Anita Walker

Anita Betty (Byrne) Walker, 90, of Denver, formerly of Canby, Oregon, passed away on April 18, 2021. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Martha Ross Byrne; her husband of 57 years, Earl Walker; her brothers Ross “Bud” Byrne and Tom Byrne; and her sister Bobby Briggs. She is survived by her four children: Tom Walker (Sonja) of Fairview, Oregon; Art Walker (Mary Jean) of Richland, Oregon; Ann Christensen (Pete) of Denver; and Marti Sinclair (Jim) of Cincinnati; and by her grandchildren Lee Christensen of Denver; Anne Sinclair of Los Angeles; Ross Walker (Karissa) and their daughters Presley and Madi Mae of NE Salem, Oregon; Mike Sinclair of Cincinnati; and Julie Steyding (Elton) and their daughter Ellie of Eugene, Oregon. Anita was born January 10, 1931. She grew up in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, so she was always drawn to the sea shore. After high school, Anita studied fashion design in New York. She married in 1950 and began married life in San Diego. In later years, she spent 40 years in Canby, Oregon, and her last eight years in Denver. She was an active member of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, camped in areas described by the explorers, and studied the expedition journals. She was an avid backyard birder, and enjoyed birding tours across five continents. She imparted her love of nature to her children and grandchildren. In recent years, she viewed the beautiful little duck, the hooded merganser, with Tom at his home; Anna’s hummingbird with Art on his front porch; the dance of courting cranes with Ann in Colorado, and bluebirds with Marti in Ohio. She was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed reading American and Native American history. Anita loved music and particularly enjoyed John Prine’s final album. Her favorite song, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," is a beautiful tribute to her life. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending. Donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity.