1. Vince Walsh
April 13, 1935 – August 28, 2012

2. Vincent Patrick Walsh (1935-2012)
Obituary, SF Gate August 28, 2012
Peacefully at home on August 28, 2012. Dearly beloved husband of Dorothy Conley for 46 years; beloved father of Brendan (Lisa),
Patrick (Jeannine), Maura (Mariano), Brigid (Justin), Kathleen (Ian), Olivia, Dorothea (Matthew), Fiona, and Vincent; Adoring
grandfather to Sophia Louise, Jack Louis, Fiona Grace, Aidan Vincent, Declan Vincent, Colleen Walsh, Brendan Mariano, Sean
Oliver, Griffin Mateo, Liam Patrick; Dear Brother of Marion Carozzi, Geraldine Doherty, Carmel Tickler and preceded in death by
Matt, Louis, Sr. Angela, Imelda Gallagher, Fr. Oliver, and Desmond; devoted uncle to 19, mentor to scores and friend to
multitudes.
Vincent left his native village of Cloonagh, County Sligo, Ireland, in 1952 at age 17 to work in England and, like many of the young
people at that time, sent his wages home. He then went to Chicago where he studied engineering, sold vacuums, and taught
ballroom dancing for Arthur Murray. He finally settled into the construction business only to be drafted into the Army where he
served overseas as a medic and morale liaison. He then joined his brother, Louis, in Colorado where he helped start The Irish
Fellowship Club and co-founded the St. Patrick's Day Parade of Denver. It was here where he met Dorothy Conley on a blind date
when she stopped on her cross country trip to San Francisco. Three years later Vince also arrived in San Francisco, where he and
Dorothy married in 1966.
Vince had a gift for building things, be it organizations, houses or relationships. In a life as varied and rich as is possible, he built
homes across the city, graduated from Lincoln University Law School, owned and operated the Rio Nido Lodge resort for 18 years,
was the first president of the Residential Builders Association, helped build the United Irish Cultural Center, sang in the Irish Choral
Society, founded the California Bar Preparation Course, published Law Review textbooks, worked for Powerscreen, sold insurance
for Walsh Carter, and was a consultant for Apple Tree Communications. During all of these endeavors, he continued to work as a
general contractor and still never missed his breakfast discussions at seven every morning at M's or Howard's. Vince was a man of
great faith and a devout member of St. Anne's parish. Whether teaching typing when he couldn't type or climbing mountains in
Peru in his loafers; he was afraid of nothing. He did all this while raising nine spirited, some say unruly, children. Life with Vince
was never dull, never boring, always filled with love, jokes, stories and songs. His children all agree that they are the luckiest children
on earth. He was the best.
Friends may call after 5 p.m. Tuesday at St. Anne of the Sunset, 850 Judah Street, Rosary at 7 p.m. and are invited to attend the
Funeral mass at 11 a.m. Wednesday also at St. Anne's, followed by Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery.
The Walsh Family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful people who have supported us in so many ways over the last three years,
including the many caring nurses and doctors who made Vince's last years not only possible but worth living. For the past few years,
Vince and his family and friends proudly participated in the Light the Night Walk as the "Vince Walsh Chemo Sabes" to raise
money for blood cancer research. With this in mind, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater SF/Bay Area Chapter
of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Vince's name or donations of blood may be made to the UCSF Blood Bank in his
memory.

3. Vince and Dorothy
Walsh
Brendan and
Lisa Walsh
Sophia Walsh Aidan Walsh
Patrick and
Jeannine
Walsh
Jack Walsh
Maura and
Mariano
Ochoa
Declan Ochoa
Brendan
Ochoa
Griffin Ochoa
Brigid and
Justin Lyons
Kathleen and
Ian
Macdonald
Fiona
Macdonald
Colleen
Macdonald
Sean
Macdonald
Olivia Walsh
Dorothea and
Matt Kennedy
Liam
Kennedy
Fiona Walsh Vinny Walsh
Margaret and
Thomas Walsh
Matt Walsh
Marion
Carozzi Louis Walsh
Sister Angela
Walsh
Imelda
Gallagher
Father Oliver
Walsh Vince Walsh
Geraldine
Doherty
Desmond
Walsh Carmel Tickler

4. Wake for Vince Walsh
September 4, 2012
From 5pm at St. Anne‟s Church
850 Judah Street
Rosary at 7pm
Leading the rosary will be Father Reyes and Monsignor Arcamo.

5. Receiving Line:
Dorothy Walsh - Wife
Brendan Walsh - Son
Patrick Walsh - Son
Maura Ochoa - Daughter
Brigid Lyons - Daughter
Kathleen Macdonald - Daughter
Olivia Walsh - Daughter
Dorothea Kennedy - Daughter
Fiona Walsh - Daughter
Vinny Walsh - Son
Carmel Tickler - Sister
Geraldine Doherty - Sister

6. Memories of Vince: Angela Tickler
In the pictures here tonight, you can see the many faces of Vince. He was many things to many
people, but to me and many nephews and nieces he was our beloved, funny Uncle Vince and in
recent years he titled himself SUV to me. It was fun because you could sub in pretty much any S
word that made sense at the time: sassy, smart, silly, and he enjoyed evolving it or leaving
messages: "Angie Pangie! SUV! Call me!". So, I'd call and he'd present his latest fashion-world-
changing idea. My brother Barry and I did concoct one of his ideas for him for his birthday.
Vince's idea was jeans with interchangeable message pockets, and his first iteration was feel on
one pocket, and free on the other - to be arranged according to one's situation, as he laughingly
phrased. I like this story because, to me, Uncle Vince always felt free and encouraged others to
feel free as well: to be themselves, change themselves or their situation, to overcome a fear, or try
something they always wanted to do. Occasionally, it wasn't something you wanted to do at
all, and for me that was singing at our family Thanksgiving because that's a big crowd, and there
are a lot of terrific singers in it. Years ago, Auntie Ann and I countered Vince's urging us to sing
and participate by singing the ABCs, and Vince was mildly annoyed and yet had great admiration
for the fact that we skirted by him on a technicality. Then I sang a four line song I wrote for him
two years ago to try to get myself off the hook, only this time I found myself in a gentle
but inescapable Vince headlock and had to stand up there singing with him for another full song
or two...I found out it wasn't that bad, which I know is exactly what he wanted me to figure out.
Uncle Vince cared far more that you tried in your own way and participated, than that you
succeeded in the conventional sense. Trying was success for him, as he showed us all with his
valiant battle against leukemia. When we formed the Vince Walsh Chemo Sabes team to walk the
LLS Light the Night Walk fundraiser, Vince came up with the team slogan, and sure enough, it
was one of his favorite puns: One Tough Ane-Mick. And he proved it to all of us and himself,
astonishing family, friends, and doctors with his quiet strength and resilience for almost three
years. He fought very hard, and he had a lot of support from many, many of you.

