John George Walsh

John George Walsh, 77, a resident of Mount Dora, FLA and Michigan died peacefully Sunday April 21, 2013, surrounded by loved ones.  Born on September 25, 1935 in Erie, PA, John was incredibly generous and kind; he will be missed by many. John was a natural teacher in his heart, a sales trainer by profession, and owner of the Walsh Agency for 30 years.  He was deeply devoted to his family, and religion.  He was very close to his children; he worked with each of them at one time or another and spoke with them almost daily.

John attended Saint Peter's grade school and graduated from Cathedral Preparatory school in 1953, both in Erie Pennsylvania.   John was a graduate of The University of Notre Dame in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree, and was a true Golden Domer until the day he died.  John never missed watching the Irish March onward to Victory, and was an active member of the Notre Dame Alumni Association.

An avid bridge player, John was involved in numerous clubs both in Michigan and Florida A long time golfer, John was a member of the Hastings Country Club and played in the, "Over the hill club" with many of his dear friends.  You would often find John doing things for the less fortunate; he was a regular volunteer at several Hospice locations, cleaned the local church in Mt. Dora and spent a season at Saint Catherine Indian School in Santa Fe New Mexico as a grounds keeper.  John's gift was making people feel special and extraordinary, even after meeting them for few minutes. John was an amazing story teller, he taught those of us who knew him that life was a gift to be shared.

John was the son of the late Dr. Joseph M. and Mary V. Walsh and was also predeceased by a brother, Joseph M. Walsh Jr. and sister, Mary Theresa Considine.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Cavanaugh Walsh, his son John C. Walsh (Lynn Mathews)of Aliso Viejo, CA, daughter Kathleen Walsh Counts of Ellicott City, MD, son Michael Keegan Walsh of Thousand Oaks, CA, daughter Maureen O. Walsh of Natick, MA, and grandchildren, Ryan Counts, Meghan Counts, Katherine Luther and Elizabeth Luther.

He is also survived by his sister Kathleen Hammond Parkerson (John), of VA along with many cherished relatives and in-laws.

John's gentle spirit, mischievous smile and infectious laugh will live on in all of those who knew and loved him.

Family and Friends are invited to call at Girrbach funeral home, 328 S. Broadway St. Hastings, MI on Sunday May 5th 2:00- 4:00 and 6:00-8:00, with a Rosary service at 7:30pm.  Funeral services will be held on May 6th at 11:00 am at Saint Rose of Lima Church 707 S. Jefferson St Hasting MI.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John, to Barry Community Hospice, 450 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings, MI   49058.