Ernie was described by the Scottish FA President, George Peat, as "a visionary". This was a fitting tribute to a man who joined the Scottish FA in the 1950s, when football was re-establishing itself after World War II.
As Secretary, in 1977, he set about changing the financial dependency on the Home Internationals. He memorably described Bill Wilson, his commercial manager, as “the best signing he ever made”.
Ernie also launched Scotball Travel and Leisure. The Agency was set up in 1985 and brought in more than £1m profit.
Security and safety were also of huge importance to Ernie, so too the belief that, as the home of Scottish football, Hampden Park should be redeveloped.
In the nineties, Ernie took a more active role within UEFA and FIFA, becaming a trusted advisor to the UEFA Chief Executive, Gerd Aigner and the President, Lennart Johansson.
In remembering, Ernie, those of the staff who knew him, will, no doubt, recall one of his most famous sayings – “treat people as you would want to be treated yourself”. Ernie will be fondly remembered as a fair-minded and supportive boss, for whom his colleagues had the utmost trust and respect.
Lennart Johansson, the former UEFA President, has paid his tribute on Scottishfa.co.uk
Mr Walker's funeral was held on Monday, 23rd May, 2011.
Article courtesy of David Findlay.