7. When we were kids, Vince used to drive us up to the Russian River in the El Camino, girls in the
cab and boys toughing it out in the truck bed. He would sing to us almost all the way up there
but the song I remember best and will always associate with him is Red River Valley by Marty
Robbins:
From this valley they say you are leaving
We shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For you take with you all of the sunshine
That has brightened our pathway awhile
So, come sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
Just remember the Red River Valley and the cowboy that loved you so true.
I think those lyrics are a wonderful description of his incredible fight to not bid us adieu, our
sadness at his leaving our valley for another, and how so many, many of you came to sit by his
side throughout his battle and passing because you loved him. We love you Uncle Vince, and we
will miss your wise counsel, encouragement to feel free, soft heart, strong beliefs, beautiful
dancing, your singing and the laughter you gave us.

8. Memories of Vince: Carmel Walsh Tickler
In Ireland, in the 1950s, when Vince was 14, very few boys got to go to high school. My parents were
determined that their children would be educated, to have a better life. When it was Vince‟s turn, there
were 3 other siblings in boarding school and they told him that he would go the next year when one
had graduated. He stayed at home and helped my father with the land. At age 18 years, after 9 months
in construction in England, he joined his 2 older brothers in Chicago in 1953. He enrolled in Chicago
Vocation College for drafting, blue print reading, carpentry and general construction skills. By 1956,
he had his own construction company, and when it was running successfully, he enrolled in the
Chicago Technical College. At that time, one year short of graduating, he was drafted into the U.S.
Army and served proudly in Germany as a medic.
He signed over his army pay- not half of it, but all of it – to our mother and as a result, had to earn
some money to live on. He had 3 jobs at times, as well as his military duties. That was when he taught
typing at night on the base. He said, “I just had to keep one lesson ahead of the class”.
Vince believed in being active himself and in getting family members involved as well. He and my
brother Louis and some friends purchased 100 acres of land and a lake and co-founded the “Emerald
Athletic Club” which is in suburban Chicago. When our father died in Ireland in 1957, it was the Irish
custom to be in mourning for a whole year. Immediate family members did not attend movies or
dances during that year. Vince and his 3 siblings living in Chicago, and other friends founded their
“Tara Dramatic Group”. They built and painted the set, moved their apartment furniture in and out
every weekend, produced, directed and acted in a well-known Irish play. By the end of that year, any
proceeds from the sold out theatres was donated to charity in our father‟s name. Vince was an
excellent actor. He told me that project was one of his most enjoyable experiences.

9. Vince loved good discussions and on arriving in Chicago in 1958, I discovered that the
“Encyclopedia Britannica” stacked 6 or 8 books high was a regular scene at our dinner table to solve
the many questions raised. That later became the basis for the round table breakfast club at Howards
or M‟s for the last 30 years.
Vince was very close to his nine brothers and sisters and in our lifetime, there was never a time when
one of us was not speaking to the other. Unconditional love and respect did not mean it was
uncritical. Vince cared too much not to tell you what he thought.
He never used unacceptable language if he got agitated or frustrated in any situation. In family
discussions, if he was really trying to make his point, he would raise his arms half-way and say “for
the love of God”. That was your cue to re-examine your opinion on the subject!! What kind of
comeback comment could you have to THAT??
Like everyone, Vince wanted to do well - but it was more important to him to do “good”. Long
before networking became popular, Vince was putting people and jobs or housing or clothing
together. Strangers he spoke to on the street would receive the same level of effort from him as if it
was his good friend. Helping people was as much a part of him as breathing. He helped many
craftsmen start their own businesses. He put them to work for him at “Walsh Construction” which
operated in San Francisco for 40 years. It they were hard working and diligent, he encouraged them
to start their own businesses and he would sub-contract to them and spread the word to his
contracting friends to work with them until they got on their feet. Then he would do the same for
the next one who he thought deserved it.

10. One of the things that he was most proud of was his being a Co-Founder in “United for Life”. In
the very early seventies, he met Professor Frank Filice (now Fr. Frank Filice) who was struggling to
get the movement started. Vince brought in many workers and worked tirelessly himself to gain new
members. He involved the Irish Community and had his contractor friends buy tables at the
fundraising dinners. He has continually promoted and supported United for Life goals from its
inception to his death.
Vince was larger than life. He was a devoted son and a wonderful brother. He cherished his wife
Dorothy and his children and extended family. I want to thank Dorothy on behalf of my siblings,
living and deceased, for her unconditional support of Vince, not only in these last 3 difficult years,
but down through the 46 years of their marriage. He presented many projects and challenges to her
and even when she disagreed with a project, if it went forward, she backed him up totally, which
meant a whole lot of work for her. In the last 3 years, she cooked tirelessly all the organic foods,
including green vegetables every day, even though he hated them, in hopes that it would prolong his
life or even cure him. She developed nursing skills and great patience and gave the struggle
everything she had. All the family rose to the challenge in extraordinary ways, but it seems fitting to
mention especially young Vincent who lived in the house and shared the care of Vince on a daily
basis. Nothing was too much for him to do for his Dad. Vince was a lucky man, he had a wonderful
life and a wonderful death.
He taught us how to live life fully and how to face death with faith, courage, grace and dignity. He
will be greatly missed.

