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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
28 Entries
October 23, 2016
Our deepest sympathy Anne to you and all your family. We remember the happy times we spent with you at the Flames games, those many years ago. Sincerely Mary and Walter Royal.
July 31, 2016
Ted Mieszkalski
Deepest Sympathy to the Walsh family. I met Tom for the first time in October 1987 when I was hired at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. His energy and dedication to the community was evident from my first meeting with him. At a Chamber event, at later time, my wife and I had a great conversation with him. He told many funny stories about his time and memories in Edmonton. Although this was so many years ago, we remember his energy and passion as if we just finished speaking with him. He was an unforgettable and unparalled leader in our community.
July 22, 2016
Anne and Family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. While we were neighbours at the lake, our times together were limited but enjoyable. I would have liked to have spent more time with Tommy.
Hugh McCarthy
July 16, 2016
Rich McKenzie
Dear Anne, Lesley, Patrick, Lizann, Martina and Jacquie
So sorry to hear of Bud's passing. He was sure fun to be around even when I was sneaking around in your backyard. His "anytime" happy hour provided good times and grilling conversation for any of his daughter's boyfriends who dared to drop by. He leaves a great legacy on the city as well as a wonderful family and will be sorely missed.
July 11, 2016
Steve Allan
Tommy was such a great guy; always a pleasure to be around, and such a great contributor to our community. He epitomized Calgary's brand "Energy!" It was always a pleasure to see him and I will never forget the enthusiastic, energetic welcome you got every time you did, and as recently as a couple of months ago. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. I know you will be comforted by so many wonderful memories of an amazing man!
July 9, 2016
Les Grieve
I was a law student with Tom's firm in 1977-78 and being near Tom was a highlight. Whether it was work, or fun - it was always fun. I am fortunate to have been a small part of his life while his influence was a great part of my life. My condolences and love to Anne and the Walsh family.
July 7, 2016
Yves Fortier
dear Anne, Carol and I were very sorry to learn that Tom,your beloved husband and a dear friend had passed away.What memories! So happy to have known him!Tom made a difference every. where he went.May he rest in peace;he deserves it.Hope you are well.
July 7, 2016
Condolances to you Pat, your Mom and sisters on the loss of your Dad.
Gail Novlan
July 6, 2016
Ted & Lilian Heynen
We are very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was a very outgoing man with an Irish feistiness when he went to bat for his clients. He was down to earth and told it like it was.
May your pain be lessened by the memories of his contributions to making our communities, province and country a better place in which to live.
July 6, 2016
laurie and steve gathercole
a genuine sincere man, whom always took the time to say hello and ask how things were going. our sincerest condolences to all the family on the passing of Tom. .
July 6, 2016
B J Murphy
When he stopped by.. WHAM the room changed !!
July 6, 2016
Deb Millican
Dear Anne, Jackie, Liz Anne, Martina, Lesley, Patrick & family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you in this sad time. Tom was such a wonderful, cheerful man. His laughter was contagious. I will always remember our brief, fun time together in Maui. Rest in peace, Tom.
Deb, Krista & Lisa Millican
July 6, 2016
Ian & Lisa Thomson
Fabulous man who provided endless enjoyment to those who had the fortune to know him. Never forgotten were times in Maui and at the lake. Tom explained the "green flash" in Maui to me in the late 80's - an event I will always treasure. Condolences to the family our thoughts are with you - a life to be celebrated.
July 5, 2016
Shiraz Shariff
Tom was a great man whom I considered to be one of the finest Calgarian. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
July 5, 2016
Jim and Karen Shaw
Our thoughts and prayers to Anne and family for strength to carry on as Tom would have wanted. The light is dimmer, the burden heavier but the good memories of Tom Walsh, friend, mentor, partner reduce the sting of his passing. Ninety years is such a short time on earth for a person of Tim's indefatigable personality. We'll not know another the likes of TJ.
July 5, 2016
Darryl and Pat Raymaker
We've known Tommy beginning about 1964. Smart, funny, honest, a powerhouse in his community, an excellent lawyer, and a deeply loyal friend, colleague, and family man - those are just a few of the words that describe a really fine gentleman. And above all, he was a happy guy who could brighten anybody's darkest day. Our sincerest condolences to Anne and the Walsh family.
July 5, 2016
Mark Agnew
A very sad day on hearing of Toms passing. When I would see him in the lobby of the building Tom would always ask "How were things running today" I could tell he was genuine and sincere in his question. He always had time for the working guy. You will be missed.
July 5, 2016
Dale/Cathy Spackman
Dear Anne and Family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. TJ was a cherished and revered pillar of his profession, his community and, most importantly, his family and friends.
Cathy, Dale, Norma and the rest of The Spackmans
July 5, 2016
John and Stacey Martin
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Our thought are with you all.
July 5, 2016
Jak Halpin
Condolences to the family of Tom Walsh on his passing after a good life and career. Many good memories of experiences with Tom and his partners over many years.
Rest in Peace.
July 5, 2016
Bob Watson
I met Tom in 1982 and he introduced himself as "Little Tommy Walsh from Oxbow Saskatchewan" and that really described him as the humble man he was. I always enjoyed and treasured time spent with him whether it was personal or professional. He had wit and wisdom and always had time for me no matter how busy he may have been. I'll miss you Tommy.
July 4, 2016
Joan and Cy McAndrews
From the day and years at U. of A. Tom has been a great joy to visit. He told fascinating stories and laughed at both wins and Loses of his and of his friends. He was a high light with friends, new and old in Maui. He must have been the same everywhere and with every one.
July 4, 2016
Shannon Drew (Round)
Mrs. Walsh, Les, Jacquie, Martina, Liz Anne, and Pat, it is with a heavy heart that I write a note of condolence to you and your entire family. I will always remember TJ for his warm welcomes and unmatched hospitality. It was often at cocktail hour (the end of my and Lesley's school day - often pre-Flames game) that I had the opportunity to chat with him and he always had a great story to tell. What a wonderful legacy TJ has left for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
July 4, 2016
Arlene and Orval Horn
Our time spent with Tom in Maui will always be special in our memories. Sugar Beach was my place to make him laugh, doing the hula as Tom and Anne walked toward us on the beach. Farewell our good friend.
July 4, 2016
Sheila Batemam
My heart goes out to you, Anne and family.
July 4, 2016
Andrea and Randy Fennessey
A dad well loved and who loved well! Whenever I saw him he had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye! A true testament on how he lived and who he was! "May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand."
July 4, 2016
Jack & Shirley Hunter
Our deepest sympathy to Anne and the family. You were the best neighbours ever. sincerely from Jack and Shirley Hunter
July 4, 2016
Jim Rogers
So many wonderful memories I have of TJ both professionally and personally. From my first meeting with him in 1966 as a transplanted prairie boy myself and on throughout times spent at credit union functions and dear friendship when I lost my own father in the mid-70's, Tom was always ready and available with a smile and a quip. My deepest sympathy to Ann and family and my undying gratitude for a wonderful friend and mentor.
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