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Note: ARTICLE FROMTHE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS; WALKER HELPED USHER NEW ERA IN PRESS TECHNOLOGY By Robert Denerstein Oct. 10, 2005 In the '60s and early 70s, newspapers began going through one of the most massive changes in their history, and Marion "Pete" Walker helped preside over it. Mr. Walker, who died of cancer Oct. 3 at age 72, spent 25 years as a production manager for newspapers owned by Scrips Howard (now E. W. Scripps, Co.). That period included roughly a decade at the Rocky Mountain News. Trained as an accountant, Mr. Walker supervised the News production process from 1981 to 1991, a period of technological change and robust growth. One big event would take place during the night and he'd be down there, said Charlotte Walker, Mr. Walker's wife of 50 years. "It was a stressful job with long hours, but he loved it. He wouldn't have wanted anything else." Born in Memphis, Tn. Mr. Walker began his career working for the Memphis Commercial Appeal. He transferred to the Evansville Courier and Press in Indiana before joining the "News". "He was certainly an energetic and dedicated guy, " said Bill Fletcher, president and general manager of the News until 1990. "He had strong views and hung in there with them. He made a contribution to the paper and was involved in a lot of new technology." Other colleagues emphasized Mr. Walker's management style. "Pete was a quiet manager. He was thoughtful, thorough and easy to work for, " said Neil Ray, former special-projects manager for the News. "The group of us that were working in newspapers at that time were shepherding the industry through the latest conversion in terms of technology that probably any industry has ever been through. The hot metal days existed from before the turn of the century and didn't start to change until the late '60s and early 70s said Ray, refering to the way the paper was printed. "Pete was instrumental in bringing that change to both the Memphis and Denver papers." During Mr. Walker's tenure, the News remodeled its existing building and began work on a new press facility on North Washington Street where several new presses were installed. A golfer, hunter and fisherman, Mr. Walker in recent years had worked part time as a tax accountant. He was an avid golfer until he became ill, his wife said. "He made a hole in one in Evansville; they bought him a little trophy. He went Moose hunting and fishing in Canada during his newspaper days." In the summer of 2004, Mr. Walker, a son and grandson traveled to Canada for a fishing trip, one of Mr. Walker's last wishes. "He told his son and grandson that he wanted to go back to Canada before he died, " his wife said. Services were held last week. Mr. Walker, who served in the Navy, is survived by his wife and three children; Dana Towndrow, Dan Walker and David Walker, all of Lakewood; a sister, Kathryne Lewis, of Mount Pleasant, Miss; a brother, Robert Walker, of Booneville, MS; and five grandchildren. OBITUARY; WALKER, MARION 'PETE' Died Oct. 3, 2005. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran. He was with E. W. Scripps News for 25 years and was the production director for the Rocky Mt. News. Survivors include wife, Charlotte; and 3 children; Dana Towndrow, Dan Walker, David Walker; and 5 grandchildren; sister, Kathryne Lewis of Mt. Pleasant, MS; and brother, Robert Walker of Booneville, MS> Viewing will be at Bear Valley Church, 6800 W. Hampden Ave. Lakewood, at 12 noon, Services at 1 P.M. Burial at Fort Logan at 2;00 P.M. Area B. Denver Newspaper Agency 10/5/2005
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