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Thank you, Daniel and others, for your comforting words and for sharing your memories of Bill. One of the founding fathers of ARLIS/NA, Bill was a giant in our profession as well as one of the most generous, kindest, thoughtful and supportive colleagues, one who wore his accomplishments lightly and was genuinely wise. A chat with him always helped, informed and frequently surprised, in a delightful way. Unfailingly gracious, indeed, Bill also had that gentle yet wicked sense of humor, and was great company. It's nice to think back that after his retirement he could live another fulfilling life in the country, enjoying painting and friends. RIP, Bill, dear friend. Suzanna Simor Queens College, CUNY Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2017 08:33:24 -0500 From: Daniel Starr <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Bill Walker I’m sad to report that William Bond Walker died on February 22 at the age of 86 after a long illness. He was a founding member of ARLIS/NA and our third President. He was also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for 1991. Bill began his career as Librarian-Trainee at the Donnell Branch of the New York Public Library in 1955. He was Reference Librarian/Cataloger at the Metropolitan Museum Art from 1957-1959, Chief Librarian of the Brooklyn Museum’s Art Reference Library, 1959-1964, Supervisory Librarian at the National Collection of Fine Arts and National Portrait Gallery Library, Smithsonian Institution,1964-1980, and the Arthur K. Watson Chief Librarian of Thomas J. Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum Art, 1980-1994. He retired in 1994. He received his B.A. at the State University of Iowa in Iowa City in 1953 and his M.L.S from Rutgers University in 1958. He was an avid painter and exhibited widely, including at the Art and Music Library of the University of Rochester and the Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson, New York. Bill is survived by his long-time partner John Balkema, Kimball Farms Lifecare Community, 235 Walker St, Lenox, MA 01240. He will be remembered fondly by many whose life he touched, not only for his professional activities and sound advice, but also for his unfailing graciousness. The first words many of us heard from him early in our careers were, “Hello, my name is Bill Walker,” along with a big smile and a firm handshake. Daniel Starr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mail submissions to [log in to unmask] For information about joining ARLIS/NA see: http://www.arlisna.org/membership/join-arlisna Send administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc) to [log in to unmask] ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance: http://lsv.arlisna.org Questions may be addressed to list owner (Judy Dyki) at: [log in to unmask] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~