Longtime KVAL-TV (Eugene) anchor and reporter and OSAA Radio Network announcer Dave Walker passed away Monday, October 4. It's a monumental loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing him professionally or as a friend, which most likely always were one in the same.
Dave was a vital part of OSAA football, basketball and baseball championships for decades. I was flattered that a busy television personality would make himself available for so many high school broadcasts. He’d even take vacation weeks during the basketball championships and was a mainstay for us at Gill Coliseum. He made many a road trip to Hillsboro Stadium and elsewhere for football playoff games and enjoyed calling the baseball finals, always a triumphant end to the school year that he made extra special.
Media members enjoyed meeting Dave and other broadcasters relished the opportunity to work with him. Whether he was busy or not, he always had time for everyone who stopped by his broadcast location to say hello. Dave was a man of the people!
It especially was fun for me to work with Dave during the 3A state basketball championships at Marshfield and North Bend high schools. He’d arrive a day early and volunteer to assist me with set up. He was a calming influence to be sure. I’ll miss him dearly this March when I don’t see him preparing to go on the air from the stands at North Bend.
It will be impossible to replace Dave, but I know we can honor him by being kind to each other and all we cross paths with like he was. May he rest in peace.
A sampling of comments shared by other broadcasters around the state who worked with Dave:
"Lost my first broadcast pal in Oregon today. Had more fun with that guy at tourneys, games and at other times. He loved to get out and talk about life and family. We were like brothers and it was very difficult to hear that he had passed." - Mike Allegre, Keizer
"Dave was very good at play-by-play... old school, but very accurate. What a nice man. There are some people who are so nice, likable and loveable. Dave was a guy like that." - Jon Warren, Albany (KEJO Joe Beaver Show)
"He was a prince of a person. A kind, sweet-hearted, good guy." - Mike Parker, Corvallis (KEJO Joe Beaver Show)
"If you’ve listened or watched any OSAA events in the past 35 years, you’ve no doubt heard David Walker. His passion for play by play was obvious. To him, this was also fun. He was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known. He wasn’t just a friend to those associated with the OSAA, he was an ambassador, a symbol, a legend. It’s my opinion that he will be impossible to replace." - Randy Adams, Klamath Falls
"I cherish the opportunity I had to work and learn from Dave at the OSAA 5A basketball championships a few years ago. A gentleman, consummate pro and a great broadcaster. Thanks for providing me with that opportunity. He will be missed." - Mike Ficher, Bend
"What a great teammate he was." - Bob Akamian, Tigard
"Sad to hear about Dave. I always loved working with him because he enjoyed it so much." - Erick Olson, Hermiston
"He was such a heartfelt, generous, and warm individual whom I shared so many great memories with. He will be missed, but I am so grateful he came into my life." - Danny Havel, Portland
"Such a great guy to work with and his passion for calling OSAA games was always evident. Got the pleasure to share a car ride from Salem to Eugene with him one year after doing baseball together and he was such a nice guy. He will definitely be missed." - Joey Keeran, Roseburg
stevew@osaa.org
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