Bernard Jay “Bernie” Walker, 84, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 at his home in Missoula, with his family at his side, of natural causes related to chronic illness.

He was born December 2, 1941 in Bozeman to Willard “Bill” and Lois Walker, but soon moved to Wolf Creek, MT, living at Holter Dam with his folks and younger sister Candace while his dad worked as Operator at the Montana Power Company (MPC).

Bernie graduated from Cascade High School in 1959 and earned a B. A. in Industrial Arts from Montana State University in 1963. Following his father’s lead, Bernie started a 35 year career at MPC in 1964, eventually retiring as Maintenance Coordinator for Western Montana in 1999.

While working in Livingston, MT, in 1965 he caught the eye of a young lady at the Credit Bureau, Jeanne Preste, who was impressed with his kindness and good looks. She eventually accepted his proposal of marriage and on September 10, 1966 they wed. They remained married for 59 years until his passing. The Walkers welcomed their son, Scott, in 1969 in Livingston. After relocating to Missoula they welcomed their daughter, Shelly, in 1972.

The term “avid outdoorsman” does not do justice to define his passion for the outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping, motor cycling, ATVing, boating, even water-skiing. As his son-in-law noted, “he was good at guy stuff.” The only hobby rivaling his passion for the outdoors was his pursuit as a woodworking craftsman. Leveraging his college education, Bernie created countless carpentry products in his self-built backyard woodshop. His winter free time was dedicated to building cabinets, desks, dressers, bookshelves, hope chests and more to gift to his family who will always cherish them.

In retirement, Bernie and Jeanne loved traveling. Two trips with their family stood out: Alaska to celebrate Bernie’s retirement; England and France to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Bernie was the pillar of his family. As husband he loved Jeanne and supported her interests in full. As father he taught his children hard work and committed so much time to help in their studies, sports and recreation. Earning his praise was their ultimate reward. Scott considered his father his idol, striving to make him proud, still. For Shelly, her father was a source of strength, teaching her to follow through and always “buck up.”

In 1991, Bernie and Jeanne gained a daughter-in-law in Margaret, who looked to Bernie as a father having lost her own years before. In 1995, they gained a son-in-law, Jeff, who had the difficult task of sharing Bernie’s baby girl. His grandchildren, though, were his biggest sources of joy.

Abby most appreciated Grampa’s sense of duty, his unwavering support and especially that he loved unconditionally. Emma treasured how Grampa looked out for those he loved, shared intentional, meaningful experiences and always supported her ambitions. Brynn considers Papa an inspiration for the person she dreams of becoming and knows he will always be with her in the pursuit of her future. Brett felt blessed to be Bernie’s grandson and will carry Papa’s passion for the outdoors forward knowing Papa will always be there with him.

In 2004 Bernie and Jeanne acquired property in Lincoln, MT that became the center of their family gatherings. Bernie built a full-service getaway to host his growing family for annual vacations, fishing expeditions, hunting trips. His family recognized The Property as Bernie’s masterpiece, the place that unified his passion for the outdoors, his craftsmanship and his family. Good show, Pop.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Clifford Weir, and his sister Candy Wimmer.

Bernie is survived by his beloved bride of 59 years, Jeanne, of Missoula; his son Scott (Margaret) of White Bear Lake, MN; his daughter Shelly (Jeff) Johnson of Hayden Lake, ID; his grandchildren Abby (Caroline) Walker of Long Beach, CA, Emma Walker of Calabasas, CA, Brynn Johnson and Brett Johnson of Hayden Lake, ID; his nephew Matt (Sarah) Wimmer and family and niece Erika Wimmer; and his brother-in-law James (Sandy) Preste and family.

Thank you to all who helped extend Bernie’s life: compassionate caregivers at Partners in Home Care, Home Instead and Serengeti Care; staff of Fresenius Kidney Care; drivers of the Mountain Line Paratransit; Missoula Aging Services’ Meals on Wheels, Missoula Works and Care Management; staff at MonTECH; Dr. Whitney Haseman and staff at Montana Stillwater Health; Dr. Michael Rohrer of Providence Heart Institute; Dana Cramer, N.P.; and Bernie’s friends and neighbors including the Dolls, Greg Morlock and especially Julie Kubik and Russ Blackhurst and their children.

Bernie left the world as he lived it, fighting to the end, not wanting to leave his family, but finally recognized that his work here was done. So hard to let him go.

A memorial service may be held at a later date; a private family service is planned in Lincoln in the summer. Thank you to Garden City Funeral Home for the arrangements.