advertisement

Community steps up to help family of late Palatine man

Despite being faced with his own struggles, Barry Keith “Brick” Walls never hesitated to help another in need.

“Even when we didn’t have the money, he’d find a way,” daughter Brittany Walls said. “He’d pull over to help someone on the side of the road or donate his time.”

It was during one of his many kind acts that the accident took place. While helping a sick friend up a flight of stairs at the family’s Palatine home, Walls fell, hit his head and never regained consciousness.

Walls died Dec. 8 with friends and family at his bedside. He was 49.

Now, many of the people Walls impacted in some way are themselves stepping up.

Son Brad Walls, a senior at Palatine High School, said his friends organized a “Buckets for Brad” fundraiser at the school’s Dec. 14 home boys basketball game. They got Abt Electronics to donate a TV, held a raffle and passed around containers for donations.

The event raised nearly $3,000, helping the family pay for Walls’ funeral expenses.

“I don’t know how to express my gratitude enough,” Brad Walls said. “It was really successful.”

Walls, who according to his family served in the U.S. Marines and achieved the rank of lance corporal, worked as a carpenter and was active in the Cub Scouts and Palatine Jaycees. He also acted part-time, appearing on the TV shows “Chicago Code” and “Shameless.”

“Acting never took off like he wanted it to, but he was a very funny guy who had a strong presence in a room full of people,” Brittany Walls said.

Walls is survived by his wife, Dawn, and two more daughters, Heather and Amanda.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can contact any Chase Bank branch. Mention the account c/o Dawn M. Walls, Roberts Road, Island Lake, Ill.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.