John Kenneth Walker died on 29th September, 1962, at the age of 53.
He was born in Cornwall and educated at Redruth. He received his training at the Camborne School of Metalliferous Mining during 1926-1929, obtaining a first-class Diploma and A.C.S.M., and then went to India, where he remained for 28 years.
He was on the staff of Champion Reef Gold Mines of India, Ltd., for the first nineteen years, from 1929 to 1933 as assistant surveyor, then assistant underground agent, and from 1943 to 1947 senior assistant underground agent. In 1948 he was transferred to the Champion Reef/Ooregum Joint Operation, still in the position of senior assistant underground agent. He was promoted chief underground agent in the following year and in 1952 was made superintendent. From 1953 until his retirement in May, 1957, Mr. Walker held the position of superintendent in control of all mining operations of Champion Reef Gold Mines of India (KGF), Ltd., and Ooregum Gold Mining Co. of India (KGF), Ltd.
Mr. Walker had since been living in Cornwall. He joined South Crofty, Ltd., in February, 1962, as assistant manager, and would have become manager in due course.
He joined the Institution as an Associate Member in 1941 and was transferred to Membership in 1956.
Vol. 19, Trans IMM 1963-64, p.176
