Newbury - Geoffrey "Geof" Hyde Walker, 79, of Newbury, MA, a longtime Select Board member, entrepreneur and business owner, and award‑winning conservationist, died on Monday, July 6, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home.

Born on February 22, 1947, he was the only child of the late Henry A. "Hank" Walker and Alice (Hyde) Walker.

Geof spent more than two decades fighting for the Great Marsh and Newbury's open spaces, earning regional recognition and formal honors for his work on invasive species, restoration, and environmental policy, including being named New England Conservationist of the Year in 2005. A devoted steward of the marsh, Geof's leadership and vision helped shape conservation strategy across the region, and a portion of the Salisbury Marsh Overlook in the Great Marsh was dedicated in his honor, reflecting his lasting impact on the landscape he loved.

He served the Town of Newbury as a Selectman for 18 years, bringing a calm, practical voice to town government and mentoring a generation of local leaders. Geof also served his community through years on the Select Board and other town bodies; a former educator and entrepreneur, he was the founder and president of Big Al's Auto Parts in Seabrook and Rye, New Hampshire, where he brought the same no nonsense, service first ethic he carried into the marsh and his beloved Oulde Town.

Geof graduated from Tilton Academy, was a graduate of Clark University, and earned his master's degree through the Teacher Corps.

Geof is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Josette (Bonasoro) Walker; his sons, Nathan Walker and his finacee, Jennifer Dewar, and Joshua Walker and his fiancee, Heather Quigly; his grandchildren, Hunter Henry Walker and Skylar Jo Walker, who will carry forward his love for family, the marsh, and this corner of the coast. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Vincent Bonasoro, a sister-in-law, Teresa Bonasoro, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 23, at the Lower Green in Newbury, Massachusetts, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with Services at 6 p.m. Shuttle services are available from the Old Town Hall at 25 High Road at the Newbury Police Station for parking, so friends and neighbors can gather easily to remember him and share stories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in memory of Geoffrey Hyde Walker to the Anna Jaques Hospital Community Health Foundation, 25 Highland Street, Newburyport, MA, and in honor of Dr. Saira Naseer.