Thomas Joseph WALSH

WALSH, Thomas Joseph C.M., A.O.E., Q.C., LL.D.
March 2, 1927 - June 30, 2016
Thomas Joseph Walsh passed away peacefully on the morning of June 30, 2016 in his 90th year. At his side was his "Bride" of 62 years and his children. Tom or "TJ", is survived by his loving wife Anne (Millican) and his daughters Jacqueline (Doug Fraser), Liz Anne (Jeff Tonken), Martina (David Elder), Lesley (Gord Stang), son Patrick and his seven grandchildren Michael, Molly, Brett, Annie, Jennifer, Riley, and Allie. He was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Ann, sister Martina and infant son Thomas Harold.
Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, TJ was a "prairie boy" growing up in Birtle, Manitoba and Oxbow, Saskatchewan, the son of a CPR station agent and a registered nurse.
Tom attended the University of Alberta where he was active in athletics and student activities while earning his law degree. He was determined to drive his "roots" deep into the community wherever he ended up settling; a decision made simple when TJ met and fell in love with native Calgarian Anne Millican at the U of A. Following graduation he moved to Calgary where they married on November 7, 1953 and started their family.
Tom was a man of courage and commitment. He founded his law firm, which still bears his name, in 1959. He worked hard and "played to win", enjoying success in everything he undertook. He was a highly regarded lawyer, serving the Alberta Law Society as a bencher and the Canadian Bar Association as president at both the provincial and national levels.
His commitment extended to the community, where, among his many volunteer pursuits, he co-chaired the 1975 Calgary Centennial, served as Founding Chairman of the Calgary Parks Foundation and Chairman of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, was president of Downtown Rotary, a board member of the Calgary Stampede Foundation and served on the Senate of the University of Alberta. For his many years of service TJ was often recognized, notably with an Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.
From his youth, TJ was fascinated with airplanes and flying. He flew Harvards and Mitchell bombers during officer flight training at university. This passion eventually led him to the Calgary Airport, where he championed the privatization and creation of the Calgary Airport Authority serving as its Chairman from 1998 to 2005.
TJ was a character. True to his Irish roots, he loved a good party and the cocktail hour always started at 5 p.m. His stories were many and legendary and his motto was "never ruin a good story by telling the true facts." He truly enjoyed spending time with people from all walks of life.
Above all TJ was a family man. He loved hearing about what his children and grandchildren were up to. He shared his invaluable wit and wisdom with them. He loved his home, his cottage at Sylvan Lake, golf at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, convertibles, boats, his dogs, country and western music, and Christmas in Maui. TJ truly was an original who always "brightened the corner where he was."
We would like to thank Tom's physicians and the wonderful caregivers that provided us with the support we needed to keep TJ at home. At his request, a private mass and interment will take place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. We ask that those wishing to make a donation do so to a charity of their choice that makes a meaningful difference in our community.
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye. We love you Dad, will forever cherish your memory and will miss you every day.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Tom Walsh, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.