Charles “Chud” Edwin Walker III

Charles “Chud” Edwin Walker III, 77, of West Milford, passed away on August 22^nd from complications due to COPD.

Born in Paterson to Charles and Ruth Walker, with sisters Cathy, Tracy, and Alison, he continued the family tradition of proudly serving the city they loved. The family eventually left their home near Eastside Park, and settled in the town of Franklin Lakes, where he graduated from Ramapo High School in 1966. He attended both Wagner College and Paterson State College, graduating after burning his draft card and becoming heavily involved in leading student protests of the Vietnam War.

Chud started his teaching career at School 5 in Paterson, where he met his future wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and many dear friends. He took great satisfaction in teaming up with Brenda to give back to the city of their birth, and was known by students for challenging them, and occasionally throwing chalk. He was well-liked by his students, and well-known to administrators. He was so effective teaching the 8^th grade work-study program, that he spent the end of his career as a journeyman computer instructor, much to his chagrin.

The greatest source of joy and pride was certainly the family he grew with the love of his life.  Justin, Sean, and Rory were best things that ever happened to them both.  Especially Rory, who remained the apple of Chud’s eye, that is; until grandchildren Sterling and Reilly arrived.

He could name any rock ‘n roll song from Chuck Berry to Steely Dan, loved the Beatles, liked the Beach Boys, and was always welcoming and giving.  Every summer, he became the honorary Mayor of Buxton Beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  He was a surrogate dad to many of his children’s friends and was known for looking out for students in need of help. He was the family cook, the taxi driver, the DJ, the historian, the musicologist, and the nurse.  In his truest form, Chud could be found at his kitchen table, shirt off, radio on, with a beer and some smokes, clapping and hollering along to John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The world and his family are better for being blessed by his presence. 

Please, no donations. Instead, put on a Beatles tune and try to sing John’s parts.