Patrick Walsh was a great friend and former instructor at St. Mary’s University. Here since its beginning, he was a tireless advocate for his students (those were lively Irish Literature and film classes) and for anyone interested in joining the community—and he believed all should be. Even this last year, he phoned the Deans and asked about admission requirements for a potential student—he always valued the St. Mary’s experience and never missed an opportunity to welcome someone to campus. He extended this invitation to employees, as well. In the beginning, when St. Mary’s was building its faculty, he would pick the candidate up at the airport, deliver them safely to their hotel then on to campus, all while regaling them with spellbinding stories about life in Calgary and at the University. Oh Patrick was a terrific storyteller and generous to all, so the personal attention he gave people in combination with him being so informed and entertaining made him a great friend and resource. His abiding love and respect for the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition was infectious. He made a person feel that if they did not mine the riches at St. Mary’s, they were missing out on part of good living. His deep dedication to St. Mary’s mission and vision earned him the distinctions of Professor Emeritus and Honorary Fellow. He will be missed but his passion, faith, and commitment will remain our example to strive toward.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 17, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 5340 4th Street SW, Calgary, with a celebration of life to follow in the Parish Hall.