Phillip “Phil” Walker passed away Friday, April 6, 2018.    Phil grew cherries, plum and hazelnuts on his family farm in West Salem, Walkdale Farms.  He was also extremely active in his agricultural and local communities.  He served as a Polk County Commissioner in 1998 and again from 2003-2005.  He served as a board member of the Polk County Budget Committee, the Oregon Hazelnut Commission, the Spring Valley Fire Department, Rickreall Farm Supply, West Salem Little League and the Polk County Citizens Advisory Committee for Correction Facilities.  Phil became a member of the Agricultural Research Foundation (ARF) Board in 1991, served as vice president for over a decade, and served as board president from 2009 until his death. His insights and leadership were invaluable to the organization.  His historical memory and personal goal of always doing what was best for the grower groups who were investing their dollars in Oregon State University researchers were guideposts for ARF operations. He will be missed.