KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — City leaders announced the passing of a respected community leader this week.
The city of Kalamazoo said in an online statement that 79-year-old Moses Walker has died on Thursday, January 16th.
The social media post went on to say, ““Yesterday the Kalamazoo community lost a longtime icon, advocate, visionary, partner, leader and friend with the passing of Moses Walker. We honor his legacy and offer our heartfelt condolences to the extended Walker family and all who called him a friend. He will be missed.”
Walker was heavily involved in the Kalamazoo community over the past half century, including stints in leadership wth the Borgess Mental Health Center, The Kalamazoo City Comission, The United Way, Northside Association, and the board of Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Born on the city’s Northside Neighborhood in 1940, he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and served three years in the army. Upon returning to Kalamazoo in 1964, he completed a degree from Western Michigan University before achieving his masters in social work at Wayne State University in Detroit.
He’s perhaps best known for the engaging work he did as leader of the Douglass Community Association. Walker served as director of the advocacy group from 1968 until 1978.
As someone who knew movers and shakers in Kalamazoo, and with detailed knowledge of non-profits, he was instrumental in the launch of the Family Health Center, serving on the board of directors since its beginning.
He ended his professional career in 2005 after a 7-year tenure as executive director of community relations for Borgess Health Alliance and the Borgess Foundation.
In 2017 the Family Health Center’s main facility on West Patterson St. was named after Walker to honor his service to the community.
