Donald H. Walker of Lexington, MA, died October 12, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Don was born in Beverly Hills, CA, on December 31, 1931. After high school, Don joined the Air Force and served during the Korean War era. Following service in the Air Force, he married and started his family, while also attending college. To help his stepfather operate a deep-sea sports fishing business he became a Merchant Marine Officer. Don was a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Western State College where he received a BS in Electrical Engineering. He began his career at Ramo Woolridge (TRW).

After moving to Massachusetts to join Raytheon, Don eventually became a Technology Transfer Officer at Harvard University. As a Technology Transfer Officer, he facilitated the process of bringing research developments to the market. Don treasured his time at Harvard. He especially enjoyed collaborating with his colleagues, and he formed lifetime friendships while he was there.

Over the past 20 years he became involved with the Chacocente mission in Nicaragua and had the opportunity to travel several times to the country to work with local residents. He enjoyed teaching mission residents how to do electrical work and construct schools and homes. His non-stop work ethic and commitment earned him the name "El Ranco," lame man, from the appreciative mission residents. He kept working even though he was in pain and could hardly walk.

Don enjoyed adventure. He was a glider pilot and a past member of the MIT Gliders Club. He went sky diving and hot air ballooning with his Harvard colleagues. In his 60s and 70s, he took up the sport of rowing.   Don loved motorcycle riding and rode into his early eighties. Learning and experiencing new ideas and opportunities kept him young and interesting, always open to new friends and acquaintances.

Don was known for his love of building and fixing things. At his condominium, he was always on call in any crisis and often just helped residents with repairing small household appliances. Don loved his volunteer job on Wednesday mornings at the Fix It Shop at the Lexington Community Center where he fixed clocks, lamps, toasters, and an assortment of much-loved treasures for residents of Lexington.

Don is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Walker and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Don was predeceased by his wife Maureen and children Sean, Michael, and Carol.

A remembrance service will be held November 14, at 3:30p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA 02421. Friends are invited to come together to celebrate Don after the service at the Methodist Church Hall, at 2600 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the Fix It Shop. Address check to the Town of Lexington, 39 Marrett Rd., Lexington, MA 02421, with "Donald Walker, Human Services" on the memo line or donate to the Don Walker Memorial, c/o Community United Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. This Mission, Buena Vida Amigos, is a rebirth of the Chacocente mission. They will continue Don and Chacocente's mission to help children in rural areas of Nicaragua and Central America.

Don will be missed by all who knew and appreciated his kindness and good will.