Lanny V. Walker

On the early morning of December 27, Lanny, age 85, passed away peacefully with his loving wife and longtime caretaker Mauve by his side.
Lanny was born in Union, Utah. He was the eldest son of Ruel Walker and Dorothy Robinson Walker.  Lanny’s father Ruel was a drummer and played in a band at the Knudsen Inn, that eventually became the Tuscany Restaurant. Ruel took his wife and young son with him when he played. Lanny developed a love for music early on. He took piano lessons and when he was older played piano and organ at places around town. Lanny attended Jordan High School and after graduation enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent four years on a cruiser ship working in the engine room and seeing the world.  After honorably serving his time, he returned home to Utah and was offered a job hanging rain gutters. His work truck was a bright-red, fully functional, convertible fire truck that was a huge attention getter. He didn’t work there long but it was sure fun while it lasted.  Around that time, he met Mauve and in 1963, he and Mauve were married in Elko, Nevada. Their son Randy was born the following year and they made their home in Holladay.  Lanny got into the heating and air industry shortly after his rain gutter job and spent the rest of his working career in the local HSAVAC industry forming his own business Westair, Inc. with friend and business partner Ron Quayle, serving the Wasatch Front until his retirement.
When he retired, one of his favorite pastimes was going on road trips with Mauve. They loved to ride out to Nevada and play the nickel machines and always had a fun time together.
Lanny loved billiards and had a natural talent for it. He was one of the best snooker players in the valley. He carried his favorite cue everywhere and made many lifelong friends. Lanny shared his knowledge and enthusiasm of the game with everyone he met. He taught many including his grandson Josh who he shared many of his trick shots and techniques with. The billiards room at the Mount Olympus Senior Center was his second home for over twenty years. He made many dear friends there who became like family to him.
Lanny gradually lost his eyesight over the last decade of his life. He eventually had to hang up his pool cue but he still loved to go and hang out with his dear friends at the senior center.
Lanny is survived by his loving wife and caretaker Mauve, son Randy (Heather), grandson Joshua (Mi’chelle), daughter-in-law Tori and honorary granddaughter Misha as well as his brother Sherl and sister Karen. He is preceded in death by his parents, his favorite Aunt Zelda, his younger brother Kip and many friends that passed before him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor for family and friends later this spring once the weather allows for an outdoor gathering.
Please share your memories, pictures, and stories of Lanny in the comment section.