Barry WALKER Obituary

Good memories of the breakfasts we shared in Manukau City and the company at the parties held at your place and Murrays over a number of years

I learnt to drive in Barry's Worsley - he didn't appreciate me driving it gently!! into the concrete post, the sidelight fell off. They were fun days we all had from high school on and when he joined the Navy. Taking me up in the double winged plane was scary, he flew a plane like he drove his car-fast. We made good memories Barry, didn't we.
Farewell dear friend.
Marion Frechtling,(Hayman)

I didn't know Barry but heard alot about him from my mother and her siblings. She was Hazel walker and lived on the other end of Campbell street in Hawera. I understand my uncle Alan was great mates with him along with Graeme hoyes. Sorry to hear about his passing - continue to sore high Barry

Spent many a hour talking with Barry during his lay overs in Wellington when he was on the F-27. He was a real gentleman and an absolute pleasure to work with. The beard and the tats were part of the package that made Barry who he was - RIP Barry.
Graham Williams
Flight Ops Wellington

I remember Barry talking about how the seniority list should be sorted out after the merger.
His idea was it should be done with boxing matches and he reckoned he would at least be number 1 or number 2
Malcolm Macrae
Flight Operations WLG

I first met Barry in 1949 at the St Johns Young Men's Gym Club in Hawera. Barry & I went to a dance at St Jos on a Saturday night Barry had his Dads 1948 Worsley and we somehow were lucky enough to meet up with two nurses from the hospital, I drove with one nurse in the front with me & the other with Barry in the back with the other. The one with Barry lent over the front seat & gave me a nice Kiss. The was the beginning of a very long Love Story. The nurse in the back was Barbara Langslow, we married in 1957 & are still together today. Thank you Barry. Travel well in your long trip ahead.
James (Jock) & Barbara Guy

During my 20 years in Crew Control NAC then ANZ I had the utmost respect for Barry, P225, tempered by a slight fear. I first came across him when he was Leading Seaman Walker, RNZN at Tamaki and Philomel; not someone to trifle with. He was the first NAC pilot to transfer to International and he did not enjoy the silence which prevailed. On B747-200 flights he was a splendid ambassador in the passenger cabin, and welcomed visitors to the flight deck as extra eyes looking for errant Qantas aircraft looking for their best economical altitude despite regulations.

I am a retired cabin crew member who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Barry before joining Air NZ in 1966.
We later met when Barry, who at my time of joining was with NAC then to transfer to Air NZ, greeted me at the top of the boarding stairs saying ''Welcome aboard Laurie"; that was a nice gesture that some sixty near years later I have not forgotten, and recall with an amiable smile.
Barry would always come off the flight deck to join the cabin crew in banter during long night flights, and it was in these moments that allowed many to navigate the vagaries of rank and command. He defused many a situation. Accordingly, Barry was always welcomed at cabin crew gatherings, and the only flight deck member who regularly attended Folded Wings coffee meetings, also one of the very few at annual social events.
I will miss him dearly along with his many stories and humour for men of his calibre are considered by the Japanese to be a Ningen Kokuho...that is a 'Living Treasure' residing in a world of respect for others within the warmth of a unique fraternity.
Upon learning that Barry's health was not good I offered to go over to just sit and talk to him. He replied saying he just did not have the strength; on that note, we recalled the past, had a few laughs, and in closing I wished him all the best...I felt I had spoken for legions over the years.
I salute you Captain Barry Walker...a gentleman...God speed
Laurie Jones...and on behalf of many others.