-time ago, and, I suppose you could say it really was, that Randy would visit us while coaching at UNC. He was such a kind and dear friend to Jack and me, and, Tammy, I am so very saddened by your loss! Please remember me to your children and let them know that their dad was a tremendously loving, caring, devoted, and dedicated father and husband. With fondest memories of our times spent together and wishing I could be there for you during this time of your great and profound sadness. Beverly Lineberger
|
| I am a huge college football fan. I was so saddened to hear of Coach Walker's death. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family off the field as well as his family on the field--his players! God bless you all. Tommy Almand
|
| Like every other college football fan, I was deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Walker. It is a tragedy when such a good man is taken way too soon. To the family, friends, players, and the university, I offer the deepest sympathy of myself and the rest of Buckeye Nation. I had the pleasure of following his career from his days at Miami, and it was a great pleasure to see someone on the sidelines who approached the game with such passion. He will be greatly missed. God bless you all. Keith Norvell
|
| Condolences from a Spartan fan. I have the upmost respect for Coach Walker, both on and off the field and the way he lived his life. Prayers go out to his family from the Spartans. Optiking
|
| I played for Randy at Miami. I was there in 1989 when he was named coach. I was so intimidated by him. We were coming off several losing seasons and he ran us into the ground. He made me mentally and physically tougher as a result. He would always say "the winners do the little things the losers won't do". I will never forget his words of encouragement. He changed my attititude towards football and life. To this day, his coaching has shaped my career. I wouldn't be where I am today without coach Walker. I'm a correspondent for ABC in New York. Coach Walker awarding me a scholarship and eventually lead me down the path to becoming a champion. He was a winner and a wonderful role model. He will be missed. My prayers are with you. Jeff Pegues
|
| I am so sorry for your loss. I am a great fan of college football and Coach Walker was a man we could all look up to. It is such a loss. I will keep the family in my prayers. Janis Cook
|
| As a fan of college football, I couldn't help but notice the positive impact Randy Walker had made at Northwestern. He was a coach that all fans respected. It is heartening to read the testiminies to his off the field caring and commitment. Randy was taking Northwestern in the right direction and doing it with integrity. I am truly sorry for your loss. 52 was too young. I lost my own father when he was 50 and I am still struggling with the loss. I hope these words of condolence offer you some comfort. I am proud to see what one of Ohio's own was accomplishing. No matter which team we root for every Saturday, today we are all Wildcats. God bless. Barry
|
| Dear Walker Family, I just wanted you all to know that I felt immensely upset upon hearing of Randy's tragic death early this morning. He was a great coach, and someone I had always thought of as a kind person. He really got people on campus to believe in our football team, and for that I am eternally grateful. As a student who frequents games at Ryan Field, I can attest to Randy's "go and get 'em" style. He was never afraid to take chances on the field, which made for exciting finishes and great school pride. He will be greatly missed by everyone -- those at school and around the country. My sincere condolences to you all as you grieve the loss of a great man. Although coping with a tragic loss is never easy (something I can unfortunately attest to), I pray that God can help you find strength amist this very difficult situation. God bless. Adam D. Ganjani, NU CLass of 2009
|
| From 3 years ago, when I didn't even understood the game of football, to being a member of NUMB (Marching band)/Drumline and staying involved as band's official photographer when I had class conflict...I was so shocked of hearing the news for I knew how he meant to everyone in the community. I am very sorry and hope the family finds the strength to get through this hard time. Coach Randy Walker will stay in our hearts and will be remembered dearly. Yunji Kim
|
| There are not words adequate to express the shock and sadness I felt when a friend called at 6 am to tell me that Randy Walker had died. I graduated from Northwestern in 1970 and have not missed a home game since I was an undergraduate. The Randy Walker years were the highlight of all those years -- the consistent, high-quality football of the Walker years was a joy to see. May God grant him Eternal Rest and may Light Perpetual shine upon him! Hal Stewart
|
| I have no connection to NU, but I always enjoyed watching their games when they were on TV and thought that Coach Walker was both an excellent coach and a man of integrity. My condolences to what I'm sure is a wonderful family he left behind, and to the top-notch academic institution he served. "To live in hearts left behind is not to die," so the saying goes, and I'm sure that those closest to the Walker family and the NU football community will be feeling his presence for a long, long time. Mark
|
| I lost my father about three years ago so I understand the pain with losing someone so wonderful. I loved to watch Northwestern play this past season and they way that they scored points, played well in every game, and they had true character. The team defintely represented the character of their coach. I pray that God will be the ultimiate provider for you all during this difficult and challenging time. Jimmy Jones