11. Memories of Vince: Olivia Walsh
I could speak a hundred languages and still not be able to express what I would like to say about my
father… How do you write about how much you will miss your dad, friend, hero and the greatest
man you‟ll ever know? There are no words that will do justice to him or his huge heart and great
mind.
We were blessed with the gift of amazing parents… strong, giving and very loving…
We have been saying all week how Dad was the most loved man on the planet, and he was… because
he was the most LOVING man on the planet. He took an interest in everyone and everything. He
genuinely cared for each person he met. When that man asked, “How are you doing?”, he really
wanted to know… and he would remember what you told him,. And if he could help in any way;
with some sound advice, a crazy idea, a joke, a smile a story or a song, he would.
He helped a kid from the corner store learn to read, he showed quite a few others how to stay out of
trouble. Still others, he helped decide to go back to school, or he got them their first job… He
helped as many people as he possibly could, and he loved many more.
His being SO loving is why the meter maid sent him breakfast, why his nurses would sing to him,
why the plumber was moved to tears… it‟s why he had not only 9 children, but 900, a million friends
and was Uncle Vince to the whole world.
And he loved life! His heaven really was his life; his family and his friends… he loved us all in his
genuine and generous way. Whenever I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he would say “Just
to have all my kids home”…well, that or “SOCKS”.

12. You‟ve all heard, (probably a thousand times), the story of Dad in Barcelona…The one where the 400
bagpipers didn‟t show up for the parade… Well, what he didn‟t tell you is how, when we realized
that they weren‟t coming, and I looked at him, lip trembling, and asked “Papa, what am I gonna
do?”… He let me shed one tear, then he wiped it away and said, “The only way to get through things
like this is to go through them, but I will be right here with you Oli-O” …Papa you always were and
you always will be….
He used to always quote St. Catherine to me “Be what God intended you to be, and you will set the
world on fire!” A man with an epic memory, infinite tales, innumerable jokes, unselfish love and the
sharpest of minds… DAD was what God intended, HE set the world on fire…
A couple of weeks ago, I was in a moment of tremendous grief and thought to myself how sad it
was to watch that fire, the brightest light I have ever seen, flicker and then dim…. But I realize now,
that it will never go out, he will never be gone because of all the things he shared with us.
So, whenever someone new joins the breakfast club, or one of his grandchildren give a “hug, a kiss
and a boo”, whenever someone sings Tura lura lura, or tells one of his thousands of jokes…
Whenever we do what he so whole-heartedly asked of us, which was to “Love one another as I have loved
you” .. It is him………….he is right here with us.
I could speak a hundred languages and still not find the right words, so for now, I will simply share
what a dear friend said in Gaelic, (Nee-VI-a-LEhid_areessh-on) –“ Ni beidhh a leithid aris ann.”,
WE WILL NEVER SEE HIS KIND AGAIN…

13. Memories of Vince Walsh: Maura Walsh Ochoa

14. Farewell and Invitation to an Irish Tea by Dorothy Walsh
Where was Vince singing Let There Be Peace on Earth this last week at the house when I needed
him?
I made a list of all the wonderful people who have helped us so much these last few years. The list
was very long, 5 pages on Excel. Brendan asked me for the list so he could thank everyone too.
However due to a "senior moment" or a computer glitz you might be happy to know I lost it.
Now, thanks to my good friends here at St. Anne's, I invite all of you downstairs to a proper Irish
tea.
The family will stay here to greet any of you that would like to pay your respects.

15. Funeral Mass for Vincent Patrick Walsh
September 5, 2012
11:00 am at St. Anne‟s Church
850 Judah Street
Celebrant: Father Reyes, Pastor St. Anne‟s Church
Co-Celebrants: Father McGuire, Father Seagrave, Father Filice,
Monsignor Arcamo, Monsignor Pernia, Father Mazza,
Father Orimaco, Father Chang

16. Celebrants on the Altar at the Funeral:
 Father Reyes, Pastor - St. Anne‟s Church
 Father McGuire
 Father Seagrave
 Father Filice
 Monsignor Arcamo
 Monsignor Pernia
 Father Mazza
 Father Orimaco
 Father Chang
 Altar Servers: Roddy Marshall, Finn Marshall and Anne

20. First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11
Read by Brigid Walsh Lyons
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from
embracing ;
A time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their heart, except that no
one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

21. Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 23 A Psalm of David
Read by Grace Bowen and Heather Walsh
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with
me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; My
cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of
the Lord forever.

22. Second Reading, 1 John 4:7-12
Read by Deirdre Gallagher
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God
and knows God.
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into
the world, that we might live through Him.
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation
for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us and His love has been
perfected in us.

23. Gospel Matthew 5:1-12
Read by Father Ray Reyes
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came
to Him.
Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for
My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted
the prophets who were before you.

24. Father Ray Reyes: Eulogy
Seventy seven years ago, Vince was brought inside a church in Ireland by his parents for the first time
to be baptized. There and then he was bathed with the Baptismal water and dressed with a white
garment to signify the new life he received from God.
Today we bless Vince‟s body for the last time with this same water and put this white cloth over his
casket to remind us again of the dignity he was shared with as God‟s beloved son. And that even in
death Vince is still embraced and given the promise of eternal life by our loving God.
With my brother priests here on the altar, with the Parishioners and School Community of St.
Anne‟s, with Dorothy, her children and their families, we welcome you all to this sacred celebration of
Vince‟s life. He has been a faithful son, a brother, a spouse, a father, a relative, a friend, a true Irish
man and most of all, God‟s beloved son. Because he was a believer, we anticipate God‟s gift and
promise of eternal life on his behalf.
Reflection:
An Irish saying from an unknown author goes, “Life is too short, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely and
forgive quickly.” We do hear a lot of people say, “Life is too short.” This saying may be especially true
for those with a lingering illness. Life may be shorter for them than those who are healthy. But
whatever moment we find ourselves in, there is one truth that we can all agree on: you and I are born
in time. Time is not eternal in a sense that every second, minute or hour that ticks by passes on and
goes away forever. We can‟t freeze time. Time often lapses. It expires. And such is God‟s gift of life
that is born in time. Our gift from God is bound by time and will expire.

