Gerard Michael Walsh

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerard Michael Walsh at the age of 96. Beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, he leaves behind his adoring children Sharon (Bruce), Debora, Moya, Gerard (Joanne), Margot, and Helen; his 16 grandchildren Rebecca and Victoria (Mehaffey), Samuel and Madigan (Dockrill), Ben, Seamus and Noah (Dalton), Gerard, John and Edward (Walsh), Molly and Emma (Courish), Eric and Christopher (Ormston), Katie and Jack (Walsh); 4 great grandchildren Ellie and Zoey (Dockrill) and James and Eloise (Walsh) and his brother Edward. Many friends and extended family mourn his loss especially his sisters-in-law Helen and Barbara and his caregivers Muriel, Debbie and Cathy. Gerard was predeceased by his wife and love of his life for more than 50 years Bernice (Doran), his son Mark, his parents John and Mary (Madigan) and his siblings John and Barbara (Dalton). Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1928, Gerard was educated by the Christian brothers at St. Bonaventure’s College and later attended St. Frances Xavier University. As a young man, he began his lifelong career in the insurance business culminating as Atlantic President of the Insurance Bureau of Canada. His experiences in the insurance business generated many stories that he loved to recount especially the years in Newfoundland where he championed for change in the industry. He lobbied successfully for the introduction of mandatory seat belts and daytime running lights legislation. In 1977, Nova Scotia became his adopted home. When he retired in 1993, Gerard and Bernice wintered in Florida where they enjoyed a large circle of friends and the company of their kids and grandkids. When we think of our dad, we think of his love of classical music in particular the great operas like Turandot and Rigoletto and composers like Bach and Beethoven. He introduced his children to classical music by playing Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. At Sunday dinner, he would turn the stereo up loud and conduct from his seat at the dining room table while his seven children rolled their eyes. But it worked. All of us now have classical music in our homes and on our playlists. He was passionate about golf playing it into his late 80s and watching it for long hours in his later years. The annual Walsh family golf tournament “Bingo, Bango, Bongo” was a favourite of his giving him the opportunity to play, and often beat!, his children and grandchildren. He was a generous person and contributed to dozens of charities every year. He was an avid gardener, a voracious reader, and captivating raconteur regaling his audience with stories about Newfoundland, before and after Confederation. Gerard was also an historian with an incredible knowledge and recall of WWII. He loved to engage with his grandchildren and couldn’t be beaten at ‘What’s the population of ????’ Poppy, as he was known to all of us, worried about very little and complained about less. His longevity can be attributed to this indefatigable optimism. He was loved by all, in particular by his children who happily provided him with company and comfort for which he profusely expressed his gratitude. He had many quotable quotes that reflected his philosophy on life including, “Do what you want but pay the consequences”, “Put brain in gear before opening trap!” and “You don’t get what you don’t ask for”. When asked by his grandson at his 90th birthday for advice on a life well lived, without hesitation he responded, “Be Kind”. We love you Poppy and miss you deeply and profoundly. You will remain in our hearts forever. A private Celebration of Life is planned. No Flowers Please.

Gerard Michael Walsh

July 22, 1928 - October 21, 2024