Walker W. Vick Jr., born in McNary, AZ on January 14, 1937, entered into rest on July 13, 2022, in Manteca, CA.
He is survived by his four children, Todd Vick, Tim Vick (Myrna), Tori Perez (John Jr.), and Trent Vick (Jennifer). He was blessed by six grandchildren, Travis and Taylor Vick, Amanda and Emalee Perez, Tillman and Trevor Vick, and one great-grandson Zaydyn Perez. He is preceded in death by his grandson Troy Vick.
Walker was a resident of Escalon and a pillar of the Manteca community. He was an educator who contributed to the Manteca community in a multitude of ways. He was a teacher and coach at Manteca High School for over four decades and served as the Athletic Director for 27 years. After he retired from education, Walker served on the Sac-Joaquin Section as the Playoff Committee Chairperson for 12 years. Walker contributed over fifty-four years to promote athletics in the area. He started working for Yosemite National Park during the summer of 1981. Walker was the manager of the White Wolf Stables along with Tuolumne Meadows Pack Station (1990-2014). He was awarded the Nic Fiore Award for Excellence Guest Services in 2004 and Best Friend of the Packers during the Bishop Mule Days Celebration in 2013.
Walker’s list of accomplishments put him in an elite company. He was Sac-Joaquin Section Athletic Director of the Year in 1988. He was later named the California State Athletic Director of the Year in 1989 and the United States Regional Athletic Director of the Year. He was inducted into the Sac-Joaquin Section Hall of Fame in 2012 for his efforts as both a coach and athletic director. Coach Vick was one of the few coaches who was a head coach for two major sports at the same time, serving as the head football coach and head baseball coach at Manteca High School. He made his mark in football, where he was Manteca’s head coach from 1969-1980. He was widely recognized as one of the best defense-minded coaches in the state. His appreciation from the community at Manteca High was recognized when their field house was named “The Walker Vick Field House.”
Walker’s work ethic never went unnoticed; he was an extremely hard worker and even in his senior years he would never be outworked. Walker finally retired for the third time just five years ago at the young age of 80. His integrity and devotion to both his community and family have never been overlooked. He touched many lives and will continue to do so with his lasting legacy. After his retirement, he continued to stay connected with high school athletics (Valley Oak League) by attending numerous sporting events. Above all his accomplishments and hobbies, Walker never lost sight of the importance of family. His family bond was most important to him; his encouragement, love, and support will be missed forever.
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Troy Vick Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Todd Vick, 918 Westbrook Lane, Escalon, CA 95320. This scholarship fund was created to provide college scholarships to local area graduating senior athletes.
A celebration of life will be held on August 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the MRPS Social Hall, 133 N. Grant Ave., Manteca, CA. For direct condolences to the family visit Walker’s tribute page at www.plfryandson.com
Escalon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, July 23, 2022
