Howard Lee Walker of Jackson, WY passed away Sunday November 17, 2013 in St. George, UT at the age of 87 surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of personal and professional accomplishments and the lesson of living life to the fullest.

Howard was born September 28, 1926 in Princeton, IL to the late Harold and Vidah Lee Brookens Walker. He served his country honorably with the U.S. Army during World War II. He attended the University of Illinois where he graduated in 1949 with a degree in chemistry. It was there he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Campbell Walker. Howard and Patricia were married on September 1, 1950 in Oswego, IL and were married for 63 years. Theirs was a partnership of which most only dream, made only stronger by the years that passed and challenges they faced. They raised their three children together, Melissa Ann, Mark Howard and Thomas Campbell. In a lifetime filled with accomplishments, his family was the one of which he was most proud.

Howard's professional career centered around another passion of his - food. With his chemistry background, Howard was instrumental in the development of several products at Pillsbury that Americans use everyday. He then worked as Vice President of Marketing at Burger King before joining Mars Incorporated. There, Howard served as Vice-President of marketing and sales of Uncle Ben's before being named President over North & South America and Australia. He retired in1987. Howard heralded the philosophy of "management by walking around" and was well known by employees at every level and in every department.

Skilled at the art of compromise after decades of marriage, Howard and Patricia enjoyed retirement by splitting their time between homes in Miami, FL (Patricia's favorite) and Jackson, WY (Howard's favorite). Howard was an avid golfer who accomplished the once-in-a-lifetime achievement of a hole-in-one, twice. He taught his children and grandchildren how to play the game, a pastime they all shared together over the years. Howard will be remembered for his smile, his warmth, his stories and his ability to make a friend out of anyone. He loved good food and good wine, a passion he shared with his family. He loved bike rides to the beach in Miami, walks in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, spirited games of bridge, theater, jazz music, milkshakes and stone crabs. He summed up his life best at the end, "I've had a heck of a ride."