Obituary of William Patrick WALSH

August 1, 1931 – Marystown, Newfoundland
November 25, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, our Dad passed away in Calgary at the age of 89.

Dad came from a long line of seamen, including those lost in the tragic “August Gale of 1935”. Those drowned on that fateful night included his father, three brothers and numerous relatives and friends. Although Dad moved to Toronto at the young age of seventeen, Marystown was always in his heart. He was a successful businessman, owning a Canadian Tire store first in Cochrane, Ontario and then in Sussex, New Brunswick. His true calling was his young family, eventually selling his store to spend more time with them. In the summer of 1975, our family left New Brunswick in our camping trailer, family pets in tow, to experience Canada and new opportunities. Our Mom had always wanted to attend the Calgary Stampede and we ended up settling in Calgary.  Dad ended his career as a Store Manager with General Paint.

Mom was the love of his life and the two were inseparable to the end. Our Dad and Mom had nicknamed each other Rufus and Sam respectively. They played cribbage daily and kept a running tally of their wins until the last few months of his life. Where one went, the other was always close behind.  Although both were very frail, they were holding hands at the dinner table a week before Dad’s passing. The closeness they shared their whole life was extraordinary and a bond most can only imagine.

Dad was an extraordinary father, kind and compassionate and had an innate ability to make those around him feel special. He had a nickname for each of his grandchildren that was unique to them. He always had time to pitch a few balls, share a special moment with us or drive us with our friends anywhere we asked, at any time.  As kids we looked forward to our annual day trip to Lake Louise to ski, while he and Mom sat in the lodge all day playing crib and watching us.  Sunday night dinners were always special in our home shared with family and friends. The night often ended by the firepit chatting and Dad enjoying his scotch, pipe or cigar. Family vacations were important to him too, with our family taking yearly summer vacations, as well as trips to Florida and Hawaii.

He loved gardening and excelled at growing award-winning roses.  He was exceptionally well versed in politics, was a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and loved cheering for the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Team. Dad was a trailblazer in his acceptance of equality and sexual orientation and was always non-judgmental. His sense of humour was exceptional and he was always joking with the caregivers at Staywell Manor and the clerks at Co-op in Braeside where he and our Mom used to go for their daily coffees.  After retirement, he and our Mom enjoyed many winters in Yuma, Arizona.

Our family will never be the same with the loss of our Dad as a husband, father and Granddad. But it is through all that he has taught us, and the examples of how he lived, that each of us can strive to move forward with his strength. Thank you for that Dad. We promise to take great care of Mom like you did your whole life. You are free to sail away but will always forever stay close in our hearts.

Dad leaves his loving wife of sixty-one years, Mary (Millie) and daughters, Brenda Meneghetti (Mauro), Mary Meenagh (Kelly) and Patricia Walsh (Craig Bot). He will be remembered by his ten cherished grandchildren, Michael (Brendon), Marcus, Morgan, Joni, Patrick, Maya, John, Connor, Marie and Carter and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Lillian Ducey and father, William Patrick Walsh and seven brothers and sisters.

Our family would like to thank all the exceptional staff at Staywell Manor for their loving care provided to Dad in the last year of his life, Dr. Bogle, Dr. Persaud and the caring staff at the Rockyview Hospital Unit 93 including Dr. Polenzia and the palliative team.

A family gravesite service is being held for Dad. Details of a funeral mass and celebration of life will be announced at a later date due to Covid-19. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Dad’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

In living memory of Patrick Walsh, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.