JOHN JAMES WALSH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN JAMES WALSH John James Walsh, age 81, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is survived by his wife Pat, his daughters Suzanne and Danielle, his son JP (Ella), his grandchildren Michelle, Colin, Ryan, Renee, Sean, Kyle, Nicholas and Rowan, his stepdaughter Christine (Barry), his stepson David and his son-in-law Randy. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Gemma, his daughter Michelle and his sister Dorothy. Born September 12, 1931, in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, to Florence and Jack Walsh, John was the only male of four children, having three sisters (Gwen, Dorothy and Phyllis). He traveled the world as a civil engineer and ended up in Canada after he fell in love with his first wife, Gemma. He loved exploring the world, experiencing different cultures and their foods. John was a proud engineer, passionate about his many projects in Canada, China and Peru. His proudest professional accomplishment was his work on the construction of the Red River Floodway in Winnipeg. He was a kind, gentle man who was devoted to his wife of 24 years, Pat. He was a compassionate and tender person, which was demonstrated through his caring of his first wife Gemma and his daughter Michelle during their illnesses. He was also the primary support for his daughter Suzanne. Most of all John loved his wife, Pat, his children and his grandchildren - they are his legacy. He will be remembered by his laugh and his kind heart. At his request, a funeral will not be held. A private family celebration of his life has already taken place. His family would like to thank the staff at Thorvaldson Care Centre for their care of him during the last 18 months, and also the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for their care of him during his time in hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Lung Association. The miracle wasn't death, it's life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2012