|
| We are so sad to hear of Randy's passing. He made a great impact on our lives with Jim's career and being a mentor to Jim during his graduate assistant job at Miami. Tammy, we want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. I know Randy is in a better place and will be watching over you and your family to give you the strength you need. Randy will always be with you in spirit. He has helped make you the person you are today. God bless you all. Jim & Terri Bollman
|
| Sorry about your loss. He will always be in our hearts. Greg Eversole
|
| Chris Gersch One of my best friends... Ashton Aikens... told how giving and special Randy Walker was. The world is better because he was here. With Love, Chris
|
| Our heartfelt condolences to all of you wishing you peace and strength in the days ahead. James and Carol Longenecker
MU'77, MU'78
|
| My condolences to the Walker family. Randy was a great coach, leader and friend, but probably an even better husband and father. Steve Hager
|
| I am so sorry for your loss of Coach Walker>As an NU grad i was so proud of what he had accomplished inh is tenure.He brought pride and class to the University.I always enjoyed going to the games he coached.May his memory be a blessing. Jay Blackburn
|
| Hi, I do not really know you or Coach Walker, but i have learned from him that actions speak louder than words. I have watched how he has coached his team from the sideline and led them to an oustanding record last season. I am blessed to have been able to just watch him on the TV screen. I am only 19 and will be coaching a Pop Warner Football team, and i hope that I will be able to have as much of an impact on my players as he did. God bless! Matthew Turner
|
| To the Walker family: I am so very sad to hear of Randy's passing. He was truly one of the most remarkable people I have ever had the opportunity to meet, and I am a better person because of his influence. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and I wish you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Lorie Hoover '01
|
| Dear Tammy, Abbey, & Jamie, I am very sorry for your loss. Coach was a positive role model to me while at North Carolina. I have always saved a profile that Coach gave us that described "The five qualities he liked most about himself". They were 1)Being a Christian 2)Intelligent 3)Hard-working 4)Understanding & 5)Competitive. He lived this and much more. My family will pray for you to give you all strength during this time of mourning. God bless you. Richy Milligan, UNC 1983-87
|
| Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a great man that will be sorely missed. God bless. Miami University Sports Medicine
|
| Thank you for all of the memories, coach, from 54-51 and student body right to 2005. We'll miss you. Jon, class of '06
|
| I'm so sorry about the loss of Randy. Although his loss is extremely painful, we must give thanks that such men like Randy lived. Dave Szafranski
ASU Alum
|
| As an alumnus and a former Evanston resident, it is very sad to hear of Randy's death. Finding good coaches is hard enough, finding one who is also a good person who was as deeply committed to family, his players, and Northwestern University will be next door to impossible. I know there is little anyone can say that is of much comfort. But as Randy was a man of strong faith, I know that he has gone home to his Lord. May the Lord provide comfort and strength especially to Randy's family and to all those who mourn his loss! Phil Kober (GS '77)
|
| Tammy, Abbey, and Jaime, I am soo sorry for your loss. Your father and husband was a great man. He treated everyone fairly and more importantly he treated them like family. I will never forget the life lessons he taught me in the 6 years I knew him. I know I speak for all of his players when I say he was a great coach and an even better person. David Wasielewski
|
| Coach Walker should not only be remembered for his accomplishments on the field, but more importantly for his ability to consistently prepare his players for success outside the game of football. He has made a positive impact on a diverse population of young men during his coaching tenure and that speaks to his character, passion, and love for everyone around him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family... "TRUST YOURSELF" Taylor Jones, NUFB '05
|
| Coach Randy Walker was always a fun interview, and a great believer in aiming high, and then achieving those goals. He looked for performance, plus integrity in his coaching and our teams performed because he demanded excellence. Its a shame that now we'll never know just how far the NU Wildcats could go under his leadership. Our prayers go out to the family. Coach Roy Lamberton
Purple Reign
|
| To Tammy and the Walker children, Like everyone else I was shocked and saddened to hear of Randy's passing. I can't help but think of a Bible verse which may offer you comfort during this difficult time--"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit"-Psalm 34:18 I pray that you will experience God's presence in a special way as you seek Him for comfort. God bless the Walker family. Scott Gilmore
|
No words can express the sadness of the loss of husband, father and coach. He brought much pride to a school that was only known for its acedemics, yet he made believers out of all his young men. He taught more than the X's and O's. You all should be extremely proud of his accomplishments on and off the field.
