Eric Michael Walker

Eric Michael Walker

July 27, 1968 – October 15, 2024

Born in Mill Valley, California, Eric passed away peacefully after a 13-month battle with glioblastoma, brain cancer, at his home in Santa Rosa with his beloved wife by his side. 

Eric is survived by his wife, Sheila Colburn Walker, son Alex Walker, mother, Lynne Harrison Walker, sister Stephanie Walker (John Schuler), brother Kevin Kelleher (Kristine) nieces Lauren and Erin Kelleher, aunt and uncle Sally and Ray Robinson, and cousins David Robinson (Kristen) and Mary Peterson (Julian).  He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Dean Walker. 

Beyond his family, Eric’s legacy also includes a lifetime of friendships with a broad group of people, near and far, for whom he cared deeply. Eric will be remembered by all for his kindness, generosity, humble spirit, and sense of humor. 

Eric was passionate about many things, and nothing brought him greater pleasure than his roles as husband, father, son, brother and friend. 

In 1999, Eric met the love of his life, Sheila. A perfect match if ever there was one, Eric and Sheila were married in 2002 and in 2008 welcomed their son, Alex. Beyond being married to Sheila, Eric’s greatest joy was raising Alex and experiencing everything fatherhood had to offer.

A life-long resident of California, Eric grew up and lived among family and friends in Sonoma County. After graduating from Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park in 1986, Eric continued his education at Santa Rosa Junior College and ultimately earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Sacramento State University in 1991. In 1997, Eric enrolled in the MBA program at Sonoma State University, earning his degree in 1999. Eric had a career in finance and banking, at First Franklin, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America. 

In high school, college, and beyond, Eric emerged as a gifted runner. In running, Eric found a winning combination of individual achievement, the camaraderie of teammates, and the sense of accomplishment at pushing the limits of his abilities. As time went on, Eric’s focus shifted to cycling, both road and mountain biking. As with running, in cycling Eric found pleasure in pushing his limits, being outside in the beauty of God’s Creation and spending time with friends who shared his love of the sport.

In addition to his family, friends, career and athletic pursuits, Eric’s interests were myriad. Travel, baseball, live music, reading books about adventure and faith were all among the many activities Eric enjoyed. Eric also made time to give back to his community, volunteering with his running club, school PTAs, and youth-serving organizations. 

Eric’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 9, at 11:00am, at New Vintage Church, 3300 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the church‘s Community Care Fund,  https://newvintage.org/give/.

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