R.I.P. Rusty Walker

[Tommy Mark]

My dear friend Rusty Walker, a true legend of pedal steel passed away Sat. June 13th. Rusty was an amazing player, and more important an amazing person . He will be sadly missed by his country music family here in Canada.Rusty and I worked together for quite a few years and we shared many good times together.He always inspired me to play better My heart goes out to Julie and family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. There will be a private memorial on Fri June 19th at 2:00PM, and an open house for anyone who wishes to come at 4:00PM. This will take place at their home in Cannington Ont.

[Bob Taillefer]

Debra and I are also deeply saddened by Rusty's passing. He was one of the greatest talents I ever had the chance to meet. He honoured me with his presence on the first Northern Steel project. Our hearts go out to Julie and the family.

RIP mon ami.

Bob

[Al Brisco]

I, also am offering my condolences regarding the death of one of our most talented pedal steel guitar players in Canada....Rusty Walker.

He was one of the mainstays in pedal steel circles in Canada throughout the past 40+ years.

I trust he is resting peacefully after his struggle with health issues over the past year.

Our steel guitar community will surely miss him.
With regards,
Al Brisco

[Louis Vallee]

Another good player who leaves. My condolences to the family and friends.

Louis

[Joey Ace]

Such a nice man and great player. RIP RW .

[Jeff Evans]

Appreciation of good players and sound isn't circumscribed by geographical or political boundaries. Rusty's contribution to Northern Steel attests to his quality and full-tone sensibility. Sorry to learn he has left us.

[Chris LeDrew]

Rusty was well-known in Newfoundland as well, living here for a while back in the 70s (and 80s?) and playing steel in bands. He is well-remembered by many here, who always mention his name when they see me with the steel on stage. They always ask, "Did you know Rusty?" Unfortunately, I never got to meet the man, but everyone always speaks highly of him in Newfoundland. Rest in peace, Rusty.

[Bent Romnes]

Rest in Peace, Rusty.
I met him once, many years ago, when he was playing at the Queen's Hotel in London Ont.
Nice guy, great steeler.

[Cameron Tilbury]

I also offer my sympathies. Even though I'm an ex-pat, Rusty Walker was a guy that I often listened to in Canada. I also came across Rusty over the years when I worked in country radio.

Please pass along my sympathy to his family.

[Andy Schick]

I had the privilege to meet and hear Rusty years ago ('86). He was a great inspiration and a very genuine person. More recently, I watched his magic in the studio when he recorded "Raisin' The Dickens". Amazing talent.
My family and I would like to send our condolences to Rusty's family.
He will be greatly missed.

[Jim Cohen]

We have just added Rusty's 'Raisin' the Dickens' and a pretty C6 ballad-medley over at www.SteelGuitarJazz.com I wish I'd had a chance to meet Rusty; he was a fine talent. Please stop by the Listening Library at www.SteelGuitarJazz.com and hear for yourself.

RIP, Rusty, and thank you for the music you've left behind for us all to enjoy.

[Paul Graupp]

When I was writing for Fender/Fretts, Rusty sent me a picture and asked for some help charting a song called Laura. I came across the picture a year or two ago but couldn't find it today. I listened to his music at Jim's Place and you all were right; he was one of the good guys. I wish I had had the chance to meet him; perhaps later...

Regrets, Paul

[Ray Riley]

Thanks for the listen guy's Rest in peace Rusty.My condolenses to his family.