25. In spite of time and life‟s elusive element, we pick up a great lesson from the readings chosen by
Vince‟s family for his funeral mass. The first reading proclaims that God appoints the times and
seasons, the events of our lives, the happy and the sad, the easy and difficult. On one hand, this can
bring worry, doubts and pains but on the other hand, it should bring hope because we know that our
God is in control. God is in control of everything and anything, yes, even the day of our death.
Sometimes we may wonder about that. It is easy to doubt that God has it all together when we look at
the world around us especially at those times when it is not doing all that well: the crimes, the
disasters, diseases and illness, and then the experience of separation and death. It can be pretty
discouraging but God has got it all under control. He has a purpose in what He does and why He lets
things happen. In God‟s time, we‟ll be able to understand His purpose. As St. Paul mentions in his
letter to the Romans (Romans 8:28), “We know that God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
This purpose of our being is what was proclaimed in the second reading from St. John‟s letter. Only
those who love are begotten by God and know God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for
God is love. Seeing God is actually when we learn to love one another. This way God‟s love is brought
to perfection.
In the same way, the Beatitudes remind and challenge us to live not by the world‟s standards but by
God‟s that teach us to go beyond just loving ourselves. True happiness from the Beatitudes can never
be attained by having everything we want but by the amount of how much we have given and shared
in others‟ burdens and sorrows… by being peacemakers and agents of kindness and forgiveness.

26. Vince lived his whole life around this promise and purpose. He knew God was in control of his life. For
the last several years of his illness, he did all he could to show to his family, friends, and even us in this
parish that God appoints the times and seasons and that God has always been in control of his life. He
lived and carried with him the awful and deadly disease with grace, dignity, courage and (of course) with
a big Irish smile. Literally nothing, even his deteriorating health, stopped him from coming to join the
community of faith, particularly the Eucharist at 7:30am, the mass he often participated in. In fact, a
few weeks before he passed, he came to Mass in his chair just to participate in the Eucharist. Today we
all bring his sacred remains to the altar where he received the Body and Blood of the Lord. The various
priests, ministers and those who saw him in this church, in the hospital and at home knew how much he
loved the Eucharist. There‟s no doubt, what gave Vince the strength to overcome every challenge,
especially at that most awful and painful moment, was the peace that comes from receiving the Lord in
Holy Communion and the love of his family and loved ones. He felt that peace he longed for whenever
he was shrouded by the Eucharist and his loved ones.
And what a beautiful way to celebrate the Eucharist at his funeral this morning by using the chalice of
his priest brother, Father Oliver. This is certainly what Vince and his family would like us all to
remember. The Eucharist, which strengthened him, will always be our great source of love and peace.
Dorothy, thank you for the decades of love and life you‟ve shared with Vince. Thank you for keeping
the love and the sacrament you have vowed to keep as long as you live, in good health and in bad. In
spite of the most depressing and difficult moments during Vince‟s illness, thank you for being God‟s
window of Love for us all. You have proven before God and us the grace and power of marriage.

27. A great spiritual writer and theologian once said, “The greatest sadness of life is that in the end, one
finds out that he or she is not going to be a saint.”
Dorothy, you and your children and your closest family and friends helped Vince realize how much he
is worth and loved by all of you. While taking turns in providing him care and company, you gave him
the assurance that he has truly done a fantastic job and that he did exceptionally well. He heard it all
from you what God has been telling him whenever he came for the Eucharist.
And so let us continue our celebration of the Eucharist, the meal of thanksgiving. Let us give thanks
for the gift of Vince‟s life. Let us also pray that what we receive here may strengthen us to be faithful
followers of Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life. When our earthly journeys are over, we too
can join Vince in our heaving home.
Amen.

28. Prayers of the Faithful

29. A SONG OF PRAISE
Sung by Kathleen Walsh Macdonald
O Lord, my God, I long to sing Your praises;
O Lord, my God, with songs of love and joy
The night is past
And now at last
I‟ve found You.
„Tis I, „tis I, must live my life anew.
Stay with me, Lord
And guide me on the journey.
Into my heart, Your Spirit send each day.
My heart in Christ immerse „til it is burning
With thoughts of thanks, adoration, prayer and
praise.
O Lord, my God, I long to sing Your praises
For just being God, immortal, great and free
For soaring far
Above this world
Of smallness,
Where our small lives – compare Thy „mensity.
All glory, honor,
Praise and adoration
Be Yours always, O Universal King.
And may Your Son, Lord Jesus, with His Spirit,
Draw all men to Himself – in faith and love again.
A song of praise I raise to You, Lord Jesus
A song of praise to You, I‟ll always sing
You‟ve given Your Life
For me,
A nothing sinner,
But now You rule within my heart, as King.
Your tender love I deeply cherish,
Your deep concern
And special care for me.
I give to You, the only thing I relish
My will – with all its longing to be free.
Words by Fr. Oliver T. Walsh
Sung to “Danny Boy”

30. Memories of Vince: Fiona Walsh
Hello. I‟m Fiona and I‟m the eighth of my father‟s nine children.
If my dad were here he might tell you that I‟m “the great Fy-ona” which is what our family friend, PJ
McGarty, used to call me.
Then he‟d tell you all about PJ and with his colorful explanation--the simple story of a nickname‟s
origin would somehow have connected all of you to PJ even though he passed away years ago and
many of you didn‟t know him.
This was one of my father‟s gifts: not only connecting to people himself, but connecting us all to
each other. --- As my sister mentioned last night, and as anyone who knew him will tell you, he never
missed an opportunity to say hello to someone and when he shook your hand and asked how you
were, he genuinely wanted to know.
Once he knew he set about the business of figuring out if he could help you in some way. He‟d rack
his brain to see if he knew someone, who knew someone who might know someone, who might be
able to do something for you.
He carried the intentions of the people he loved with him wherever he went, to everyone he talked to
and in everything he did, he looked for ways to be of service.

