Obituary: Robert Kent Walker(b. January 14, 1942, d. October 31, 2015)Lutz, Florida. Robert K. Walker, (73), the oldest of four sons of Mary and Burnis Walker, departed this life on a crisp, clear, fall Halloween, morning. Songbirds sang a beautiful farewell salute to a creative man.Born in Washington, D. C. Bobby grew up on Sandcroft Farm, Clinton, Maryland. A member of the Class of 1960, Bob attended Surrattsville School, in the old building. He found his calling in Mr. Moons art class where he was introduced to drawing and painting. As a youth, Bobs desire for independence took on many hitchhiking adventures. He thumbed it to Ocean City, Maryland at age fourteen. At age fifteen, he joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Baily Circus in Sarasota, Florida. At age sixteen, he traveled to Louisiana and Texas.In 1964, at age twenty-two, Bob set out for California, where he began a career in advertising. Bob began his advertising career at Peoples Drug Store in Washington, D. C. Later, he worked for a variety of firms in the Los Angels and Hollywood area including Seinagar Associates, MGM, and Columbia Studios. He formed Walker Associates for a try at running his own advertising business. Later, he worked for a China manufacturer, and pop up book publisher, and finally an entrepreneur who created a variety of products. Bob expanded his skill set to embrace the digital age and World Wide Web. His employer moved Bob and family from California to New Jersey and then to Austin, Texas. Ultimately, that company folded and left him in a super saturated labor market for digital artists. Bob loved to travel. He traveled to France, Germany, Italy, England, Monaco, Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Mexico. Bobs affinity for the visual arts inspired him to collect Art Nouveau. He especially liked Alphonse Mucha, the father of Art Nouveau. Hiss passion, however, was sculpture in the Art Nouveau style. His collection boasted over a dozen bronzes, all of beautiful women. Bobs passion for cars started with a 1949 Ford Coupe, which he acquired in 1957. His next hotrod was a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500, Convertible. Bob restored a 1969 Firebird to which he was very attached. Sadly, his stepson, who shall remain nameless, totaled it. Luckily, Mike escaped with a severe concussion. He also loved Formula One Racing. While in Monaco he drove the Grand Prix racecourse in every day traffic. Recognizing Bobs love of hot rods, the staff at the HPH Hospice Care center gave Bob a bib imprinted with vintage hotrods, which he treasured. Bob thrived on his native intelligence. He overcame his lack of formal education by collecting and creating art. An avid photographer, his photographs adorned the walls were ever he lived. In addition, Bob maintained an extensive collection of black powder guns and military knives. He explored the art of sculpting by creating wax statues. He had many of his works cast into solid bronze as one of a kind works and gave them is gifts. He also sculpted on commission, but mostly he expressed his own creativity.Another of Bobs passions was scuba diving, which required owning a boat. He began in southern California, but favored the Caribbean.In addition to collecting art and weapons, restoring cars, photography, and watching movies, Bob loved cooking. He collected the best kitchen equipment he could afford, and Food Channel cooking shows on his DVR. If you asked him what goes into Seafood Gumbo, hed explain how to make a rue spoon. His tastes in literature and film were nostalgic: His favorite books were Wind in the Willows, and Winnie the Pooh. His favorite poem was Invites by William E. Henley. He loved Sir Author Conan Doyles Sherlock Holms and Agatha Christies Miss Marple mysteries. Bob saw himself as a Texan, and a lover of Texas chili. All of his dogs were named after the first family dog, a springer spaniel, named Princes. He was generous with complements, and always looked for ways that you could monetize your skills and talents. He did not see himself as an artist, yet he had great hand-eye coordination. He said, Im good at arranging things. To celebrate his birthday, hed invite you over for prime rib dinner with wine and chocolate moose dessert. Bob loved chocolate. He cringed at personal conflict and yet could give the greatest disapproving look, which he used to intimidate. Saddest of all, Bob hated to cry. He felt inadequate when he felt loss or sadness, or guilt.After retiring in 2002, Bob move to Pasco Hall, in the Travelers Rest Resort, in Dade City, Florida. There he participated in that retirement community by helping publish the TR Times, a weekly paper.In 2012 Bob took in his grandson Andrew, taught him how to cook, take photos, and develop a future. Andrew was a great companion and production assistant. As Bobs eyes, hips, and memory failed Andrew was there to chauffer and keep house. Bob was described by a cousin as a character who thrived in spite of his questionable decisions. A former wife said, He was the sweetest, kindest man who Ill never stop loving.He leaves behind his brothers Richard, Donald, and Steven and their wives Judy, Maureen, and Terri. His daughters LorraLi Myers, and Robin Salas, grandchildren Dorothy Sowden, Victor Salas, Andrew Salas, Jessica Salas, and his Great Granddaughter, Madelyn Sowden survive him. In addition, his stepchildren Tiffany Swingler Hunter and Michael Swingler are also thriving. His former spouses, Jeanne Allen Miller and Sue Swingler Walker remember him fondly.