God BlessJoann
|
| Tammy, Jamie, Abbey, and Brian, Know that your husband/dad/father-in-law was a great coach, but an even better person who was looked up to by everyone and respected by everyone. I really hope that the 2006 Northwestern football guys use this season to honor Randy and his awesome coaching style and his warm/compassionate heart for others. Hopefully the seniors/captains come up with something neat like a patch with a picture of Randy or saying one of his favorite huddle cheers right before kickoff, and that will be a way that they will know Randy is smiling down on them from above. Randy achieved success at a school with strong academic requirements and he did it the right way, the clean way, the Christ-like way! Randy is someone I desire to be like. He lived his life to the fullest each day. God Bles the Walker family and everyone at NU. I love you guys as family even though I've never met you and know that I am praying for you guys! Clint "Clint Dawg" Johnson
|
| I am sorry to hear the loss of the man who led Northwester to many wins in 8 years. I hope Jesus can comfort you and the Northwestern in the loss of Randy Walker. Robert Riley
|
Dean Jackson, sportscaster-journalist, Playmaker Productions, Fort Wayne, Indiana
May the memory of a great man lead the great men and women associated with Wildcat football. My this cause us all reflect on Randy's life and our own lives and create memories and define moments that live beyond our lifetime. Our prayers and family go out to you.-----
|
The Walker Family,
Our family conveys our deepest sympathy to yours.Coach was an inspiration to many young student athletes,including our son Brad,recruiting class of 2006.We know Brad will be dedicating his remaining years at NU to Coach.The Phillips Family Duane Phillips
|
| I was greatly sadden to hear of you loss. Coach Walker was an inspiring coach, one that made me proud to be an NU grad. I thought nothing could top the Rose Bowl of 96 (my senior) year, but having him at the helm, did. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts an prayers. Tina Tina (Trebotich) Morgan '96
|
| Randy's presence will forever be felt on the football field he so loved. Even more importantly, the lessons he taught and the values he cherished will touch the lives of many he never even knew. Thank you for making this world a better place. We love you and will miss you. John Sanford
|
| As an Ohio State fan, i saw the Buckeyes play Coach Walker's Wildcats alot. It saddened me to see such a dynamic man pass so soon, I know that any time I see the Wildcats logo, I will always remember Coach Walker. Please accept my condolences during this tough time, my family and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Tim K.