31. If my father had a hobby trying to help people was it. ---- For my dad everything he did was an
opportunity for learning. A simple “Hey dad can I have a ride to school?” turned into an adventure
in how to cross the city in the most efficient way possible, all the while hearing stories of the people
who lived in the various houses we would pass, many that he had built himself, and there was always
a vocabulary lesson to be had. He‟d teach me one word per ride and when we got where we were
going I had to be able to use it in a sentence, preferably a cleverly crafted one.
As I grew older he started asking me to try to stump him with words I‟d learned on my adventures
without him. He wanted to learn new words too.
This was who he was: Always a teacher; Always a student. --- When I think of him not being here
and the great loss that is-it‟s tempered by remembering these things:
That he connected us all, so as long as we‟re with each other he is always with us.
That in every moment I take the time to say hello to someone or to try to help in some small way, his
legacy of love lives on.
And every time I use a simple daily task as an opportunity to learn or to teach- I honor him by
passing on the lessons he taught me.
Thank you all for being here to help us celebrate him and for the friendship and love you showed
him.

32. Memories of Vince: Patrick Walsh
When I was twenty nothing years old, I got a job at the San Francisco Chronicle as a copy boy, the
lowest position that the newspaper offered. After months of toiling away trying to work my way up
the ladder, my father called me up and asked me to come over because he had an exciting idea. Over
breakfast, he outlined his plan that I should go into the editor in chief‟s office and offer to write
Herb Caen‟s column for him when he was on vacation. This was, I thought then, the stupidest idea
ever. The more I brought up cogent and realistic arguments against it, the more my father felt it was
brilliant. “Nobody‟s using the space when he‟s gone” “It can‟t hurt to ask” “what have you got to
lose?” Of course, I did not attempt this fool‟s errand and risk career suicide. Every time afterward
that I had breakfast with my father we would read the Chronicle and, if Herb Caen was on vacation,
he would give me a dirty look for letting such a golden opportunity pass.
There were many cogent reasons for not risking career suicide in a grand act of presumption, but
the real reason I never would have tried such a bold act is that I would be embarrassed to. Any
normal man would have understood that. But my father, as my brothers and sisters can attest, did
not feel embarrassment even if there were times we wished he would. Pants that had a permanently
broken zipper, some poor neckties from the 70s, and his penchant for using a variety of strange
objects as hats whenever someone would take out a camera, come to mind.
Embarrassment to my dad was just a manifestation of fear and fear was the enemy of life. I can
think of no instance where my father refused to do something because it might lead to
embarrassment. I don‟t know if he ever felt embarrassment, but I don‟t think so. The only thing to
be embarrassed about was not trying. How many people here know my father because he took the
initiative in introducing himself? Or because he started some committee, organization or initiative
to accomplish something and invited you aboard?

33. My father‟s real passion in life was other people, specifically other people‟s ears. A fresh pair of ears to
tell stories to was joy incarnate. He wanted to know who you are? Where you are from? And, most
important, who do you know that I know? But he was also adept with the use of his own ears. He
would remember everything you told him, file it away until needed. If you presented him a problem
you were having, he would offer dozens of possible solutions. If none of them worked, he would
ruminate on the problem for years, using the index of his friends and his friend‟s strengths and assets
as possible solutions. To be my father‟s friend was to risk being called upon to help one of my father‟s
other friends. Even if there was no issue to solve, my father loved making a connection between
others. It‟s how he made the world a smaller, friendlier place
My brother is getting up here in a moment with the formidable, yet enviable, job of thanking people
for their kindnesses over the past few years and the decades. So much food has been delivered to 11th
avenue over the past few weeks that my mother described the situation as “It‟s raining hams.” So
many people have approached my family with the words If there‟s anything I can do, please, please let
me know.”
Well, there is something you can do. If my father was here looking out over this crowd, he would
salivate at the idea of introducing everyone here to everyone else here. Of sharing what he found
fascinating, admirable and interesting about his friends with his other friends. After this ceremony, or
at the reception, honor my father by continuing his legacy of making the world smaller. Introduce
yourself to someone you don‟t know and find out why my dad loved them. I guarantee you that it was
for a great reason. Don‟t feel embarrassment. It is a useless emotion. And after today, if you can, keep
making connections between people. And maybe, when the time comes, your family will be rained on
with hams.

34. Memories of Vince: Brendan Walsh
Think where man‟s glory most begins and ends
And say my glory was I had such friends
Welcome.
For those of you that don‟t know me, my name is Brendan Walsh and I am very proud to be
Vince‟s oldest son. I have been teasing my sisters lately that means I knew him the longest. But
with my lifestyle probably will see him the soonest too. So I‟d like to thank my family, the Bishop
and Father Reyes for not making me limit my time up here. You better get comfortable.
Speaking before you today is both the single biggest honor and challenge of my life. I want to
acknowledge and remind my family how lucky we are to have never been the center of attention at
one of these functions. We have been incredibly blessed with good health and wonderful kids. I
have watched many families, close friends of ours, suffer loss and handle it with dignity and grace.
Hopefully we are following your lead here today. You know who you are….not a day goes by that
we don‟t think of you.
Let me begin by saying I have been at hundreds of these beautiful Irish gatherings and this one
tops them all. In the past few years most of them seem to be at St. Cecelia‟s or St. Gabriel‟s though
and I think I know why. One of two reasons, given the way Irish people think. You moved out
towards 18th or 44th Avenue for better weather or, more likely, like the Alamo - you knew the
Walsh‟s with our great and fearless leader, Vince, and large numbers could hold the inner sunset for
the Irish. Well I am here to tell you – that‟s correct. We are still and will remain on 11th Avenue in
ever increasing numbers. Though we are not alone, we do have some wonderful allies in the
Sullivans, Meehans and more.

