Walter B. Macky, 103, a business manager at Penn

Walter Brooks "Bud" Macky, 103, formerly of Media, a senior race-walk medalist who was business manager of the Towne Engineering School at the University of Pennsylvania for 15 years, died Sept. 25 of acute renal failure in Lewisburg, Pa.

Mr. Macky was born and raised in Media, where he roamed the woods and streams, said his family.

In 1926, he graduated from Media High School as president of his class, then worked for the First National Bank of Media while attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Macky earned an associate's degree in accounting in 1932. Seven years later, he married Sara Allen. The two knew one another from their school days in Media.

When World War II broke out, Mr. Macky joined the Army Air Corps and attained the rank of captain. He was based at Wright-Patterson Field near Dayton, Ohio.

In 1946, Mr. Macky returned to Media and worked as an accountant for American Viscose Co., a Marcus Hook rayon manufacturer. He stayed on through the 1950s.

His proudest moments were as business manager for the Towne School at his alma mater. He served from 1963 to 1978, when he retired.

His family attributed his long life to an active mind spent reading on the Media Local train each weekday, his love of walking, and his ability to get along with people.

"He would befriend the doctor, the bank clerk, the waitress," said his daughter, Patricia Fisher. "He was just a very gentle gentleman."

He enjoyed reading, wood-carving, nature, photography, and going to Elderhostel. He went on church mission trips into his mid-90s.

In 2007, at 100, he won a gold medal in the 1,500-meter racewalk at the National Senior Olympics, after winning 2006 championships in that event at the Delaware and Pennsylvania Senior Olympics.

"He would get a standing ovation from the crowd," said his daughter. He competed in shorts, black socks, a sweater, and a T-shirt that read "Fleet Foot Mack."

A lifelong member of Media Presbyterian Church, Mr. Macky served as trustee, elder, and Sunday school teacher. He mentored young men at Glen Mills School and served as a volunteer tax consultant to the elderly.

At 98, he bought a home in Milford, Del., to be near his daughter. He lived there until August, when a fall prompted a move to an assisted-living facility in Lewisburg, near his son, Peter.

His wife died in 1988. Surviving in addition to his daughter and son are five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 9, at Media Presbyterian Church, 30 E. Baltimore Pike, Media, Pa. 19063, where friends may call at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be sent to the church's eldercraftsmen program.