A historic moment in the works for 48 years is about to occur on May 28 at E. J. Thomas Hall. A respected member and until recently head of the Maintenance Department, Mr. Chris Walker, ’73, is the first Walsh Jesuit employee to have a grandchild, Brandon Crombie, graduate from the school.

Mr. Walker’s love for Walsh Jesuit is evident through the countless hours he spends caring for the building and the community.  He has been closely involved with the school since 1969, and he wanted Brandon to benefit from what WJ has to offer. He explained, “I was sent to Walsh for discipline. The stuff they taught me laid the groundwork for my future. The spiritual side, getting connected to God, and the values put me on a good path. I want that for Brandon; I want him to live the Grad at Grad.”

That same love for the school was transferred to Brandon.  His grandfather has influenced him very much throughout his life, and Brandon’s decision regarding which  high school to attend was no different.  “He is the one who introduced me to Walsh, and I loved it,”  the graduating senior admitted.

Brandon described the special relationship the two share: “We are really close. He isn’t the typical grandfather; we are open with one another. We share stories, and he tells me about [his] experiences throughout his life.” Mr. Walker readily agreed: “We have a great relationship. The beauty of him coming to Walsh was that if he had a problem, if he needed something, he could come find me. I was watching over him. I could help him, and it has kept me young. The rides to and from Walsh were the highlights of my day because it was one on one, and it strengthened our relationship.”

Even though he knew his grandfather was keeping an eye on him, Brandon said, “I never felt pressure from him. I wanted to do my best to make him proud.” For his part, Mr. Walker noted, “I just wanted him to do well for himself. I told him to just do the best he could because Walsh is a great opportunity. It’s a gift; don’t squander it.”

At the same time, Brandon was not exempt from Mr. Walker’s notorious pranks. “When Brandon was a freshman, I told him that there were seven Jesuits in coffins in the basement that I had to clean and that I accidentally cracked one of the cases.”  Being only a freshman, a wide-eyed Brandon hung on every word as his grandfather told the story with absolute conviction. Mr. Walker explained, “A lot of it is fun, but when it comes to my grandkids, I make them learning experiences. There is a method to my madness.” The lesson, he continued, was about “discernment. I was teaching him to question what he is being told at all times.” Brandon takes his grandfather’s pranks in stride. “He told me a lot of fake stories that were believable, that turned out to not be true. But they were fun, and I learned from them. He still messes with me today.”

Summing up his gratitude and high regard for WJ, Mr. Walker said, “I could never pay the school back for what it has done for me. It means that much to me. It’s a special place. Where else can you go to get this experience?”

And now Mr. Walker and Brandon share a unique and deeply personal experience — making Walsh Jesuit history as grandfather and grandson.