SANTA FE, N.M. — Alfred Joseph Walker of Natchez, Miss., and South Dartmouth, Mass., was born on January 3, 1938, and died on November 26, 2025, while visiting his sons in Santa Fe. He was 87.
Al was an indelible figure in the lives of many, leaving his mark as a kind, charismatic, brilliant, loyal and generous friend, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and mentor.
Born in Boston to parents Joseph W. Walker and Ida R. (Callahan), Al was raised in Arlington, Mass., the eldest of five children; he graduated from Arlington High School in 1955.
Al was a 1959 graduate of Brown University, earning his bachelor of arts in psychology. While at Brown, Al met Karen Hokanson, and they wed shortly after graduation, settling in Sherman Oaks, Calif., where they welcomed sons Patrick and James. While their marriage ended in 1966, the two remained close until Karen’s death in 2017.
Al worked for Northeast Airlines in Hyannis, Mass., and C. G. Hokanson Company in Los Angeles before entering the financial brokerage business at Hayden, Stone & Company and Tucker Anthony in Boston. Pursuing his many passions, Al opened Forget Me Not Farm Antique Shop in Alexandria, N.H., and founded greeting card company Townhouse Press in Boston. He held what he thought would be a one-off exhibition and sale of works from the estate of artist Aiden Lassell Ripley in his Boston home and it was a complete success. His venture became Alfred J. Walker Fine Art in 1979, and he opened his gallery at 158 Newbury Street in Boston. He later partnered with his protégé, Sarah Cunningham, in 2006 to form Walker-Cunningham Fine Art.
During his decades in the art business, Al earned a sterling reputation and admiration from his clients and colleagues for his expertise, trustworthiness, joie de vivre and exquisite eye. He specialized in American art of the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries, mounting important exhibitions, handling artists’ estates, showing in dozens of art and antique fairs and appraising and sourcing work for private collections and major museums. Al was even a finalist for host of the inaugural season of GBH’s Antiques Roadshow. He retired in 2008 after nearly 30 years in the art business.
A passionate collector who loved to entertain, Al decorated his historic homes in sumptuous signature style with eclectic layers of antiques and fine and decorative arts all surrounded by his impressive gardens. His former home in South Dartmouth, Mass., an antique sea captain’s house known as Sea Thrift, was site for many charitable garden party events and family weddings. Al was always happy to tell stories of his collections — and gave many works to several major museums and cultural institutions during his lifetime.
A music lover and devoted symphony and opera goer, Al sang in local choirs. He found joy in dining and cooking and was a member of social clubs in Boston and beyond where he spent time with friends discussing art, life and news of the day. He traveled extensively and prioritized spending time in nature, wild places, museums and sacred spaces. He was a skilled garden designer with a particular passion for trees and lilies. He loved animals and had many beloved pets over the years. Al was an avid reader and never without a good book — often nonfiction — and he shared his books and his recommendations widely. In the face of challenge and tragedy, he was resilient. Most especially, he cared deeply about his beloved communities where he was patron to many organizations and volunteered countless hours of his time. He was a true optimist.
Al was predeceased by his mother and father, brother Richard Walker, sisters Kathleen Maheux and Edith Harrigan, former wife Karen Walker (née Hokenson) and his partners Richard C. Hagan and Keith H. Karlson. Al is survived by his dear friend and companion Carlos Condinho of South Dartmouth, sons Patrick Walker (Candice) and James Walker (Arlynne) and grandson Christopher Walker of Santa Fe, and sister Jane Hill of Ocean Pines, Md., and many nieces and nephews.
Celebrations of life will take place in Natchez, Miss., and the South Dartmouth, Mass., area. Dates to be announced. Burial will be private.
