Walnut Creek

Doug Walker, well known to Berkeley-Albany residents for Walker’s Pie Shop & Restaurant on Solano Avenue (1964-1999), passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, in Walnut Creek. He and his sister, Carol Walker, were both born in the Albany Hospital to Jack and Dorothy Walker, and grew up in Berkeley, going to Berkeley public schools. He was a life-long car buff, beginning with hot rods at the Elmwood Car Club at Berkeley High School and continued owning several classic cars throughout his life.

After graduation from Berkeley High, he joined the US Navy and served three years as adraftsman on the USS Ajax, largely based in the Pacific. After completing his service, he attended the culinary program at San Francisco City College. With certificate in hand, he opened his restaurant in 1964, following the Walker Family tradition.

He was supported by an amazing family of long-term employees until his retirement in 1999. For 10 years, 1981-1991, he also owned and operated Michael’s Liquors, also on Solano Avenue, and became a sought-after wine expert.

Throughout his life, Doug enjoyed music and dancing.

In the 1970’s, he traveled in the Balkan countries of Serbia and Croatia for the folk lore. Later in life, he participated in classic car club tours with wife Beth. They made several tours in western European countries, always making friends wherever he went. They also enjoyed many ship cruises together.

Doug is survived by his sister, Carol Walker, and his first wife, Yvonne Foye (William Nettelmann) formerly of Albany, and his son, Bruce R. Walker (Julie Carrasco) of Pinole. A second son, Patrick K. Walker, died in 2022. A second family arrived with his marriage to Beth Wiese (deceased in 2022) and her two daughters, Carol Oredsen and Lynn (Dan Menegus). Grandchildren are Kailey, Tyler, Caitlin, Steven (Mackenzie) and Robert and great-grandchildren Zeke and Sarah. Funeral arrangements are by the Neptune Society and Doug’s and Beth’s ashes will be distributed together at sea following their wishes. A memorial for Doug and Beth will be held later this year.