Tribute to Marjorie Henderson Walker of Walker's Shortbread
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Tributes have been paid to Marjorie Henderson Walker OBE, the inspirational Moray businesswoman who passed away last month in Aberlour at the age of 83.
Fondly known as Marj, she was at the core of Walker's Shortbread for 40 years, playing a central role in transforming the family firm alongside her brothers Joe and Jim.
During her time with the business, it grew from one village bakery that employed 20 people to become an international business employing over a thousand.
A spokesperson for Walker's said: "Marjorie did a fantastic job for the company.
"She was a real people person, like her father, and was full of kindness.
"Marjorie was popular with staff and managed customer relationships very well, in the process making good friends both at home and abroad.
"She was a composed and magnificent ambassador for the family business and an accomplished bridge-builder when there were disagreements to overcome.
"Marjorie’s role in the development of Walker’s was highly significant and she was both a motivated and motivational businesswoman."
Marjorie was born in Inverness on July 17, 1940, to James and Winnie Walker.
She attended school in her home village of Aberlour, before following her passion for horses at equestrian schools in both the Cotswolds and Germany.
Unfortunately, during her time abroad, she suffered a serious knee injury which ruled out the career of which she'd been originally dreaming.
Marjorie returned home to Speyside in 1962 and joined Walker’s Shortbread.
She oversaw administration and, in the early days attended key events and food shows as the Walker’s brand was beginning to grow.
As time went on, she managed the finances, and took on the role of company secretary later in her tenure.
Marjorie also passionately managed the company’s five bakery shops, a responsibility which she greatly enjoyed, and they thrived under her management.
She was made a full partner in the business with brothers Joe and Jim and was one of the three founding directors in 1980, when the limited company was formed.
Since childhood Marjorie felt a huge connection to all things to do with nature – the countryside, farming, birds and animals, with a particular love of both horses and dogs.
She later fulfilled her lifelong ambition of buying a farm with her son David who still manages it to this day.
Marjorie is survived by him and her daughter-in-law Beverley, grandson Josh and great-grandchildren Evie and Jack.
Sadly her younger grandson Brodie passed away in 2018 at the age of 23.
The Walker's spokesperson added: "Marjorie was enormously loved by many people around the world, especially colleagues and customers.
"She will always be remembered as a fun-loving passionate and dynamic woman who will never be forgotten."
Marjorie Henderson Walker passed away peacefully in Aberlour on Sunday, October 22.
