TRAVERSE CITY -- Dave Walker spent almost 25 years helping bring the news to the northern Michigan community he loved and a major part of his love included music.

So, it was only fitting that a concert celebration that brought family, community members and past co-workers together, be held in Dave's honor.

"It's just a wonderful tribute to what a great guy he was," says Dave's wife of 28 years, Kay Walker.

"He was humble and I think he'd say, what is all this?  For me? Why?  How come?  I really believe that," says Dave Fortin who worked with Dave at 7&4.

A humble man according to those who knew him best, and someone who was eager to learn and teach.

"A great guy to work with as far as professionalism and a buddy, a friend.  There's a reason why there's a tremendous tribute here...He was always ready to learn something new.  He was really open to new things and as far as the teacher aspect, if you needed help or if you needed pointers no matter how busy he was, he was always ready to give you pointers and to help you out," says Fortin.         

Kay Walker says his life had an impact well beyond the newsroom though, and it's the concert turnout that shows just that.

"I think he was every person's man.  He just was kind to everyone, was interested in everything that people did and I know that really helped him in the news business, but it's just the way he was.  I think that he felt that other people in his life whether they be people he talked to in a news story or met at a restaurant or a long time friend or relative, he really believed that those people brought something to his life," says Kay Walker.

Musical selections were performed by members of the Traverse City West Senior High School and Northport Community bands.

7&4's Diana Fairbanks and Cliff Carey who worked with dave in both radio and TV also spoke to the crowd about their friend and co-worker.