It is with sadness that I have to report the passing of a great personal friend and supporter of the Alsatian, Mr Robert ‘Bob’ Walker, on 7 November 2005 following a long fight against illness.

Bob acquired his first Alsatian (GSD) on entering Berlin with British paratroops during WWII. He left his mark on the breed, producing some quality animals including Manven Muna, Manven Odin, Manven Melissa and the lovely Champion Manven Oriel who gained several CCs.

Following hip replacement surgery, Bob was unable to show his own dogs but was still seen regularly around the shows with his handlers looking immaculate as usual. He always supported the breed and said that he hoped to be around when the breed sorted itself out. He particularly looked forward to attending the GSD (Alsatian) Club of the UK 25th Anniversary Show and Buffet.

Bob loved to socialise around the dog scene and I remember spending many a happy time with him in Silverwell Street in Bolton when shows were held there.

In a piece for South Yorkshire Alsatian Association’s Golden Jubilee show catalogue, where incidentally Bob awarded the dog CC his final words were; " One thing I would love to see before I go to my maker would be, to please, lets have less animosity amongst exhibitors and a lot more friendship. I am sure you will all enjoy your shows a lot more." Well Bob, we’re going to have to work on that one a bit longer!

The funeral was held on 16 November at St Luke’s Church in St Helens near Bob’s home. The cortege was led out by Bob’s personalised scooter. A burial took place at St Helens cemetery with the last post sounding for a real old soldier, paying tribute to his time in the paras and a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Roy Brandon