Missing man found dead at home

No reason to expect anything but a natural cause of death.

After missing for nearly two months, Harry Walker was found dead in his Navy Yard City apartment Sunday night, apparently of natural causes.

A flamboyant character known for his brightly colored clothes, long fur coats and hats, the 61-year-old Walker was last seen in early March.

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Scott Wilson said deputies made at least three visits to Walker’s apartment since their investigation began in mid-April, leaving business cards asking him to call them.

Kitsap Transit officials posted pictures of Walker, a frequent rider, on several buses and several drivers recently wore shirts with his picture emblazoned on them.

“This guy was well known in the community,” Wilson said. “Why nobody reported he returned we don’t know.”

Wilson said the manager of Walker’s apartment complex found the body on the bedroom floor during a routine check to make sure the water and electricity was shut off. The manager called 911 just after 7:30 p.m. and several deputies arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. The manager later called Walker’s family to tell them of his discovery.

The county Coroner’s Office reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, as the cause of death. According to the Web site emedicine.com, COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Upon further investigation, the coroner determined Walker died on May 15.

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