William WALSH

William Walsh October 08, 1919 - October 23, 2005 Funeral arrangements by Chapel Lawn Funeral Home Peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2005, Bill Walsh passed away at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 86. He leaves to mourn his two sisters, Barbara Jane Watson and Elva Bernice Simmons, nephew Lloyd Simmons and his son Dustin, nieces Barbara Hughes (Michael), Rita Eyer (John) and their children Erin and Ryan, Patricia Walsh (Ken Williams) and daughter Madelaine Lapointe, Teresa Walsh (David Kines), and Linda-Marie Walsh (Frank Jung) and their children, Matthew and Jackson. Pre deceased by his younger brother, James John McCarthy Walsh and wife Sigrid. Bill was born in Whitewater, Manitoba and spent his early years in various small towns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan; Elva, Tantallon, Maryfield and Alexander to name a few as his father worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway. As a child he loved sports, especially skating, and both sisters have many fond memories of days spent out on the ponds. Bill worked first as a civil servant and served for a short time in the Navy during the Second World War. However, his love of trains which developed during childhood won over and Bill spent the next 35 years working for the CPR as a telegraph operator. Although he retired in 1984, he continued as secretary for the retired CPR Pensioners Association, attending every meeting. His hobbies included curling and gardening and anyone acquainted with Bill knew how much he looked forward to planting his tomatoes and potatoes each year, only to give most away to family and friends. Bill also loved dogs and was a common site walking the Riverview neighborhood with his friends Spike and Bobbinette. The most important part of Bill’s life, however, was his devotion to his religion. He attended Our Lady of Victory Memorial Catholic Church several times a week and took an active role in volunteering as Eucharistic Minister – lighting candles, taking up the collection, or shoveling the walks or cutting the grass. Bill’s deeds were a testament to his faith. He never faltered in lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Until he broke his hip this past February, Bill could be found around his neighborhood, lending a hand whenever needed. He was a quiet and unassuming man with a kind and generous soul, blessed with a quick Irish humour. He will be very deeply missed by all his family and friends. The family wishes to thank all of the health care professionals from – first of all the Grace General Hospital who provided exemplary patient care to Bill after his hip surgery, the concern and compassion from all of the staff at what became his second home on Wolesley 2 of the Misericordia Health Centre, and the all the valiant efforts of doctors, nurses and health care aides of both Emergency and Ward A-5 of the Health Sciences Centre. A special thank you to the Spiritual Care Department who fulfilled Bill’s last wishes to let him pass in peace. Funeral services will commence with the viewing at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 28, 2005 at Our Lady Memorial Catholic Church, 254 Arnold Avenue at Osborne St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.