35. The door is always open at 1327 11th Avenue. So much so – I remember a typical cold evening of
friends and family gathering and kids running in and out and as a gang of us came through, my
Dad shouted at us to close the door. Probably because Auntie Carmel was cold, she is always cold,
– and my “smart ass” cousin Debbie famously retorted “Why bother?”. Realizing her brilliance
early on my dad, always with the solution and possibly to take away a little ammo from my mom,
installed a commercial grade door closer on our front door. To this day, you just push it open and
it closes behind you.
Anyway, my message here tonight is to thank you – this is an amazing turnout. My dad would be
extremely proud, like he was at his 75th birthday party. He might even be a little annoyed. He‟d
probably say, “What a great turnout….wish I was there.”
Well, I believe most of you can feel that he is here. He just can‟t say anything…..except to me,
because - despite Maura‟s constant campaigning and his repeated requests for Brigid in his last
toughest days – I am actually his favorite, and he is saying things to me all the time. Things like
“work harder”, “be nice to your mother”, “lose a couple pounds”, etc. all positive things…..typical
Big Vince. Oh wait, he‟s saying something right now….
He wants me to tell all my Sunset buddies standing in the back of the church that there are plenty
of seats up front. I don‟t want to do this again soon, if ever, so Jimmy O‟Connell save my spot
back there. While I am at it I‟d like to say a quick thank you to Jim O‟Connell. He recently dealt
with his own leukemia diagnosis and was an amazing source of strength to me. I relayed all our
conversations to my dad. My dad always wanted to know how he was doing and my understanding
he is doing great. In typical Walsh fashion I didn‟t ask Jimmy if I could share this.

36. My favorite big Vince story is:
Once when I was working at the Irish center (a place very special to him - we should all put aside
our BS and support the center) my parents and the McFaddens were having dinner. I served the
dinner to them and prepared to give the check to Doc McFadden because I am not stupid (parents‟
friends always tip better than parents - plus I was preserving my inheritance). Anyway my dad was
having prime rib with a baked potato, like always. He scooped out the potato like most of us would
and my mom noticed this - he was in a conversation with Doc McFadden and didn‟t really want to
be bothered. I was going to take the plate and my mom says “wait a minute” she says, “Vince eat
your potato skin”- I can‟t remember if he ignored her or said no, but he didn‟t eat the skin and she
took her fork mid sentence with Mary McFadden and said “Vince eat the skin, that‟s where the
nutrients are” well he gave her a look that would have sent me running but she didn‟t flinch.
Anyway another minute goes by and she again takes her fork and lightly raps it on the side of his
plate “Vince eat your skins, they are good for you” …but this was one too many times. He deftly
snatched the fork out of her hands and said, “woman I don‟t eat potato skins and I have a damn
good reason” she said, “what is it?” He said, with every blood vessel in his forehead bursting,
“because when I was a boy on the farm every day after school I went out to the barn and collected
the horse and cattle manure to spread on the potatoes in the field below. I don‟t eat them because I
know what‟s on them!!!!” Everyone, including me, was paralyzed with fear - except my mom, she
just picked up her wine glass and said, “oh please you‟re so dramatic….” Well the conversations
resumed - crisis averted. Doc McFadden got the check.

37. A cousin of mine, Lorene, visiting a few days ago said it‟s not uncommon for the spirit to hang
around for 3-4 days before they go to heaven to watch over you. Not sure if I subscribe to that but I
figure better safe than sorry, right? Even I can behave for 3-4 days – 6 or 7 just to be safe. But then
what? I mean Big Vince was scary enough with a truck, a cell phone, Pat Hegarty at the window and
his 6 daughters (which are the equivalent of a network of spies) …..Now you give him the ability to
float and some cloud cover? Surely me, but we‟re all in trouble. Given the cloud cover advantage you
folks out at St. Gabriel‟s better really watch it. I mean-I told him I always stopped at 6 beers….he‟s
certain to find out that‟s not accurate. I will be at the reception later if anyone can think of a
workaround for that.
I also promised to do my very best to attend mass every Sunday and I will try. But if the Niners fall
behind early you may want to call my house and ask my lovely wife Lisa if my backside is on the
couch or a pew.
So enough of my personal anxieties – let‟s talk for a few minutes about what my Dad would say if he
were here. He wouldn‟t self aggrandize or boast about his many accomplishments. He might lecture
a bit….but since I am his favorite and the only one who can hear him, I‟ll do my best to speak on his
and our family‟s behalf. Please bear with me, this is in no particular order.
We would like to thank all of his neighbors who came by, listened and visited with him. He looked
forward to drop ins and you never disappointed, especially Tom McGuigan. The Gerstenkorns –
lovely people, the people that consistently inquired how he was doing- Mike and Leo Cassidy come
to mind, Mike Kennedy - he really liked you guys.
We‟d like to thank the folks that run and frequent the blackthorn. Even though my dad wasn‟t much
of a drinker (if I didn‟t look just like him I would swear I was adopted) he enjoyed going there and
always knew where to find us. We have had many a family gathering there and we certainly owe you a
few apologies, especially whoever is working tonight.

