Leslie R. Walshaw

1926 - 2009

Leslie R. Walshaw
1926 - 2009

A member of the "Greatest Generation" and a long time resident of the Orangevale, Folsom, Granite Bay area, Les Walshaw, passed due to complications from Parkinson's. He was born in Spokane, Washington and after the untimely passing of his father, he returned to England with his mother, a World War I "war bride". Graduating from the Blue Diamond Military Academy in 1943 he entered the RAF, serving as a night fighter pilot flying the Douglas A-70 (night fighter version of the A-20) and the Bristol Beaufort, before transferring to the 8th Army Air Force in 1944 to become a member of the 324th Squadron of the 91st Heavy Bombardment Group - "the Ragged Irregulars of Bassingborn". In early 1945, after completion of 35 missions flying B-17s, he was sent back to the "states" and ended the war training to fly the B-29 "Superfortress". He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with three oak clusters for his wartime service. During this time he became a member of the "Caterpillar Club" (as the result of a bail out) and the "Lucky Bastards Club" (aerial combat survivor). After returning to Spokane he married Beverly Nelson, with whom he had three sons. He was recalled to active duty and participated in the famous Berlin Airlift. Remaining in the Air Force, he was fortunate (with the exception of a temporary assignment flying KC-135 tankers in England) to be stationed in the Sacramento area for many years; first at Mather AFB and then later flying the original "AWACs" aircraft from McCellan Air Force Base with the 552nd AEW& C before retiring in the mid 1960s. His military service led to a life membership in the Air Force Association and involvement in unit reunions over the years.
With his second wife, Gloria, he began another career in logistics management with the Air Force, initially at McCellan and then at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio; Ramstein, AFB, Germany; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before returning to McCellan in the mid 1980s. During this time they were able to visit most of Europe and travel around the world. They enjoyed living in Germany (and Europe), where they made many "local" friends and had many wonderful adventures. They particularly loved spending time in the Algarve region of Portugal.
They were very active members of the Shriners and Rotary International organizations, hosting a number of foreign exchange students over the years, as well as being involved in many special events benefiting the community; including the Folsom Rodeo and construction of new facilities at the Folsom Zoo. A lifetime of Rotary involvement included his recognition as a "Paul Harris Fellow" and he was a 50+ year member in the Masonic Lodge.
After a second retirement in 1988, "Opa" and "Oma" began a "third career" as co-proprietors of "Villa Rey" (aka: "Club Med - Granite Bay")…their retirement home in the Walden Woods community of Granite Bay. Here they were able to display memorabilia and collectables obtained during their extensive travels and entertain family and friends many times over the years at the "CAVU" lounge overlooking their beautiful pool, garden and the lushly forested greenbelt bordering their property. During this time they enjoyed an active social life, continued to travel to visit friends in Europe and to be involved with the Rotary Club, the Roseville Area Newcomer's Club, and the Walden Woods Homeowners Association, hosting annual homeowners' meetings and participating in neighborhood events.
Les is survived by Gloria; her daughters, Sheriann Kutzera of Sacramento, Sandy Birch of San Diego and Shelley Tang of Sacramento and his sons, Scott Walshaw of Reno, John Walshaw of Camino and Jim Walshaw of Jackson and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
At his request, no memorial service will be held. Please send remembrances/condolences to Gloria Walshaw, or c/o Scott Walshaw 3990 Gibraltar Drive, Reno, NV 89509 or make donations in his name to the Folsom Zoo, Parkinson's Research or to the Shriner's Hospital.
From your family and friends…Thanks for your service to both of your countries. GODSPEED AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!! WE WILL MISS YOU!!