Cecil Walker's Blog

My friends Jason and Jessica Williams are doing some seriously talented photography over at their company Session Nine. They did a great job with both Amber’s pregnancy photos and Leah’s baby shots. Edgy and classic all rolled into one. If you need some work done give them I shout.

Here’s one of the shots they did of Leah.

My Grandchildren!

Cecil — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:50:51 +0000

On July 2nd, Leah Fe Walker was born at Good Samaritan Hospital to proud parents Andrew (my oldest son) and Amber. Of course she is beautiful. She’s done a lot of sleeping so far. When she’s been awake she’s eating, then it’s back to sleep again. Guess she’s determined to get a good growth spurt going right away!

On August 12th, Logan Isaiah Walker was born at Chandler Regional Hospital to proud parents Adam (my youngest son) and Sandee. We could have guessed Logan would be different from Leah and he was happy to prove this true. From the time he was born he spends most of his time (ok, when not eating) awake, alert and curious. It’s amazing to see the difference one month makes. Leah looks like a giant next to Logan! Needless to say, all the new grandparents are ecstatic!

WILL HARTJE - January 24, 1951-June 16, 2009

Cecil — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:02:17 +0000

Will was someone that I always enjoyed seeing at the track. He was good fun to talk to and gave me lots of advice. Even though I haven’t seen him in a while, I think of him fondly. What follows is a personal letter that Larry and Vicki Pond sent out. I thought I’d share it with all of you.

It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that our friend Will Hartje passed away last Tuesday of a heart attack. Vicki and I have known Will as a close friend for over 16 years and will miss him greatly.

Will is survived by his wife Sharon, sons Tom of Phoenix, Lawrence with wife Megan of Seattle, and stepdaughter Meaghan of Chandler.

Will has touched many people as our classroom instructor for ASA-ProautoSports events. Over the 10 years he has been with us, he has held class for 5,000-10,000 students and instructed in car with at least 100-200 drivers. His sweet British accent and pleasant way of dealing with his favorite subject of driving was memorable for all of us.

Let me tell you a little bit about Will as I know him. He was born and grew up in London, England. At some point in his life he came to the colony (US) and settled in.

Vicki and I met him one day in 1994 when he came into our race shop, Gemini Racing Systems in Chandler, to purchase a Simpson Helmet, suit and equipment. We really liked Will right away. Later we met his sons Lawrence and Tom and over the years watched them grow up into terrific young men.

We attended his wedding to Sharon a few years ago and there met her daughter Meaghan. The wedding was a beautiful event held at ProAutoSports member Kelly Gallant’s house in Scottsdale. They have been a beautiful and happy couple since then.

In the 1990’s, Will bought a Lola 342 Formula Ford that I owned. He had a lot of fun racing it. He was a very good driver and very fast. He shared my love for that car and often said he would never part with it. He was so proud at the St. Johns Grand Prix one year when he showed up with it painted in British colors with his helmet painted to match.

The first thing he always greeted Vicki with was a British “hello darling”. It was a special greeting that Vicki loved.

Will had time to help anyone, anytime. He was a special friend to us. He always brightened the day when you saw him. To know Will was to love him!

I cannot tell any silly or funny stories about him. Will was fun to be with, but always serious. He left an indelible impression with Vicki and I and we are sure with many of you.

The services are planned for Friday morning June 26^that 11:00 am. You may join us at The All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85012.

Please bring cards and notes or send them to Sharon Hartje, 908 W. Pershing Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85029.

“Will, you are a special Brit member of the ProAutoSports family! You will be greatly missed.”

Sincerely, Larry Pond

Lookie what 25 years gets ya!

Cecil — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:16:55 +0000

I reached a 25 year milestone at Intel and was given lots of things to choose from as a gift. I thought this would be a great addition to the hobby bench!

(Note: Hover over the images for descriptions and click on them for larger photos!)

It’s official… I’m selling my T-Rex 450SE

Cecil — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:09:57 +0000

I’m enjoying flying planes far more than helicopters lately and given the choice, I’d rather fly my 2200mAh 3S Fusion-Pack lipos in my 3D Hobby Shop 47” Katana instead of the T-Rex! Here’s what you’d be getting:

Align T-Rex 450SE V2 (carbon fiber frame)
Align motor that came with it
Align ESC that came with it
3 – HS65MG Hitec servos
1 – Futaba 9650 digital servo for the tail
Futaba GY-401 gryo
CanopyFX canopy
2 – Align blade grip/holders (one vertical, one horizontal)
Currently running new Align 325 wood blades
Head has Trueblood Engineering dampners in the new V2 blade grips
New V2 swash plate
Instruction manual
Flight Leader aluminum case
Extra parts:

6 – V2 main shafts
2 – V2 feathering shafts
1 – set of V2 tail blades
1 – V2 tail belt
1 – V2 horizontal boom fin
1 – V2 220mm flybar
1 – set of canopy nuts
1 – set of while landing gear
1 – set of metal frames
1/2 – set of cf frames
extra set of main gears
1.5mm drivers
2.0 driver
ball link pliers
1 – beat up Align canopy to practice with

SOLD!

(Note: Click on the photos to see a larger image)

Hi, my name is Buster!

Cecil — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:36:56 +0000

I’m Buster and I’m the newest addition to the Walker household! I’m a little Pug with a cute little mug. This is only my second day with my new family but I’m already showing them that I like to play with toys and I’m pretty smart too.

Cornerstone Men’s Retreat 2009

Cecil — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 01:09:13 +0000

This past April, I had the pleasure of attending Cornerstone’s Men’s Retreat held at Young Life’s “Lost Canyon” in Williams, Arizona. It was an amazing venue and the facility was first class all the way. Jonah Werner was the Worship Leader and he also gave us a concert Saturday night. Amazing musician and storyteller much like another one of my favorites, David Wilcox! (Note: keep an eye out either here on my Blog or on the Cornerstone site for the Men’s Present event in August where Jonah Werner will be our special guest!

Here’s a short video I put together for a recent Man Dinner held at Cornerstone! It only scratches the surface of the many activities held over the two and a half days we were there!

Cornerstone’s 2009 Men’s Retreat video from Cecil Walker on Vimeo.

As always, let me know what you think of this or any other video I’ve posted!!!