Claude Walsh

Claude Livingston Walsh

Resident of Aptos

Born February 4, 1925 in Oakland, California, raised in Taft, California, died September 21, 2010 at home in Aptos with his beloved wife Judy beside him. He was 85.

Claude volunteered for the Air Force in 1944, eventually serving as a B17 pilot with the 306th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force based in Thurleigh, Bedford County, England. He completed his Air Force service at Istres, France.

Claude was a dedicated elementary school teacher and principal for 32 years for the Campbell Union School District. His creativity and sense of humor were enjoyed by several generations of young children.

Following his retirement, Claude and Judy moved to Aptos where they volunteered for the local Habitat for Humanity and eventually went on numerous international Habitat for Humanity building projects, including to Tijuana, Guatemala, Fiji and Northern Ireland. For the last 20 years, Claude and Judy have been active members of IF, Inc., a nonprofit organization promoting social justice through education, affordable housing, environmental and health projects in developing countries.

Claude was a meticulous artisan and craftsman, a dedicated gardener, a keen political observer and activitist.

Claude and Judy enjoyed traveling extensively and treasured their experiences in Mexico, Guatemala, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Austria, France, and England. He was passionate about bicycling and skiing.

Claude will be remembered for his gentleness, dignity, compassion and optimism as he embraced each new experience. Claude is survived by his wife Judy Barry, his brothers George Walsh of Montara, California and Richard Walsh of Palm Springs; his sons Roger Walsh of Santa Rosa and Peter Barry of Seattle, Washington; daughters Penny Walsh of San Jose, Shelley Smurthwaite of Pleasanton, Claudia Spongberg of Santa Rosa and Celia Barry of Santa Cruz. He leaves grandchildren: Allison Grange, Dustin Smurthwaite, Shannon, Lea, Rhett and Colby Spongberg, Natalie Barry and Mariel Kohman.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to IF, Inc., 160 Sunflower Lane, Watsonville, CA 95076 or to the Campaign to Re-elect US Senator Barbara Boxer at www. barbaraboxer.com.