Larry Wayne Walker, 64

Larry Wayne Walker

March 14, 1956 — February 17, 2021.

What can you say about someone who has been a part of your life for 30 years when he has left this Earth? This is a tribute to an amazing person who brought himself to the table in a quiet gentle way and cared for others with an open heart. Someone who committed fully to being a partner and Dad.

Larry Wayne Walker was born March 14, 1956, to Harold and Lenora (Lefton) Walker, in Lafayette, Ind. Larry was raised in Attica, Ind., until the family moved to Utica, Mont., in 1962. Larry loved the mountains of Montana and spent time hunting and exploring all of the beauty.

Larry graduated from Hobson High School in 1974 he was active in basketball, baseball and football. Upon graduation, Larry joined the U.S. Air Force and served for seven years. During this time, his first child was born, Ezekiel Walker.

In 1990, Larry met Sonja Enger and they blended their lives together to include three children, Ezekiel Walker, Alacias Enger and Anette Enger. Even though Larry was a stepfather to Alacias and Anette, he loved them like his own. Larry was the embodiment of one of the most-important lessons you could hope to teach your children: Love and family aren’t really about blood. Love is about waking up every day and choosing to show up and love unconditionally on both the easy days and the difficult ones. Larry always showed up for both. As a father, Larry was the source of support, encouraging his children to reach for whichever stars they wanted. “Our Dad gave us the greatest gift ever, he believed in us.”

Larry graduated from Minot State University with degrees in Special Education and Physical Education and went on to teach Special Education in Nampa, Idaho, relocating to Coeur d’Alene in 2004.

Larry was very close to Sonja’s side of the family and joked about his “brothers from another mother,” Merv, Loren, Myron and Tim and “sisters from another mister,” Andrea, Maggie and Julie.

Larry is survived by his life partner, Sonja Enger; son, Ezekiel Walker (companion Kimberly); daughter Alacias Enger (partner Cosette) and daughter Anette Enger; sister Kathy Hastings (Dave); brothers Jim Walker and Tom Walker (Leslie); grandson Brayden Walker; Sonja’s mother, Bernida Johnson; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Walker, and mother, Lenora Walker; maternal and paternal grandparents; Sonja’s father, Harold Johnson and Sonja’s brother, Merv Johnson.

When we met in 1990, I would have never known we would spend the rest of our lives together. Couldn’t have asked for more. How do you say goodbye to someone who gave so much of himself to us, we will miss your encouragement, the way you looked at the positive side and your playful sense of humor. Larry so freely gave love, acceptance and safety. He has left a print on those in his circle. We will go on, as Larry would want us to. In his famous words of encouragement, “You’re doing it!” You were a good man, Larry Walker, until we meet again, all our love ...

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Larry’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.