John Willson Walsh M.D. Ph.D

John Willson Walsh, M.D., Ph.D., age 79 died Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Tulane Medical Center. Beloved husband of Ruth Kirsch Walsh for over 48 years. Stepfather of Kathleen Sprekelmeyer. Brother of Blanquita Cullum and Jeanne Walsh Zvetina and the late Steven Walsh. Also survived by two step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren, along with a number of nieces and nephews. Son of the late Henry Willson Walsh and Blanca Etelvina Tona Walsh. Dr. Walsh was a native of Los Angeles, CA and a New Orleans resident since 1997. He was a full professor of neurosurgery at Tulane University Medical School and a practicing neurosurgeon until 2013. He held both a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and Immunology as well as his medical degree from U.C.L.A. He practiced at the Leahy Clinic, Peter Bent Brigham and Boston Children's Hospital. He became a specialist in pediatric neurosurgery and was an early practitioner of Gamma Knife Surgery after traveling to Sweden for training. He served two years in the Navy with the U.S. Public Health Service and held the rank of Lt. Commander of Medical Neurosurgery. Dr. Walsh published over 60 articles in edited professional neurosurgery publications and wrote 13 chapters in various neurosurgery books. He was a much sought after lecturer for neurosurgical symposia throughout the country and abroad. His memberships include the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Louisiana and New Orleans Neurological Society, Greater New Orleans Pediatric Society and Greater New Orleans Society of Neuroscience. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be in the chapel of THARP-SONTHEIMER-THARP, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. at 43rd Street, Metairie, LA on Sunday, December, 13, 2015 at 3:00 PM. with visitation beginning at 2:00 PM. Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn will officiate. A reception will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent the Tulane University Department of Neurosurgery (In honor of Dr. John W. Walsh), 131 South Robertson Street, Suite 1300, New Orleans, LA. 70112. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. Information, (504) 835-2341