TRAVERSE CITY -- A longtime local news anchor known to thousands of northern Michigan households as Dave Walker died after a two-year battle with cancer.
Eugene E. Telman II, 63, died Thursday surrounded by his wife, family and friends. He was fondly remembered as a mentor and friend through his long career at WPBN/WTOM-TV, the Traverse City-based NBC affiliate.
Walker, a native of Ludington, worked for TV 7&4 News for more than 24 years, covering stories ranging from the Republican and Democratic National Conventions to the 1996 Summer Olympics, and several Detroit Tigers' opening days. He even flew with the Blue Angels.
"(Journalism) gave him an opportunity to do so many different things," said his wife of 28 years, Kay.
Before that he worked at several radio stations throughout Michigan and in Los Angeles.
Walker, a "consummate gentleman and consummate optimist," kept his head high as he battled the cancer, his wife said.
"He was a trooper," she said. "I can tell you there was not one down day."
Walker was a "unique kind of person you meet once in a lifetime," said Jill Saarela, president and chief executive officer of TV 7&4.
"He was just tremendous mentoring all the young journalists," she said. "He just took so much time and taught them with just such care."
Walker held several roles at 7&4, including reporter, anchor and managing editor. His co-workers remembered Walker as a hard-working newsman who was a quick study in the business.
"Right from the beginning, he was constantly willing to learn," said Dave Fortin, who retired from TV 7&4 two years ago after a 42-year career. "Not only from those who were there when he started, but also from the youngest and newest members of the staff."
Walker always remained down-to-earth, Fortin said.
"He never really tried to think of himself as a 'personality,'" Fortin said. "He always remained humble."
Walker also was fond of toy trains and was co-founder of the city's annual Festival of Trains. He had a deep passion for traditional jazz music, and hosted his own radio show, "Jazz from the Tradition," on WNMC-FM.
Station manager Eric Hines said Walker used to joke about wanting to travel in a time machine to watch his favorites like Bennie Goodman perform at venues like Carnegie Hall.
"It was a real coup for us when he volunteered to do the show," Hines said. "He brought a lot of enthusiasm to the radio station."
Walker is survived by Kay, a former journalism teacher and yearbook advisor at Traverse City West High School who works for the Michigan Education Association.
The family will hold a celebration of Walker's life next spring with a date to be announced. A full obituary will appear in Sunday's Record-Eagle.
Staff writer Art Bukowski contributed to this report.