38. We‟d like to thank his special neighbor, our 2nd Mom, Pat Hegarty. She made the long lasting mistake of
living next door to us for 40+ years. Every one of us has, at different times, borrowed $ from her for
proms, trendy clothes that my Mom refused to buy for us, gotten rides, etc. I personally drove our bright
orange Volare station wagon through her garage door the first day I got my driving permit. She is family
to us and we love her. Patty - he always said “nothing on this block gets by Pat”. You‟re probably worried
who is on watch while you‟re here. Well at least you have surveillance now, parking will get easier.
We‟d like to thank the pad locks…we are so blessed to be related to the 6 toughest guys and sweetest girl
in Chicago. We call them the padlocks because my favorite uncle Dez married the most beautiful polish
woman, my Auntie Diane. So my cousins are half Irish half Polish. Get it? Half paddy, half Pollock?
They are like siblings to us and we love them.
We‟d like to thank my Mom‟s friends who supported her with walks, meals, talks, etc. over the last 3 years
and before that. Especially the St. Anne‟s mafia moms Mary Calica and Jane Anne Sullivan but also
Valerie Lynn and Alberta, the lunch bunch. My dad always said, “Thank god for those women, Mom
loves them.”
We‟d like to thank the nurses, lab techs and doctors at UCSF. Especially Dr. Damon and Dr. Shunk who
took a personal interest in him and helped him beat the disease for 3 years. I don‟t know if all of you
realize that 3 years ago this week they told him he had 3 – 6 weeks left. With the love and treatment he
received at UCSF he beat the odds for a long time. We started thinking he actually enjoyed going up there
and viewed it as visiting, not treatment. Especially the nurses. I mean, they sang Irish songs with him, he
never waited in line, he always got a bed and not a chair. The UCSF clinic is not a place easily maneuvered
or influenced but he did it 24 times for 6 days at a pop. I don‟t know how they go to work every day with
a smile on their face but they do. Except the day they knew it was his last visit - they gathered around,
took pictures, sang to him, and there wasn‟t a dry eye in the room. He wasn‟t a number to them and they
aren‟t numbers to us.

39. We‟d like to thank the Irish community both here and in Denver. The Irish in SF are unwavering in their
support when someone is in need. The visits, meals, stopping by his table at the only three places: M‟s,
Howards, or the Irish Center. Which reminds me to thank Tom Clune - your visit to see him at UCSF
made his day.
Against all odds and some very good advice, we went to Denver in March – because he co-founded the St.
Patrick‟s Day Parade there 50 years ago. He insisted we go. So Gerry Staunton called the parade committee
who were so very gracious, especially the chairman, Mike O‟Neill. He rode in the first car of a 4 ½ hour
parade (it‟s much bigger than ours) and spent the rest of the day having the time of his life on the
reviewing stand. Note to the Irish societies: they have a full bar on the reviewing stand. People fight to get
on that committee.
He was very sick at the time and someone who will remain anonymous told the cab driver the wrong end
of the parade to drop us off at with the wheel chair. We couldn‟t get another cab in the chaos so he told
me to “hoof it” so I grabbed the grips on that wheelchair and him and I, with others in tow ran almost
three miles to get him to the staging area. The whole time he was saying “faster”, “watch it”, “who taught
you to drive?” He shut up when I reminded him who had taught me. He made it as the cars were pulling
out. It was awesome to see him rally and I am so glad to have been there to see it. That trip would not have
been possible without my cousin, Night Train, who administered all his medical needs and made sure his
blood counts were where they needed to be. Night Train you and him got off to a rough start many years
ago but look at where you two ended up. As one of his favorite people (we‟re all second fiddle to Mariano
and Thomas O‟Neil) and a pallbearer at his funeral.
Another trip I am so glad we took was when he insisted again on not missing Delia Gallagher‟s wedding in
Italy last summer when he should not have been travelling. But he said “I have a great idea, if we are
already in Italy - let‟s go to Ireland.” And aside from some directional mishaps we had a wonderful,
certainly too short time. We owe Joe, Maeve and Carissa Walsh and Siobhan McGuire our deepest gratitude.
That trip was not possible without them. Maive Walsh is battling cancer or she‟d be here. She‟d probably
already be at the Irish Center parked on the sidewalk. She told me convincingly that her handicap placard
allowed her to park on the sidewalk. He used to roll his eyes at me and say, “that Maive is crazy”. He
actually objected when Maive and I offered to go to the grocery store for milk because he knew multiple
pub stops were a certainty. We wish her well…..

40. We‟d like to thank Thomas O‟Neil, we call him St. Thomas. He came every day it seemed and never
got bored just listening to my Dad or helping my Mom. He is, without question, one of the finest
men I know and our family can‟t ever express our gratitude. Tommy boy he looked forward to your
visits and when you weren‟t there he asked for you. Please don‟t stop coming around…every chore,
repair or dish you wash, takes the pressure off me….
We‟d like to thank his breakfast buddies, Mike, John, Bill and his old friend the late Terry Sullivan. If
you never had the chance to witness the debates these guys had, you missed something. They have
virtually nothing in common except a need to eat these large breakfasts every day but they became
close friends and we are proud they are here today. When he couldn‟t make it to breakfast (and he had
to be really sick or in the hospital to miss breakfast) they set up a table at my parents‟ house and
brought breakfast and had it with him. We can‟t thank them enough. Bill Milestone - he said to tell
you to, “stick Larry with the check” in his honor. Amy from M‟s and Cassie from Howards, thank you
for being so nice to him.
We‟d like to thank his best friends and their families. The McFaddens - the late, great Doc McFadden
and his wife, Mary. They went to dinner every Friday for 35 years. My dad had a great time with Doc
Mcfadden and we miss him still…even though he ran over our puppy when we were kids. The
Naughtons, Pete and Bernie. Pete, he always said you were busier than the president but you visited
him as often or more than any one of his kids in the hospital. You are finally on a vacation abroad
and couldn‟t be here, but you have nothing to prove to the Walshs. You loved him and he loved you.
He called you the smartest guy he ever met.
The Howards are mainstays in our lives. Uncle Martin, he loved you playing the jews harp and Auntie
Julia, you do make the best brown bread on the planet.

