This was the memorial booklet that my dad asked me to make for him for his funeral. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Knowing that he would be leaving us to meet His heavenly Father soon and trying to fit a lifetime of "who Bill Walsh is" onto a single folded piece of paper, all the while wanting to spend every minute with him was heartwrenching. But, knowing that he would be privileged to see what we as his family thought of him, and get his approval on it, helped me accomplish it to the best of my ability. Knowing how difficult this was for me, I just cannnot fathom how my sister was able to hold onto enough strength to not only work with dad on his eulogy but deliver it so elequently. Debbie, you never cease to amaze me.
Back page of dad's memorial booklet for funeral
William Michael Walsh
January 16, 1939 – June 26, 2011
The Last Farewell
cover page to Dad's memorial booklet for funeral
Roman Catholic Funeral Mass
For William Michael Walsh
(Jan 16, 1939 – June 26, 2011)
Held at: Holy Spirit RC Church
NHP, NY
Service on: Thursday - June 30, 2011
At 12 noon
Presiding priest: Father Mike Torpey
Who was Bill Walsh?
Bill was born January 16, 1939 and the world became a better place that day. Each of us here today know him in a different light. He was a man of many talents and wonderful qualities. A man not ashamed to admit his faults and learn from them. A man willing to give of his time, money, energy or whatever was needed at the time.
Bill was a Beloved husband to Emily for 49 years this month. He was not just a father to his 7 children but he was their daddy – and an amazing one at that. A fabulous father-in-law. He took to being a grandpa instantly and loved every minute of time spent with his 18 grandkids. He was a Marine to the core – Semper Fi forever. He was a trusted confidante to many who knew their secrets were safe with him. He was a loyal & trustworthy friend to many. A man of few words – but always full of wisdom. A man full of love and a man truly loved. A well learned and well read man who also loved a good joke.
A man who was confident in his relationship with God and secure enough to share it with others…Comforting us at the end, reassuring us that “his journey is not over but rather it has just begun.”
Each of us are better people because we were blessed to have shared our lives with such a kind hearted and loving man as Bill. He has left us a legacy filled with love and memories that we can impart to those around us so that his wisdom and his spirit will continue to bless future generations.
He left this earthly world peacefully surrounded by his loved ones and as he reminded us daily, “He will be watching over us from heaven above and will be waiting with open arms for us when our journey takes us there in the future.”
You will be greatly missed. We love you always & forever!!!!
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
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