Richard Dennis WALKER

WALKER, Richard Dennis (Rick) - age 59, of Swartz Creek, MI passed away May 3, 2011 at his residence. Services will be held 2 PM Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Rick was born July 1951 in Burbank, CA. Rick attended Mott Community College, University of Michigan-Flint, and Gallaudet College in Washington DC. Rick was a retiree of Delphi and had been employed with General Motors/Delphi for 28 years. Rick lived in CA as a child and moved to Flint where he resided until moving to Swartz Creek in 1999. Rick suffered from Multiple Sclerosis since the age of 25 and was determined to stay independent throughout his struggle with this illness. Rick was gregarious, an avid storyteller and was well liked. Rick loved his animals, especially cats Leo and Bailey. Rick was involved in organizing the Flint Art Fair for a number of years and was an advocate for local artists. Rick leaves to cherish his memory sister Dawn Steele (John) of Flint, MI, brother Danny Walker of Ellenton, FL and Flint, MI, brother Timothy Walker (Cathy) of Burton, MI, Nephews Alex Steele of Grand Rapids, MI and Andrew Steele of Grand Blanc, MI, Nieces Amanda Walker-Goltz (Jason) of Sacramento, CA, Kasey Reddy Smith (Jeremy) of Los Angeles, CA, Cameron Walker of Burton, MI. Special thanks to Susie Herbig, caregiver and friend, and many caring neighbors. Rick was preceded in death by parents Robert and Julia Walker, and brother Robert Walker. Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Diabetes Foundation. Friends may share an online tribute on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.