Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1477292
10 WAC Magazine | wac.net first take remembering a chairman Former WAC Chairman Bruce Walker passed away in May at the age of 88. Bruce served as WAC Chairman from 1997–1998. Bruce's staunch commitment to civic involvement and philanthropy was a sight to behold. He held leadership roles for several Seattle organizations, including the University of Washington Alumni Association and Horizon House. But it was the Washington Athletic Club that held a special place in his heart. "On my 21st birthday, my parents gave me my own WAC membership," Bruce told WAC Magazine in 1997. When asked why he valued his WAC membership so much, Bruce's answer was simple: "e people." Bruce was born in Seattle in 1934 and was raised a Seattleite at heart. He graduated from Garfield High School and the University of Washington, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in business in 1956. Bruce spent his career in the printing industry, having served as President of United Graphics and owner of VALCO Graphics before retiring in 2008. Bruce began coming to the WAC as a child and continued that tradition with his own family. "Bruce loved the WAC and was proud of his role in its history," WAC President & CEO Chuck Nelson says. "He will be missed." As Bruce's family continued to grow, so did its tradition of coming together for Mother's Day at the WAC. "We have many wonderful memories of the WAC," Bruce's daughter, Megan Beck, says. "Every year, for decades, we dined at the Club on Mother's Day. Eventually, our group grew through marriage. And then came the grandchildren! In recent years, we always reserved a private room for our family and looked forward to the annual celebration." Bruce was preceded in death by Judy, his wife of 65 years, who passed in December 2021. He is survived by their three children, Michael, Tonia, and Me- gan, as well as eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Remembering former Chairman Bruce Walker Exterior building cleaning to run through fall e Clubhouse's exterior building cleaning project, which happens about every 25 years, is set to begin in early September. e 10-week project begins with installing scaffolding and sidewalk protection for the safety of members and guests. e Clubhouse's exterior surfaces will then undergo power-wash- ing and any needed repairs to the building's façade—including our iconic gargoyles. "Cleaning of our historic building is very important," Washington Athletic Club Chief Operating Officer Wayne Milner says. "Not just for aesthetic rea- sons, but also to remove soiling caused by deterioration. en, any necessary repairs will be made." Stay tuned to wac.net/wac-wire for updates. e cleaning is funded in part by the WAC Foundation. Following a brief closure for annual maintenance, Helene Madison Pool will reopen September 3. For more information, contact Aquatics Supervisor Lynn Barnhart at lbarnhart@wac.net. View the pool schedule at wac.net/ pool-schedule. Pool to reopen September 3