|
| My deepest condolences go out to you the Walker family. Coach Walker seemed like a great guy and I'm sure he was a great family man, he will be missed. John
|
| I extend my sympathy to Coach Walker's family. He was one of the nation's finest young coaches. Jeff from Ohio
|
| I am sorry for your loss, escepially since Randy was a great individual who loved to be around the game of football. I have been a long time Penn State fan and I always remember the great games Northwestern would always give us. He was a great person and will be missed. John
|
| I would just like to say I completly sorry for your loss. As a Purdue graduate who attended games both in West Lafayette, IN and Evanston, IL as well as watching Mr. Walker on TV, I just wanted to let you know how much I respected him as a person and as a coach. I think he had the utmost class and was a great coach. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. J.T. Stephens
|
| We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Randy will not be remembered as only a football coach but as a man of integrity and strength. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rev. David and Mrs. Nancy Kyllo
|
| Dear Walker Family, Coach gave his all to Northwestern at a time when most coaches would have tried to jump ship for a bigger program. He literally gave us his all and for that, the NU community owes him the grandest ovation possible. Some us had our doubts when he first came to Evanston but his football genius became apparent very quickly. His love of family and players also shone brightly. Coach was a great man who expected great things. I will miss him deeply. Tom Vitron
NU '99
Flagstaff, AZ
|
| The loss of Randy is untimely and tragic. He will be greatly missed. Randy was a fantastic football coach, a great father/husband, a good friend and a loving individual who poured his heart and soul into the game. Northwestern University should be proud of such a solid leader. Randy will be missed. On behalf of Hawkeye fans everywhere, we're sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family in the future. Josh Spaete
|
| Hello Tammy, I am currently in Finland and have just been informed of this truely sad moment. Linda and I's heart goes out to you and the family, as the true strength of family allows us to make it through these difficult times. Tim Dickensheets
|
| This gentleman led by setting a great example of hard work, dedication, decency, honesty, and loyalty, and a sort of down-to-earth humility. Even as just a fan, I feel honored to have seen his work and heard him talk about his team. We will only ever think of him as a very impressive guy. I am very sorry for your loss. Don Schoen
|
| To the Walkers, I have been a huge Northwestern football fan for many years,and your husband/father was a big reason for that. He was one of the best coaching figures this great city has ever seen. Through good times and bad, he showed class, integrity, and was just a real nice guy. I know that he will be looking down on his team this season, and play a big part in the success this team will achieve on Saturdays. May God be with you all. Keith Menacker
|
| My thoughts and prayers go out to the Walker Family. One of my former high school football players is currently on the Northwestern Football team. (Bryan Heinz #21) I had the privalege of meeting and speaking to Coach Walker on various occassions and he was a man of integrity and passion for football and most importantly his family. Chuck Puga
|
| We would like to pass along our deepest sympathies to the Walker family and Northwestern University. As alumni, and current graduate school students, Northwestern has been an extension to our family, and we are both extremely saddened by this loss. We have gone to almost every single home football game over the last nine seasons, and have been witness to Randy Walker's enthusiasm, integrity, and incredible passion. His passing has left an incredible void on the sideline, at the University, and, most importantly, in his family. He will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathies, Randall & Michelle Froeschle
|
| To the Walker family, I would like to express my sincere condolences to all of the peole who's lives have been touched by Coach Walker. As an avid NCAA football fan, I,ve enjoyed watching Coach Walker turn the Wildcats into the successful progran they are today. God Bless You All. Sincerely, Ed Wyatt
Springfield, Ohio
|
| Thank you for your leadership and winning football! The Ragland Family
|
| I am such a huge fan of the northwestern wildcats program, especially for football. I had huge expectations of coach walker in the future, and can not think of a better man that would take the purple back to a rose bowl. his recruiting among giants like ohio state, and michigan were so tact full and skill full. look at what he turned and will still in soul make out of small back terrell sutton and damien anderson, and i have never seen a player grow has much has he taught physically and mentally with the dominance of quarterback brett baz. What a remarkable man and hero to american football, but to life and the players of miami (ohio), and northwestern. The players coming back this season will not let the newcombers forget coach walker and this season is a going to be a battle for walker, and i think the big ten, and the country are going to be surprised in the team walker made for this season has he coaches them in spirit. Thank you coach walker for so much! You helped me in a very hard time in my life, and watching you guys play and going to the sun bowl was something i had thourouly to look forward to. thank you again coach, and thank you to the walkers wife and kids. Robert P.
