• Memorial Service Information

 • Tribute To Randy Walker 

 • Press Conference 

 • Remembering Coach Walker

 • Football Coach Randy Walker Dies Suddenly of Apparent Heart Attack

Darrell Baines

Rob

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

Geri, NU'80

Jason Burdette

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

Geri, NU '80

Don Malm

Jeremny

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

Mitchell Freeman

Tony Garcia
El Paso Texas

Mitzie Lumbert

Chris Ogden

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

Paul L. Glanton

My sympathies go out to his family - it is always hard to lose a loved one.

Karl Stewart NU 71

Ted Hagberg

Randy Gollay

David Alfaro, Jr.

The Schiever

The Beattys

Jeff Present

geri doran yanes NU 80

Jaron Johnson

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

Sheriff James R.(Jimmy) Taylor
Alcorn Co.

Samantha

Matt

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

Ben Probst

Omer Matalon

Bill Jarocki

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

Sue Gump Gilliam - Niceville, FL

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

Go Cats!

Geri Doran Yanes, NU '80

Corey Hall

Dylan Carpenter

The Big Ten will miss Randy Walker not to mention his University family.

Jose Carrasco, Ohio State Grad

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'm sorry for his loss.

Casey Wright

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

Calvin Bryant Jr. and Priscilla Bryant

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

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

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

Ray Rocchi

Dan Walberer, Kalamazoo, MI

Jake Halllum

The Belding 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

Matt

My blessings go out to you. He was someone we all will remember.

Abbas Yusuf

Gary Uribe
Director of Strength & Conditioning
Sacramento State Univ. - Athletics

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

Your Freinds in Christ,

Andrew Goodale and Jesse Fleming-Goodale

David T. Martin

B.J. Dvorak

Chris Coleman '89

Jon Abbott, Class of 1968

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

Dale Wooten

Michael Gorman Methuen,MA

Glenn Kosiba

With deepest sympathy,

The Cliff Family
Kevin, Sami, and sons Ryan and Kyle

Damian Ellis

"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

Morris Stowers

Ed, Mary, Vincent & Melissa Browne
Lisbon, Ohio

Jacob Selzer

Jon Diller

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

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

David G

Katie and Bob Kirk (and Rory, Quinnie and Clare)

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

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

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

René Jovel- President of Jones Residential College

-Seth Thacker, Talawanda 2000

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

With Deepest Sympathies;

Paul Keels
WBNS Radio
Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Network

Miami Grad 1987

Chris

Marlan

John T. Couleur

Noel Roman

Jack Leese

Enrique Robinson

David and Annette Bayer, Former Player, Graduate

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

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

Demetrius Eaton's family

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

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

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

Marshall

Nick Mitrovich Family

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.

Coach Walker gave us victory with honor.

Charles & Dorothy Neely

Andrew Hawkins

Sincerly:

Cortland Selman
Eastern Michigan Lb #9

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

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

Joseph Simeone GA Coach at East Stroudsburg

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

Robert and Marie Keenan

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

Jim and Jody Brock, Oxford, Ohio

Muteb Alshathri

Pete Bard

My love and condolences to his wonderful family.

Jerry McHenry

My condolences.

Gerry Mason
St. Clair, Michigan

Chris Buckler MU'01 - Asst. FB Coach Marietta College

Mrs. Julie Schoen

God be with you and your family, you have been in my prayers...

Jeff Mattax, oklahoma

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

Rob Graber

Kody O'Connor

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

Bernie Factor- Football coach at Hoban High School

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

Bruce Blair- ESPN

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

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

Sheryl Nussbaum-NU Grad '91

Kevin Zilch

Dick Wallace, Bernardsville, NJ

Richard W. Wallace, '65 Miami University

Spartan Fan

Ilya Bendich

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

Jeff Larma

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

Scott Harlan

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

"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

Karri Kennedy Murray

Andy Aracri (MU Football 96-00)

Colin Kennedy, #88

Boothe Davis Logan, WV

Daniel Kelley

Chariss M. Washington "Deaf"

Howard and Renee Feggins

With Love & Sympathy,

Susie Cordova & Eric Gegner

Bill Keran-Toledo Ohio

Forever a Miami Redskin

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

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

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

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

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

"...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

Jason Hohl, Penn State '03

Josh Larsen, Greensboro, NC

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

Greg Brown

Tara Cheek Battaglia

Ryan Trauger

Adam Fay #76 NU '01

Lynn Kamara

Sincerely,

Eric Meeks
Pasadena, CA

Sincerely,

The Cunninghams

Steven Woodward

Miami University Grad, 2001

Carissa and Larry LaTourette

From everyone at UPS

Ms. Beverly Thompson

Dave Goldin

Steve and Melody Highlen

GLENN CUNNINGHAM

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

Sara Rodriguez

Marla Brizel, WCAS 2009

Dennis Lieberman

Don & Rosalie Armstrong

Thank you...Randy...rest in peace.

Robin, Marla and Tricia Pendergrast

Nancy Wray Liebersbach

The Chris Chambers Family

Avi Kapen

Jonathan Hall, UNC Football 1985-1989

Jeff Kosnett '76

Art Vuolo, Jr.
www.vuolovideo.com
Novi, Michigan

Sincerely,

Jeff Potnick NGN

Aaron Markworth
NU Grad 2000

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

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

Gerald Henry, 3/85 Michigan State University Graduate

david peterson

Matt Kordos (Miami University)

Dennis Casey & Friends from University of Wisconsin-Parkside Student Union

Eric Gretch, Northwestern 2002

ARAMARK Dining at "Camp Kenosha"

Pat Griffith

"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

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)

Michael Frain

Jeff Schell

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 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

C. Boyd

Coach Walker will always be a huge part of Northwestern and NU Football.

Greg Goldsborough

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

Charlie Imel Urbana, OH

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

Erin Smith

Anne Himebaugh (daughter of Jim Himebaugh, Miami '77)

Ken Hauck -Miami Teammate '76