A Stair Lift for Walter: Bringing Him Back to the Community

Walter Turner is an 80-year-old retired community activist with an infectious spirit and a deep love for life. For 44 years, he worked with the San Francisco 49ers—35 of them at Candlestick Park—where he partnered with community organizations to provide 350 game seats for Bay Area youth. He spent his final seven years at Levi’s Stadium, continuing his mission of giving back.

Beyond his work with the 49ers, Walter served as a representative of the Black Catholic Diocese for nine years, playing a key role in negotiations between the Archdiocese and the YMCA, which led to the acquisition of its Bayview building. During this time, he also raised $5,000 in donations to provide basketball supplies and uniforms for local children. For the past 15 years, he has served as a Juvenielle Justice Commisioner. To this day, he still finds time to connect with the Commision board over Zoom to ensure the youth are fairly treated and well-represented. On weekends, he shared his passion for music as an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, singing in both the General and Men’s Choirs.

In addition to Walter's community activism, he was a member of the 80s hit group Robert Winters and Fall, in which he represented Fall. If you were around in the 80s, you would remember their smash hit, which sold over 1,000,000 copies, Magic Man. A beautifully crafted and sung ballad: Link to Magic Man.

In 1995, Walter was diagnosed with diabetes, and over the years, his condition progressed. In 2018, he underwent his first amputation, which forced him to leave his beloved work with the 49ers. By 2020, he became a double amputee, significantly limiting his mobility. Without a safe way to access the sidewalk from his home, Walter has suffered multiple falls, making it impossible for him to attend church or engage with the community he cherishes. For the past seven years, he has been homebound, unable to participate in the world fully he once helped shape.

Yet, despite these challenges, Walter remains unwavering in his positivity, saying, "I wake up with a smile every morning because I realize I am blessed. That’s what makes my life. Without that, I would be in a state of ruin."

Now, we can give back to a man who has spent his life giving to others. Funds raised will go toward a motorized wheelchair and installing a chair lift, allowing Walter to safely access the sidewalk and regain his independence. With these simple additions, he can once again attend church, connect with friends and family, and fully engage with his community.

Let’s come together to help Walter reclaim his freedom and mobility. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for your support!