PORTLAND – Gabriel Walker passed away unexpectedly at home on March 1, 2022. He was 86 years old. Born on Oct. 12, 1935, in Chattanooga, Tenn. to Gabriel and Agnes Walker, the family relocated to Portland following his father’s discharge from service at the end of WWII. He attended local schools and graduated from Deering High School. It was there he met his wife of 65 years, Sally Neilson.

Gabe went on to attend Brown University in Providence, R.I. where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. Sally would visit Gabe as often as possible while at Brown and their romance continued to blossom. Following graduation, Gabe and Sally were married in Portland on Nov. 9, 1957.

Gabe began his career as a science teacher at Lincoln Junior High School. After 2 years at Lincoln, Gabe was presented with the opportunity to earn his Master’s degree under a National Science Foundation program at Texas A&M University. Gabe and Sally packed up their three young boys, Timmy, Pete and Mike, and moved to Texas. During this time, their young family continued to grow with the addition of twins, Jimmy and Julie. After earning his degree, the family returned to Portland where they purchased their home on Fessenden Street. Shortly thereafter, the youngest Walker, Andy, was born. Gabe and Sally lived happily together in their home for 59 years.

Gabe returned to Lincoln Junior High where he taught for one more year before transferring to Portland High School where he taught biology for 30 years. He was also active outside the classroom and spent many years coaching Little League and a variety of high school sports. During his time at PHS he earned a reputation as a highly respected teacher, known for his calm demeanor and patience with his students. He was beloved by many. His children never tired of hearing from his former students what a great teacher and person he was. Although he graduated from Deering High School, he was a Bulldog through and through.

After retiring from teaching, Gabe embarked on his second “career” with the Portland SeaDogs where he worked for the next 25 years. Gabe loved his time at the ballpark where he had the opportunity to see many of his former students, reconnect with old friends and make many new ones.

Gabe was a very kind and unassuming man who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Maintaining their beautiful home and gardens, woodworking and spending time with his family, friends and neighbors were his greatest joys. Gabe was a very special person and touched the lives of many people. He will be greatly missed

Gabe is remembered by his devoted wife, Sally; his six children and their spouses, Tim and Gloria of Scarborough, Pete, Mike and Cathy, Jim “Butch” and Monique, all of Portland, Julie and Michael of Chadds Ford, Pa., and Andrew of Newport, NC; his ten grandchildren who lovingly called him Bubba are Callie and her fiancé Tucker, Courtney, Sammi, Julia, Gabriel, Michaela, Lilly, Lainie, Noelle and Aidan. He is also survived by his younger brother, Roy and Kathy of Concord, NH, in-laws Bob and Peggy Neilson, Carla and Jeff Tozier, and Rick and Sue Luthe; along with many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his loving family, his many friends and those in the Portland community whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Tom.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. at DiMillo’s On The Water in Portland. All are welcome to join us to celebrate the life of this humble and gentle man.

To share a memory of Gabe or to leave an online condolence for the family please visit, http://www.athutchins.com



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