TODAY MINDY FORWARDED ME THE LINK TO THE GREEN BAY PRESS GAZETTE NEWS ARTICLE OF HER HUSBAND, AND HER STEPDAD TAKING HER BROTHERS CREMATED ASH REMAINS TO LAMBEAU FIELD TODAY. WILLIE AND LARRY LOVED THE PACKERS. THEY WERE THERE TO CELEBRATE THEIR PROMISE THAT THEY WOULD GO TO THE FIELD AND WATCH A GAME MANY YEARS AGO. WHILE I WAS READING THE ARTICLE, I HAD A GOOD COMFORTING CRY. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE MY FRIEND IS GONE. I FEEL SO MUCH FOR MINDY AND HER FAMILY. GOTTA GO ON THOUGH. THIS WAS REALLY A GREAT ARTICLE. THIS WAS AT LINK:http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609100642

Posted September 10, 2006

Tony Walter column: Father makes Lambeau trip in memory of his son

There will be human-interest stories scattered all over Lambeau Field today. But, perhaps, none will reach the emotional significance as the story in Section 107, Row 18.

That's where four men from Spokane, Wash., will be sitting, accompanied by memories and, perhaps, more of Willie Walker.

A special bond

This story has no real beginning. It seems that Larry Morden has always been a fan of the Green Bay Packers, and his fervor was naturally passed on to his stepson, Willie, who was just 5 years old when Larry came into the family.

Willie was a miracle of sorts. He was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a cranialfacial disorder that's caused by a change in the gene of a chromosome and affects facial development. Willie had no ears and over a 21-year period had 45 surgeries to reconstruct parts of his face nature denied him.

But Larry and Willie developed a bond right away and the glue was their love for the Green Bay Packers.

When Willie was 10, he started talking to Larry about taking a trip to Green Bay for a Packers game. Together, they mapped out a schedule and an itinerary. Willie promised when Larry turned 50, they would travel to Green Bay together, and Willie would pay for it.

Larry and Willie were best friends. It was Larry who helped Willie letter in football by seeing that he was named manager of his high school football team.

Willie was smart, and he graduated with honors and worked as a dishwasher and prep-cook at The Swinging Doors sports bar in Spokane. It was there that he was able to watch the Packers every fall weekend and join his stepfather in this family passion.

He had a driver's permit and a bone conductor hearing aid. According to his sister, Mindy, Willie never let his disability disrupt his life or anyone else's. He lived with one of his sisters and was self-sufficient.

Sticking to a promise

As Larry neared his 50th birthday last year, Willie and his brother-in-law, Phil Thieschafer, decided that it was time to take the Green Bay trip. Tickets were obtained and the surprise was presented to Larry on his birthday last Nov. 27. At last, it would happen.

But sometimes dreams have to remain dreams.

Willie Walker died Dec. 23 at the age of 21. It was sudden and unexpected, likely caused by the inability of his throat to clear itself of vomit. With his son's death, Larry lost interest in coming to Green Bay, saying the father/son trip was meaningless without the son.

In time, however, Larry was persuaded that Green Bay was exactly where he needed to be. He flew here Thursday with Thieschafer and his father, and Willie.

You see, Willie was cremated and most of his ashes buried in a plot in Spokane. Most, but not all. Some came to Green Bay with Larry and will be in Lambeau Field this afternoon.

"It will be hard for Larry to be there without Willie," said Sandy, Willie's mother. "But Willie will be there."

He promised.

About Treacher Collins Syndrome

Treacher Collins Syndrome is a genetic condition occurring in approximately one of 10,000 births. It may occur as a spontaneous mutation out of genetically normal parents or it may be inherited from one of the parents.
� Plastic & Cardiofacial Surgery for Infants and Children, Dallas

Tony Walter is a columnist for the Press-Gazette. His columns appear Sunday and Wednesday

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