|
| To the Walker Family, We are very saddened and shocked at the loss of coach Walker. He was about the right things and took this program to the right places. The Linhardt Family
|
| To the Walker Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Coach Walker's dedication and perserverance in revitalizing the football program made all of us so proud of him, his players and our Alma Mater. I will miss him! Bernie McShea, '86
|
| I have been a fan of Big Ten football for a while. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Walker. My prayers go out to the family. Aaron
|
| Words cannot express what a tremendous loss we all feel here at Northwestern. I had an opportunity to meet Randy at a pre-season event last year. What struck me was how approachable and sincere he was. As he talked about the upcoming season his passion and love for his players and Northwestern was so evident. He personified all the things that embody Northwestern football: Character, Passion and Integrity. Please know that the Northwestern community embraces you just as we have embraced a man who leaves a long lasting legacy in a highly respected football program that will be forever changed because of this man. Wesley Thorne, Assistant Director of Northwestern University Career Services
|
Tammy and family,
I worked at Northwestern when Randy was hired, what a breath of fresh air when he came in to lead the Wildcats Football team. A remarkable individual. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.God's Blessings to you all. Delinda Blanck
|
| I was very sad and shocked to the hear the news of Randy's passing he was a great person. my thoughts and prayers are with the Walker family and the Northwestern players and fans. Mike
|
| Dear Tammy....I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences on the sudden death of Coach Walker. He was a wonderful coach, and a great man. We will miss him. Jim Rose, ABC 7 TV Sports
|
| To the Walker Family, My heart is heavy, as Coach Walker had an impact on my life as a coach at the University of North Carolina. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Victor Harrison
|
| To the Walker Family- I have worked with Ohio State Football since 2001, and no one opponent was better coached then Northwestern. Coach Walker was a great coach and even more importantly he was a great person. I am so sorry for your loss. He is in my prayers.p>Chris Schmidbauer
|
| I heard Randy share of his faith in Jesus Christ at an FCA Breakfast for the Alamo Bowl. I was encouraged to learn of his relationship with the Lord who's presence he is now enjoying, forever. Know our prayers are with you and the family. If I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to contact me. Rev. Hutz H. Hertzberg
Executive Pastor
The Moody Church
Chicago
Hutz Hertzberg
|
| No person ever did more with less. I always wondered what Coach Walker would have doen with the talent at OSU or Michigan. Great coach who will be missed. Jaxblue18
|
| I'm just an old alum who didn't know Randy, and I'm very sad. I can only imagine how you guys feel. But he made me feel very proud. I was proud of the way he conducted himself all the way around. He was the talented, respected, upbeat, hard-working, and successful guy you just KNEW Northwestern deserved to find some day, and finally did. It's a terrible day, of course. But if only we could all be remembered for doing so much good for a university, a community, and most importantly, the young men who represent it. God bless his family. Mike Marn
|
| I never met Randy but saw him on the sidelines when his Wildcats played in Champaign. I felt a loss also when he passed away because he was part of Big Ten Football. What moved me the most was the quote Randy made after leaving the hospital in 2004..."I want to see my grandkids someday." I have three young grandsons who mean the world to me. My thoughts in this difficult time are with all of you. God Bless. Jim Sheppard, University of Illinois Football PA Announcer
|
| My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Walker family. May God comfort you and hold you during this tough time. Randy will be sorely missed. God Bless you Randy and may you rest in peace. Carl J. Noble, Jr.
|
Ma'am, I am the uncle of CJ Bacher, a member of Coach Walker's team. I never had the pleasure of meeting Coach Walker in person. What I do know is that he has had an extremely positive impact on CJ as he has with so many other young individuals. Please know that even from afar our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time.
