Mr. Terrel Shayne "Terry" Walsh

At 75, Terry Walsh took his final checkered flag. Born an only child to Dale Elwin Walsh and Violette Francine Coghlan in Spokane WA, Terry lived out his last 11 years in Alpine, CA with his wife Laura Lee Banta. He is survived by his wife Laura and his six children Rhonda LoPresti (spouse Joe LoPresti), Kevin Walsh (spouse Jaimie Walsh), Bryan Walsh (spouse Gina Walsh), Corey Walsh, Wendy Walsh (spouse Andrew Olsen) and stepson Nathan Edmunds. His grandchildren are Tristan Walsh, Carly Walsh, Aydan LoPresti, Tianna LoPresti, Lucas Walsh, Roxie Walsh and Jayden Olsen.

Terry graduated from Lincoln High School, San Diego, in 1960. He was a very active youth member of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and choral group. He loved cross-country running, boating, fishing and water skiing. From high school, Terry attended Occidental College for two years. He then served in the National Guard before completing his degree. Terry earned a BS in physics from SDSU in 1967 and later a Master of Science Electrical Engineering (MSEE) in 1989. His career was varied and included positions at Convair, General Dynamics, and Fluid Components (FCI) where he excelled in electric design, drone mission planning and micro-processor designs for flow control and monitors. While still working as an electrical engineer at FCI, Terry began a second career as a professor of computer-aided engineering at San Diego City College which lasted for 13 years.

Terry loved Baja California, the desert and off-road racing!! Joining founding members back in the 1970's Terry spent his entire life actively serving and participating with the pitting organization, Mag 7. As President, Race Director, Pit Captain, and Board Member over the years, this club was central to Terry's life and gave him great joy, excitement and an incredible extended family of friends. Before getting into cars, Terry was a frequent District 38 motorcycle racer. One of his biggest accomplishments on two wheels was finishing the Tecate 500 in 1974. Terry's love of off-road racing started in the Class 11, stock Volkswagen class. His most proud racing moment was winning his class in the Baja 500 in 1995 with three of his children. Many memories include seeing him in the garage working on engines, doing the wiring, preparing a car for the next upcoming Baja race, packing up his vehicles and pre-running. He instilled this love of racing with all of his children and his son Kevin continues to race to this day with Lucas Oil Racing Series. In the early days, Terry pioneered trips deep into Baja in his beloved International Ambulance before it was popular and before there was pavement. One of his greatest destinations was Gonzaga Bay, which would take several days to get to over the notorious rock pile.

Devoted husband to Laura, Terry lived out a rich and full life with her by his side. He loved his life in Alpine and created a loving home for huge family and friend gatherings. They traveled the world, enjoyed camping, and were surrounded by love at all times.

Terry adored his family and enjoyed inspiring camping trips, buying new quads, motorcycles, side-by-sides and other toys for his wife, kids and grandkids so everyone could play in the desert. He promoted motorcycle trips and getaways for the guys. Always described as generous and fun spirited, it was important to help his kids achieve their dreams. He would do anything for his family and friends. Terry's words of wisdom would "Be happy & don't sweat the small stuff."

Terry passed away from complications of pancreatic cancer, living 11 months after diagnosis. He was unstoppable. In those 11 months he was able to walk his youngest daughter down the aisle in San Felipe, go on a 15day river cruise in Europe, enjoy several weekend get-a-ways, and host huge gatherings at each holiday, birthday and special occasion in his Alpine home.

Terry will be missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 4:00pm at his home in Alpine, CA. For more information and to RSVP contact Rhonda LoPresti at 619-200-5433.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Terry Walsh to cure pancreatic cancer at pancan.org or a cancer organization of your choice. On Sunday, October 7 there is a PurpleStride Walk in San Diego. His wife, Laura has created a team "The Terry Walsh Team" to walk in this event. Please join us and donate to help us reach our goal of $2020! You can find the information for this walk on the pancan.org site. Look for PurpleStride and register your name or give to Terry's Team. Thank you!

Wear purple!