Passed away suddenly at his home in St. John’s in the arms of his loving wife on Sunday, January 27, 2019 – Raymond Patrick Walsh of Bay de Verde, age 75 years.
Predeceased by his parents Bridget and Edward, only aunt and uncle Theresa and Jack Keyes, parents-in-law Leo and Maggie Noonan, brother Brian, sisters-in-law Eileen Walsh and Selma Noonan, brother-in-law Joseph Hyde.
Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are his wife of 53 years, Evelyn, daughters Karen Osmond (Bert), Michelle Carew (Mike), and son and best friend Greg Walsh (Karla Smith).
Also leaving to mourn brothers Gerard (Eileen – deceased), Robert (Eileen), Ron (Joyce), David (Rochelle) and only sister Bertille Hyde (Joseph – deceased); as well as brothers-in-law Aidan Noonan (Gloria), Gerard Noonan (Selma – deceased), Carl Noonan and sisters-in-law Doreen Walsh (Brian – deceased), Rosie Noonan, Linda Tucker (Monty) and Deborah Noonan (Rankin MacMaster).
He will be especially missed and remembered by his seven grandchildren whom he and Evelyn cherished, loved and always supported: Anna, Alexander and Maggie Carew, Claire and Jane Osmond, Shannon and Madalyn Walsh. Ray is also fondly remembered by a large circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
As a retired teacher and school administrator, municipal councillor/mayor of his hometown, constant volunteer, senior hockey player, outdoorsman, hunter, salmon fisherman, recognized Newfoundland musician and recording artist, performer on stage, radio, television across the Province and beyond, Ray Walsh leaves to mourn a tremendous circle of friends, teammates, fans, band mates,media contacts and fellow musicians who he encountered, performed with, influenced and mentored over the years.
At an early age, his involvement as a cast member and performer, arranger and musician on CBC radio’s Saturday Night Jamboree and CBC television’s All Around The Circle and Come All Ye made him a household name across the Province and Country. This led him to do three recordings of Newfoundland instrumental accordion music and performances for over 55 years. Most recently, Ray was proud of his five recordings with the Walsh Family Band.
A recipient of the NL Folk Arts Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the East Coast Music Association’s Stompin’ Tom Connors Award, Ray was always humble about his talents and musical accomplishments. Ray always stated his proudest moments on stage were when he performed with his family – which regularly included his brothers, daughters and son; and most recently his grandchildren.
Resting in St. John’s at Carnell’s funeral home on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, with visitation from 12-9pm. On Wednesday, January 30, 2019, from 10-2pm. Visitation will also take place at Hopkins Funeral Home in Old Perlican on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held from the Parish of The Assumption Church in Bay de Verde on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 2pm.
Flowers are welcome and donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Ray.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Raymond Patrick Walsh January 27 2019..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N