Walker, George W.

George W. Walker, 80, of Portales, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005 at Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales.

He was born April 1, 1925, in Yuma, Ariz., to Marie and James Walker.

He was the son of Scottish immigrants. He grew up in Coronado, Calif., where the family raised polo ponies and operated the stables at the Coronado Hotel. For much of his early life, he worked with horses, raising his children on horse ranches where he was a breeder and trainer of quarter horses. Later he began working in construction as a heavy equipment operator and eventually branched out on his own in a dirt moving business. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union. He continued working with construction equipment as long as his health would permit. About four years ago he moved to Portales to be near his daughter and son-in-law, and for the past three years had been a resident at Heartland Continuing Care Center.

Family members said he enjoyed horseback riding, hunting and camping.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Elizabeth Teterman.

Survivors include a son, George W. Walker II (and wife, Elizabeth) of Lecadia, Calif.; a daughter, Wendy Bonestroo (Gary) of Portales; six grandchildren, Gage, Tara, Gavin and Lexie Bonestroo and Hercules and Angus Walker; and a brother, James Walker of Hemet, Calif.

Cremation has taken place.

The family may be contacted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bonestroo in Portales.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.