Juan Villa / The Collegian

A memorial service was held in honor of the late Dr. Phillip Walker in the Dennis Cheryl Woods Theatre Sunday. The service celebrated the life and character of Walker who was a professor in the theatre arts department for 40 years at Fresno State.

Friends and family who were in attendance shared humorous and touching memories of Walker and video clips were played of his past performances.

Ron Johnson, the program coordinator, opened the service and introduced various speakers who recalled how Walker influenced them both professionally and personally.

“The many ways Phil enriched our lives can never be accompanied,â€Â said Robert Ware, Ph.D., a fellow professor.

As a video played of Walker singing “When You’re Smiling,â€Â attendants began to sing along as if they were right there with him.

“Phil’s with us now and I know he’s smiling,â€Â Johnson said.

The service was followed by a reception (left) in the lobby where pictures were displayed of various plays that Walker either directed or performed in.