Date de Décès: 2008-04-16
Date de Parution: 2008-04-19
Source: The Gazette, Montréal, QC
OBITUARY JAMES "JIM" ANTHONY WALSH (Told you I wasn't feeling well) It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye - The Little Prince. Always the optimist, believed in the goodness of others, a coach at business and play, trusted all to do the right thing, married thirty-four wonderful years to his soul mate Heather (nee Alexander). In his quiet times an avid reader, he loved a good biography; his heroes were Gandhi, St. Francis of Assisi, Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Mandela, and Muhammad Ali. Born in Two Mountains, moved to Montreal to attend Loyola College. Upon graduation, Jim joined Northern Electric in Personnel Management. In the early '70s, he discovered sales, and spent the remainder of his career in sales and sales leadership positions. From '73 to '87, Jim held a variety of senior executive positions with Pitney Bowes of Canada. In late '87, Jim moved from the corporate world and began a new career in the general insurance business. His main objective was to have more time with his growing family of Heather and their three young boys, Matthew, Russell, and Graham. In his professional life, Jim's key to success was his ability to identify, recruit, train and develop his staff to their maximum potential. He coached and convened local soccer and baseball, but his real passion was coaching rep hockey with the Markham Islanders and the Leaside Flames Hockey Clubs. He felt it was a privilege to work with the players and he enjoyed every minute of it. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Jim is survived by Heather and their boys, his sister Ann Walsh of Two Mountains, special family friend Susan Chattaway and many nephews and nieces. His sister Lin Beecroft passed away in 1991. The family wants to thank Dr. Bezjak and all the medical staff at Princess Margaret Hospital for their wonderful care since Jim was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. We also would like to thank all those responsible for Canada's great healthcare system. A very special thank you to Ted Tobias for his support, loving care and friendship. On April 16, 2008, Jim peacefully passed at home, surrounded by his sons, in the arms of his devoted wife. A celebration of Jim's life will take place in Markham at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, 8911 Woodbine Ave, 905-305-8508. Visitation on Sunday, April 20, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Service on Monday, April 21 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Princess Margaret Hospital would be greatly appreciated. Published in the Montreal Gazette on 4/19/2008