Memorial services held in SF to celebrate lives of North Bay family lost in TX floods
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A final goodbye Thursday for a North Bay family killed in the devastating Texas floods last month. There was a church service to remember Mark, Sara and their son Johnny Walker, who lived in Marin County. There was a larger public memorial at Oracle Park.
About 800 people attended the afternoon public memorial at Oracle Park for the Walker family. The family was known in Marin County and beyond for their kindness.
Earlier, family and friends gathered inside St. John's Episcopal Church in Ross to say farewell to the beloved family.
"We gather together to celebrate the lives of Sarah, Mark and Johnny Walker, to mourn their deaths and surround Ellie with our love," said Reverend Chris Rankin-Williams.
RELATED: Bay Area family among dozens missing in Texas flooding
Mark and Sara Walker, and their 14-year-old son Johnny lost their lives in the Texas floods over July 4 weekend. The couple's daughter Ellie, survived. She was attending summer camp in the area.
"This was a tragic accident, not an act of God," said Tyler Walker.
Mark Walker's brother, Tyler spoke. He's a former San Francisco Giants pitcher. Through tears, he paid loving tribute to the family, and his surviving niece.
"We fell in love with you the moment you came into our lives, while we cannot replace your mom, dad and brother, we will always be there for you," Walker said.
RELATED: Texas flooding: Community holds vigil for missing Marin County family
The Walker's lived in Kentfield but had deep ties to Texas, Sara's home state. First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom was friends with the family, she read this bible scripture.
"Yea, I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will fear no evil," said Seibel Newsom.
The youth pastor reflected how Johnny's positive sprit touched many lives.
"Johnny literally carried God's love wherever he went," said Rankin-Williams. "Nothing can explain this or make it go away but love can light the way forward."
Another Walker family memorial is scheduled for next month in Austin, Texas.
