Obituary of David Joseph Walsh

David Joseph Walsh Glace Bay March 9th 1950 – December 1st 2018 With comfort in his heart, David Joseph Walsh went to be with his perfect love Colleen (Bailey) Walsh, who he missed every day on earth to continue their love story in heaven. They were blessed with a large and loving family which was always the focus of their living. Dave helped raise three children by modelling humility, integrity, discipline and devotion. He reinforced the practicalities of life and emphasized how to enjoy the simple things like an ocean swim, an ocean view, a walk with your dog, a backyard fire with good music, a detailed story with a laugh out loud punchline and food made with love to be shared with family and friends. Just when Dave thought he was too old to fall in love again, he became a grandfather. Each one of his eight grandchildren enriched his life and filled his heart while he will tell you willingly drained his pocketbook. Jude, Cooper, Duncan, Lyndi, Ryan, Matty, Lucy and Banner were a few of Papa’s favourite things. Affectionately known as “Scrummy” he was an avid but average poker and beer league hockey player. You wouldn’t find a guy more comfortable in his own skin than Dave in the dressing room. He played hockey until the week of his diagnosis that he was riddled with cancer throughout his bones. Him playing hockey in his condition marvelled doctors and experts who insisted a man with such advanced disease must be in a wheelchair. This strength, strong will, perseverance, and tolerance was what he was made of. He had an oversized laugh, even for his size, that was explosive, infectious and heartwarming all at the same time. There was no one he liked to share his laugh with more than his lifelong friend Jimmy O’Handley. The companionship these two Bridgeport boys fostered while supporting each other through the loss of their fathers at such a young age, then their wives later in life was monumental. Their loyalty had no limits and the importance of this relationship he wanted recognized. A self-described ordinary man, he was seen as anything but to the people’s lives he touched. Many saw him as an advisor, an educator, a protector and provider, confidant, companion and a true gentleman. He described his employment as standard. According to him, he enjoyed the people much more than the work, but that never determined his effort and commitment to his role as Operations Supervisor of Public Works at CBRM, where he was employed for over 30 years until retirement. The longstanding friendships that arose from his career were the highlight of many stories and life lessons he shared with others. Many people he deeply loved have gone before him and are ready to receive him with open arms including his parents Lucy and Neil Walsh, brother Tom (Sheryl) Walsh, mother-in-law Marie (Slade) Bailey, brother-in-laws James and Gerald Bailey, aunts, uncles, grandparents and loved ones. There will surely be a grand reunion above the clouds to welcome Dave, and Colleen will be the host. Left here to feel the void of his passing are his three children and their families, Neil (Stacy) Walsh, Leah (Laird) Wilton, and Craig Walsh. His sister Grace Walsh, and family, brother-in-laws JB (Archina) Bailey & George (Mary Francis) Bailey as well as father-in-law George (Rita) Bailey, many nieces, nephews extended family and friends. The family would like to acknowledge the therapeutic and personable care provided by Dr. Kent Cadegan, who not only made every attempt to provide comfort and compassion to his patient, but also the family. The healthcare delivery teams of the Cape Breton Cancer Center, Palliative Care, EHS Paramedicine Professionals and his attending nurses on 3 South, who were all instrumental in his care throughout his journey and until the very end. Your professionalism and dedication did not go unnoticed and we the family are forever indebted to you. A celebration of life is planned for all family and friends of Dave who wish to come reminisce about this extraordinary man. There will be words, there will be song, and there will be prayers in his memory. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS (902-849-4199) at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2018 with a reception to follow. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com