KENNETH WALSH

Kenneth Walsh was born in Wildwood, NJ on October 15, 1924, to Violet and August Walsh, a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies at the time. He passed away in Fresno, CA on August 8, 2015. He married the love of his life, Eleanor Lynne, on June 21, 1945. They recently celebrated their 70 year wedding anniversary. Ken was brilliant, honest and had a competitive spirit, yet humble at the same time. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He served in the United States Army as a Sergeant during World War II. He graduated with an Associate's Degree from Fresno State College in 1947. He loved sailing and was a founding member of the Lake Millerton Sailing Association (L.M.S.A.) which is currently known as the Fresno Yacht Club (FYC). Ken was voted in as their Commandore for one year which entitled him to a free lifetime membership with the club. Ken and his wife were successful competitors and won numerous trophies throughout their sailing career. Ken also crewed on a sailboat at the prestigious annual Huntington Lake Regatta in 1964, in which they won first place. He also crewed on Ocean Yacht races that departed from Newport Beach, CA, and ending in Ensenada, Mexico. A civil engineer by trade, he worked for the State of California Department of Transportation in the Traffic Division for 38 years, and retired at the age of 63. After retiring, he would still be called upon as an expert witness to testify in court on the state's behalf on liability injury cases. During retirement, he also enjoyed a good game of tennis with his pals from the Fresno Roeding Park Tennis Club. He was still competitive, winning at doubles and singles matches on the court until the age of 85. Other hobbies and achievements in his life include membership in the Toastmasters of Fresno, a licensed amateur Hamm radio operator and a brother in the Las Palmas-Ponderosa Masonic Lodge No. 366 for 53 years, achieving a degree of Master Mason. Ken's family would like to thank all the physicians and staff that gave him such quality care throughout his lifetime and in the last four months. Thanks so much to Sequoia Home Health, especially Melanie and Nick; Asera Care Hospice, with special thanks to his nurse Permender, and personal care giver Mandy, both of whom gave such loving care in his last days of life. Ken is survived by Eleanor, his wife of 70 years; daughter, Kimberly Williams and her husband Robert; granddaughters, Amanda Smith, and Amber Messer Smith and her husband Nick; great-granddaughter, Eleanor Lynne "Ellie" Messer Smith; and his sister, Jerry Lee Emerzian, and her extended family. Kenny will be dearly missed but forever in our thoughts and in our hearts. Vistitation will be held at the Chapel of the Light Funeral Home on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 a.m. A Private Entombment will take place at the Chapel of the Light Mausoleum. Remembrances may be made to the Las Palmas-Ponderosa Masonic Lodge No. 366, 2992 E. Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703. Chapel of the Light, 1620 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, California (559)233-6254