A founder of the Eastern Board of Approved Football Officials when it began in 1949, Richard "Dick" Walker began officiating with a few of his friends. Things were different in high school athletics when the board was staring out. In those days, one official was hired, while the coaches helped work the game. Not only was his ability in the stripes seen by his fellow officials, his abilities as an administrator were quickly tapped. Walker worked his way through the "chairs" of the EBAFO. He served every upper-echelon position, including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and President, before becoming a longtime Assignment Chairman. But football was only one aspect of officiating that made Walker a cut above the rest. It was on the hardwood that Dick Walker is known to many officials throughout the state and nation. A top-ranked basketball official, Walker was National President of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) in 1976. He worked high school and collegiate basketball for many years. Born in New London, he attended the former Bulkeley High School in that city, and earned his degrees from Eastern Connecticut State University and Columbia. He served three years in the United States Coast Guard, and then worked as a teacher and an elementary school principal. Prior to the formation of the Eastern Board he began working football in 1946 and walked off the field 30 years later. He was known as a great leader, teacher and official.