Johnny Lin Walker

In Loving Memory of Johnny “Linn” Walker

Johnny Lin “Linn” Walker, 75, of Yakima, WA, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025 surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on November 19, 1949, in Toppenish, WA, to Johnny and Audrey Walker.

Linn grew up in Toppenish and graduated from Granger High School in 1969. That same year, he joined the U.S. Navy and served at Oak Knoll Hospital in Oakland, where he trained as a respiratory therapist. His training set the course for a lifetime of service in health care. Following his military service, he began his career at Sunnyside Hospital, where he cared for patients for over 40 years before continuing his work at Toppenish Hospital. Throughout his career, Linn touched thousands of lives with his compassion, patience, and steady presence, often comforting families during their most difficult times.

In 1970, Linn married Doris Stoneking, the love of his life and partner of 55 years. Together they raised three children—Brandon, Tracie, and Lindsee—in Sunnyside, building a home filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Linn lived life with energy and purpose. He was proud of the cowboy way of life and loved working cattle, spending summers camping on the Yakama Reservation, and inviting coworkers and friends to the annual roundups to give them a glimpse of ranch living. He enjoyed the outdoors—cutting wood, fishing and being the only home in Sunnyside to have deer in the backyard.

His family treasures countless memories of his humor, resourcefulness, and devotion.

He also loved to travel, taking road trips across the country and finding joy in exploring new places, especially the car rides that were “not that far” but ended up in some kind of adventure.

Above all, Linn cherished his family. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his happiest moments were those spent surrounded by them. He leaves behind his wife Doris; children Brandon (Karen) Walker, Tracie (Harvey) Palomarez, and Lindsee (Bobby) Curfman; nine grandchildren—Jonathan, Gentry, Joshua (Calie), Luke, Jacob, Allison, Tyler, RJ, and Ava; one great-grandchildren, Samuel; and one more on the way. He is also survived by his brothers Mike (Carolyn), Rod (Elaine), and Dave, nieces & nephews, Craig, Scott, Kelsee, Nathan (Desi) & Heather (Kyle), numerous cousins, extended family & friends who became like family.

Linn was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Audrey Walker; his niece Angela; and nephews Kyle and Mateo.

Linn never knew a stranger. His life was marked by kindness and a deep love for people. He will be remembered not only for his dedication to his patients but also for his humor, his cowboy grit, and his unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the countless memories he created. The family would like to thank the staff at Willow Springs and especially Leah, he was very blessed to have a nurse that he trained to help to take care of him.

He is now at Camus Patch with those that proceeded him, watching the sunset over Mt. Adams.

Celebration of Life with Military Honors to held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA  A potluck will follow the service at 1611 Scoon Rd, Sunnyside. Anyone wishing to bring a side or dessert is welcome to.Those wishing to sign Lin's online memorial may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com    Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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