* Raymond Walker, Former County Tax Collector

Raymond Walker, Ventura County’s treasurer and tax collector during the 1960s, died Saturday. He was 89.

Born on a farm in Saticoy, Walker was known as “Stringy” to his friends because of his tall, gaunt appearance as a young man. Except for a stint in the Navy during World War II and two years working in Hollywood, Walker spent his life in Ventura County.

He started working for the county as a motorcycle police officer in 1932, then went to work as a security officer at Warner Bros. studios, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Al Jolson and Dick Powell.

In 1938, he returned to Ventura and took a part-time job in the assessor’s office.

Within two years, Walker worked his way up to the post of deputy treasurer, a position he held until he joined the Navy in 1942.

After returning from assignment in North Africa, he was appointed chief deputy treasurer and served in that post until being named treasurer in 1960.

Two years later he was elected to the combined post of treasurer and tax collector. He was reelected in 1966 and retired in 1969.

Survivors include his wife, Dortha, and daughters Betty Pfeiler and Binney Moss.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.