Sincerely Patrick & Ingrid Bacher and family, Kodiak, AlaskaPatrick Bacher
|
| I've always said there is an Alpha and an Omega to everything. Everything but Randy Walker. As a Wisconsin Badgers fan, I have admired Northwestern's determined play in the Badger-Wildcat games. There was no quit to Randy Walker or his teams. I am positive that those who knew Randy were changed forever. So for his family, his friends, and to the Northwestern Wildcat football teams and fans, don't be afraid to shed a tear in your personal loss, but neither be afraid to share the laughs that this man knew so well to balance his life. God bless Randy Walker and all who knew him. Bill Edson
|
| I have been writing about NU sports for a few years now and I have been a fan of NU sports for quite a few years before that. I haven't always agreed with what Coach Walker has said or done, but I can't imagine what it will be like now without him. On behalf of myself and my colleagues at MOPSquad Sports, you have our deepest condolences. Michael Wilson, MOPSquad Sports
|
| May God be with you at this time. Randy, you are great coach and the team up there just got a lot better!! Corey Oswalt
|
| I am very sorry to hear about your loss and the loss of a true "football genius" yesterday. Tom Kehe
Cedar Falls, IA Tom Kehe
|
| I honestly do not know what to say, except I feel odd. Coach Walker ran a great program and was so underappreciated by the national media. He seemed like a cool guy that would make a great husband/father. My deepest sympathies are with you. Marty
|
| Having known you during time together in Sing-Out Troy, Troy High School and Miami University. I am very saddened by the news about Randy. I only talked with him a few times at Miami but he was a solid man in every since of the word and it was clear you two were meant for each other. Ginger and I send our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Sometimes life does not seem fair but that's because we look through our eyes and not God's eyes. It will always hurt but in time the pain will lessen. God will sustain you as will your family and friends. Allen ("A.W.") Rowe - Troy, Ohio Allen W. Rowe
|
| You are in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic and painful time. We had the pleasure of talking to Coach Walker every year at The Big Ten Kick-Off Luncheon in Chicago and he was always pleasant and cordial to us, especially being Buckeye fans. He will be missed and not forgotten. May God bless you during the days and weeks ahead! Bruce and Sharon Peterson
|
| Randy was a good coach. He turned the football team around. Cristobal Junebug
|
| "Trust Yourself" This will stick out in my mind for as long as I live, because it's burned into my memory from when NU beat OSU two years ago. The message was posted above the entrance to the looker room. This seems like something Coach Walker would have said or put up, and it's something I repeat to my employees all the time. As an entrenprenuer, NU always represents the underdog, but the ability to believe in one's own abilities can transcend the odds of being a success. Listening to Coach Walker talk on the radio, and to the hear the stories of those who played for him, reminds me every day that life is about the quality of the struggle to be better, and to give it your all on every down. Ryan Nix
|
| I was so sad to hear this news. Randy will always be in my memory as a fine singer and a wonderful Tevya. Nancy James Lamb, Troy High Class of '76 Nancy James Lamb
|
| Randy was part of our family and will be sorely missed. May God help you through this time of darkness. John Brechin
|
| I was in an Ohio restaurant recently wearing my Northwestern hat when an elderly couple approached me and asked me if I knew of Randy Walker. I said I did, having grown up in Cincinnati in the 1970s and being very familiar with his playing and later coaching days at Miami as well as his tenue at Northwestern. They said they were from Troy, Ohio, and that Northwestern was lucky to have Randy as its coach. I agreed. I was proud to have him represent our university. I'm very sorry for your loss. Stephen
|
| I send my deepest condolences to The Walker Famiy. Coach Walker was a great Coach and a great person. He inspired me in many ways on and off the field. I will miss him greatly as will so many others. I will keep you all in my prayers. He is gone but will never be forgotten. Ashton Aikens
|
Dear Walker Family
Randy Walker is one class act in the broad view of college football. I have now noticed how soon football doesn't seem to matter, and how the life of someone so special can be taken from you. I will keep you in my prayers, as well as the entire University of Michigan fan base.Alex
|
| There are only so many ways to say it, but no end to the number of times it should be said. One of the truly good people in college football. I am stunned and saddened by this. You are lucky to have been so close to him. We'll be thinking of you. Tapan Maniar
|
| Our thoughts and prayers are with NU and the Walker family.... CSTV Networks
|
MGOLF: Alum Chris Wilson in PGA Debut
