Obituary of Monroe Willard Walcher

Monroe Willard “Bill” Walcher, 89, passed away Thursday, May 6, 2021, at his home in Aiken, SC.

He was born Sept. 17, 1931, in Encinitas, CA, the only child of Monroe and Florence Walcher. He was raised in Escondido, CA and graduated from Escondido High School in 1949. Bill went on to attend the University of Redlands where he triple majored in Physics, Economics and Engineering.

Bill married Barbara Packer in 1971. Next month would have been their 50^th anniversary. Bill and Barbara’s bond, partnership, support, and love for one another were immediately apparent to everyone who met them. Together they brought their children from previous marriages into one loving family.

He is survived by daughters Jennifer Walcher van Bourgondien (Philips); Tracey Packer (David Dawley); Adrienne Packer and sons John Walcher (Dawn) and John Packer (Shindi).

Bill’s deep love for his nine grandchildren was evident and he found so much joy in talking to them about their accomplishments. He made an everlasting impression on grandchildren Drew Wynans, Lia van Bourgondien, Caleb Strano, Luke and Hannah Walcher, Jack and Kate Packer-Dawley and Emma and Kai Packer.

He was overjoyed to become a great grandfather with the recent births of Avila Wynans and Levi Kraut.

After graduating from college, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1953 and served for three years, including a duty assignment on the USS Estes with tours in Asia and the South Pacific. He began his 36-year career with Westinghouse in 1956. During the tenure of his career his positions spanned from working on nuclear submarines to executive roles overseeing the construction of nuclear power plants.

Through his work, Bill and Barbara lived in Idaho Falls, ID, Pittsburgh, PA, Manila, Philippines and Richland, WA before settling in Aiken in 1989.

They enjoyed immersing themselves in the culture and surroundings of each place they lived, whether it was camping and fishing trips in Idaho or visiting historic sites and traditional events in the Philippines.

They quickly adopted Aiken as their new home. After retirement, Bill resumed playing tennis, a sport he loved and excelled in for most of his life. With more free time, he became engaged in the tennis community at the Houndslake Country Club and played in several regional championships.

Bill and Barbara enjoyed meeting new friends in Aiken and hosting bridge games, wine tasting gatherings and their annual neighborhood Christmas party.

Bill was a lifelong learner and an avid reader of history and philosophy, in particular Aristotle, and believed that people’s principle purpose on Earth is to learn as much as they can, help and support their friends and loved ones, and ensure simple justice for all.   

Together, Bill and Barbara enjoyed traveling the world to expand their knowledge in arts, philosophy, and science. However, their favorite trips were cross-country drives to visit their children and grandchildren.

An indoor/outdoor service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 14 at GEORGE Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, SC, 29801. A reception will follow at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that those who wish to do so, please make a donation to Bill and Barbara’s favorite charity, Golden Harvest Food Bank, goldenharvest.org.