Karen Marie Walker

Karen Marie Walker passed away on October 4, 2023 in Anchorage, Alaska after a short, courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Karen was born on July 27, 1964 in Portland, Oregon to Harold (Mose) and Marlene Walker. She attended Holy Trinity Grade School, Meadow Park Middle School and graduated from Sunset High School in 1982. She attended Pacific Lutheran University and graduated in 1986. Always seeking adventure, following graduation Karen came across an employment opportunity to drive tour buses in Alaska. She fell in love with Alaska, and called Alaska home for the rest of her life. The natural world, especially the northern latitude's animals and plants became a passion. Karen shared that passion for nature with others as a consummate tour guide. She led tour groups throughout Alaska, Canada, and the mainland U.S. including sites such as Denali, Kenai Peninsula, Chugach Mountains, the Inside Passage, glaciers, the northern lights, polar bears, national parks and western scenic areas like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce and many others. She led eco-tours, rafting trips, cruises, wildlife and nature walks and countless other tours giving guests their "trip of a lifetime." She even worked in Antarctica and wintered over. In her off-season, Karen traveled the world. She visited over 40 countries in her lifetime often backpacking to remote locations in Asia, Africa, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Central America, and across the U.S. Nepal being her favorite. She volunteered at remote checkpoints for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race for over 20 years. Her email address represented her perfectly: travelingkaren. Karen loved the outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, camping-anything out in nature. Karen also served actively in the community and enjoyed attending fine arts events. We will always remember her beautiful smile, care for others, concern for the environment, meticulous attention to details, spirit of adventure, long, wavy hair which she donated more than once, and how she always remembered special occasions for friends and family. She touched the world and everyone who met her was truly, richly blessed. We will miss the joy she brought to all of us. Karen is predeceased by her mother, Marlene Walker. She is survived by her father, Harold (Mose) Walker, her brother Brian Walker (Shannon) and significant other Mark Sabel. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Alaska Wildlife Alliance. (www.akwildlife.org)