Former IL Gov. Dan Walker dies at 92

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former Illinois Governor Dan Walker died early Wednesday morning at his home in Chula Vista, California. He was 92 years old.

Walker was elected Illinois governor in 1972. While campaigning, the Democrat famously walked 1,200 miles across Illinois wearing his trademark red handkerchief.

"It's a red badge of courage, as one lady said to me on the walk," Walker said in 1997.

He served one term from 1973 to 1977. He was seen as a new breed of Illinois politician and was elected on the strength of his personality.

"I remember watching his transformation from this stiff corporate attorney to a guy who could relax, relate and learn," Dan Walker, Jr., son, said.

His first foray into the public eye came when he was tasked with writing about police conduct during the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. He described it as a "police riot," something for which Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley never forgave him. But even without the support of the Democratic machine, Walker was elected. He created the Illinois Lottery and formed the RTA.

Former Illinois Gaming Board chairman Aaron Jaffe, who was a House lawmaker when Walker took office, said Walker could have gone further in politics if he wasn't so confrontational. As governor, he alienated both Republicans and Democrats.

Former Gov. Pat Quinn, who often cited Walker as a mentor, released a statement, "He fervently believed in the power of democracy and the importance of including everyone in our democracy. He loved his family and leaves behind many friends. His patriotism, service and compassion will never be forgotten."

Gov. Bruce Rauner also released a statement, "Diana and I are saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor Dan Walker. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

Walker graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in World War II and the Korean War. He then went on to get his law degree at Northwestern University.

He was a clerk to US Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Vinson, an aide to Gov. Adlai Stevenson, and vice president and general counsel of Montgomery Wards before getting elected to office.

In 1987, Walker pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining more than $1 million in loans through two banks he headed. He served 17 months in federal prison and spent time on probation until the loans were repaid.

At the time, Walker had no comment on his sentence, but later said, "I came close to committing suicide. Yes, I did. I looked up at the very tall tower, and I said time after time, 'I'm going to climb up there. I'm going to step off into nothing.'"

After serving fewer than two years, he moved to San Diego. It was difficult but transformative time, according to Walker's son.

"There's not many people in life who get to experience the journey to the top of the mountain, to the bottom of the mountain, and then climb back up to start a new live," Dan Walker, Jr., said.

After retiring, Walker wrote seven books and became a philanthropist, raising money for charity. When asked what his epitaph might read, Walker replied, "Oh, my goodness. He dared to be different."

Walker is survived by his wife, Lily Stewart, seven children, 22 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.