Aug 22, 1947 - Jan 2, 2009

Emery Walker, who taught at Ojai Valley School for more than three decades, passed away suddenly on Jan. 2. He was 61.

Mr. Walker was born in Providence, R.I., and lived in Ventura County for 35 years. He joined OVS in 1976 and served as a dorm parent, basketball coach, and associate dean of studies at the Lower School. He retired in fall 2007.

After graduating from Claremont High School, Mr. Walker attended United States International University, a small, private college in San Diego. He taught fifth grade at La Jolla Day School before joining the OVS faculty, where he taught seventh- and eighth-grade English and coached the school’s spelling bee participants.

Prior to his retirement, Mr. Walker was the recipient of an OVS faculty enrichment grant that allowed him to travel to England and walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare, one of his favorite authors. He also was an avid golfer, and enjoyed painting and travel.

Over the years, Lower School alumni regularly inquired about Mr. Walker and often sought him out upon revisiting the campus.

“The OVS philosophy is close to my heart,” Mr. Walker said in a 2005 interview for the school’s alumni publication.  “OVS has given me the opportunity to be the best teacher I can be.”

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife of 40 years, Helen L. Walker; and sister Dale Walker of Vancouver, Canada and Hawaii.