luv my dayton
594 posts
Jun 02, 2014
3:26 PM
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Years ago it seems one of the local news channel had a guy I believe named John walker or something similar and during the labor day weekend he did the local Jerry Lewis telethon show. Was this his name and whatever happened to him? Think he was associated with channel 22.
Last Edited by luv my dayton on Jun 02, 2014 3:27 PM
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Mark1984
164 posts
Jun 02, 2014
3:55 PM
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It was Johnny Walker. He had a long association with Channel 22. I think he was the news director for awhile. He was very involved with the MDA. After he left Channel 22. He held some type of position at Hara Arena. After doing that for several years. He retired and moved to Florida. He passed away several years ago. I can't recall the exact year. But its been a few. I was a member of Trotwood Rescue and has some minor dealing with him through Hara Arena. He seemed like a decent guy. I think he dies of some type of cancer. Always had a cigarette in his hands the few times I was around him. Never saw him with one anytime he was on the air though.
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Calhoun
287 posts
Jun 03, 2014
7:53 PM
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Never met the man personally, but I have a friend who was the local director of a well-known national charity back in the 80s. At one time or another, he worked with just about all the local celebs, and he told me bar none, Johnny Walker was the class act of the bunch. Knowing my friend's standards, his comments about Mr Walker are quite laudatory.
I'll not comment on the local celebs he did not think highly of, but he has some stories......
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cilla46
197 posts
Jun 04, 2014
7:42 AM
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I was a bartender back in the 70's and my boss was one of the owners of "Sparky's" on Alex Rd. where Johnny like to unwind a few nights a week.He was quite good at telling jokes and he loved a good debate about almost anything!Spent many late nights laughing and listening to his stories!
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historybuff
132 posts
Jun 04, 2014
5:14 PM
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Johnny Walker is buried at Woodland Cemetery close to the Wright Bros. plot….
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davery
2 posts
Jun 05, 2014
3:38 AM
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He lived in West Carrollton, my sister used to babysit for him.
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Johnny's Daughter
1 post
Jun 18, 2014
5:33 AM
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I was searching this site for some photo's of my Dad and came across this.
My Dad was Johnny Walker.
He worked in radio for the first part of his career, eventually moving to Dayton to work at WING. He then went to WKEF and worked his was up from Community Affairs/Special Events Director to News Director.
He left WKEF to become President and CEO of Hara Arena.
When he retired, he moved to Florida.
He passed away in 2005 from complications from his cancer.
Yes, he is buried at Woodland, across from the Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar's gravesite.
My Dad loved Dayton. It was always his 'home'. His commitment to his community and to help others is something I will always remember most about him.
When he passed away, we were blessed to have met thousands of people whose lives he had touched. I will never forget what one man said to me. He said "I never liked your Dad but I respected him. He was the fairest boss I ever had. He was always honest and listened to what you had to say. He gave second chances to everyone, no matter what. I will always respect him for that". I can still see that mans face and hear those words and it brings tears to my eyes.
Thank you for your kind words regarding my Dad. I miss him each and every day.
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historybuff
140 posts
Jun 18, 2014
7:53 AM
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Johnny’s Daughter: I didn’t know or ever meet your Dad personally, but at different times I was at or attended functions he was involved with. He had a significant career in Dayton and probably touched thousands of lives in a positive manner. I am a tour guide at Woodland Cemetery, and I never fail to mention your Dad and his contributions to Dayton when we pass his gravesite. Again, my sympathies to your loss…..
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Johnny's Daughter
2 posts
Jun 20, 2014
5:14 AM
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Thank you for including him in your tour. That is such an honor and I honestly don't know what else to say except thank you.
My Dad loved and believed in Dayton and the community. He always looked on the positive side of life. He loved a good practical joke and sincerely enjoyed making others laugh. He did many things that people don't even know about to make his community better; not for the recognition but because it was simply the right thing to do for the sake of others.
Thank you again historybuff. I appreciate that you have included him in a part of Dayton's many wonderful accomplishments. That is a gift I will cherish. Blessings to you.
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historybuff
142 posts
Jun 20, 2014
7:25 AM
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My pleasure, Johnny’s daughter. If its not too personal, where do you live now? I hope you have a great day…...
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