41. And what do you say about the Gallaghers? Auntie Deirdre lights up every room she enters.
Usually by realizing we have been so sad we forget to turn them on. You are the classiest woman
we all know and how lucky we are to have you in our lives. Uncle Charlie, you‟re his best friend - I
know because I asked him. Without your permission I am going to tell a quick story that sums
up your friendship. One day we are at UCSF and it was my turn to be there. Uncle Charlie was
visiting and my dad was particularly bad, I didn‟t think he‟d make it. He was sleeping but heavily
medicated. Uncle Charlie and I were talking, passing the time. He said, “while we have a few
minutes I have an idea I‟d like to run past you…my idea is this – you and Charles (his son and my
dad‟s godson - both republicans) should call the head of the Republican national committee with
an advertising campaign.” One that he had come up with. The democrats were painting the
republicans as the party of NO and he had come up with a way to turn their strategy against
them. He wanted the republicans to appeal to their religious roots and evangelical base and say
yes we are the party of NO – NOAH. Well I swallowed that for second and wondered what to
say - my dad suddenly and with perfect timing put up one of his huge hands and said “Charlie as
your friend of 40 years, it‟s a non starter!”
We‟d like to thank our cousins the Ticklers especially his sister, Auntie Carmel. I always joke that
the only thing she‟d put the candy bowl down for was the rosary. She led the prayers and didn‟t let
us forget how important that was. Uncle Brian and Brian, thanks for visiting so often. Barry
thank you for being such a good friend to Vinny through this. Angela- with the exception of
making me cry all the time you have been a rock of support. Debbie, you live far away but you
know we consider you a Walsh.

42. We‟d like to thank our spouses, the outlaws. They went through this with us. When we covered round
the clock shifts at UCSF, you never complained. When we had to extend trips because he took a
downward turn, you never complained. You aren‟t in-laws or outlaws to him. He considered you his
children and that is the highest compliment I can pass along to you. I am sure we have all said thank
you individually, but collectively - thank you. My own wife, Lisa – not only are you incredibly beautiful
but loving and supportive. You have been a rock for me and I love you.
We‟d all like to apologize to our kids for all the time spent away. Hopefully we showed you as a group
how to circle the wagons when a loved one gets ill.
We would also like to thank specially our brother, Vinny. He shouldered the lion‟s share of the care my
dad needed and kept my mother sane, most of the time or sometimes. His girlfriend, Brianna,
supported him and we‟d like to thank her too.
Vinny – dad told me frequently and recently that you are a fine young man and he was so proud of
you. He wished you didn‟t have to be burdened but he appreciated you never making him feel like one.
The last time your name came up he said, “He‟s wonderful.”
I want to thank my brother Pat- we famously disagree on everything but my dad. Pat was incredible
dealing with the doctors. Sometimes challenging but always understanding the treatments - then
explaining it to us so we could participate and understand why he was reacting a certain way. Pat ,he
really enjoyed arguing with you and marveled at how fast you can do a crossword puzzle. Thanks
from everyone.
Don‟t worry I am wrapping up. “Never give a Walsh a microphone.”
So my defense mechanism during the last few days was to hold my hand like this - If I make eye
contact with my sisters I won‟t finish this speech… You are all probably wishing I would finish. Don‟t
worry, I want to go to Molloy‟s too.

43. My sisters - there aren‟t words.
Maura, you‟re suffering and sad – he wouldn‟t want that. He‟d tell you thanks, he loves you, sing you a
song, and tell you to please stop crying - he is busy catching up with his mom and dad.
Briggie, he loved the head massages but he didn‟t love the crazy Asian herb teas you would buy but
because you made them he drank them. He said, “they tasted like poison”, but he would be mad at me for
telling you that so never mind…
Kathleen the singing comforted him and he always said how he wished you lived closer, you have been the
only one keeping a cool head through this ordeal - your brothers and sisters thank you.
Molly, I think Molly has moved back permanently from Spain she has been here so much. That can‟t be
easy with a business to run and we appreciate it. He missed you and your surprise visits were special to
him.
Dee Dee – sweet, sweet Dee Dee. You got all of his good parts, you‟re a stand out and we love that baby
of yours. Liam personally got me through the hardest hours at the end. Dad was so proud of you,
especially academically.
FIONA- you cried the hardest because dad won‟t be at your wedding – but he will be there and you‟ll
know. Sean Walsh from Chicago told me once, “Every family has a bull. Ours is Kevin, yours is Fiona.”
How right he was. You‟re everyone‟s source of strength and yes, you‟re my favorite. You are all so much
stronger than me - but I knew you were losing it when I saw Vodka and Pedialite being poured at 4 AM.

44. I want to thank my mother for all of us. She had her world turned upside down and stood tall. Her
unwavering love for my dad is inspirational. She probably hasn‟t slept a full night through in three years.
If you stood back and watched all the little medical details she had to manage (all the while constantly
cooking for everyone and making sure if you visited there was a cup of tea or a glass of wine for you)
its unfathomable how she did it. I mean ask yourselves did you ever feel it was bad timing when you
dropped by? No chance. Everyone stays too long at 11th Ave…because it‟s a nice place to be. She‟s the
reason and other than her reluctance to stock beer in the fridge, she is the perfect hostess.
Mom, Dad loved you – you know that. You may not know how much. It‟s something that just can‟t be
calculated. The word he always used for you was “amazing”.
So I, like all of you, will miss him. I will miss his big hands (I have certainly been on the wrong side of
those), his beautiful voice (been on the wrong side of that too) and his leadership (never on the wrong
side of that). He would say thank you - I am doing it for him. One request. Please, if you see one of us
at the reception don‟t be shy, tell us a story we may not know about him. We‟d like that.
In closing, (many of you are worried Molloys will probably be closed by the time I finish).
So my new method of dealing with this loss and hopefully instilling my dads values into my son will be
to hold up my fingers like this V V. Always a sign for big Vince.
Thank you dad for everything you taught me – yours was truly a life well lived, you are truly the toughest
act to follow.
The program has a quote on it and it was carefully chosen. It was written by William Butler Yeats who,
like my dad and all of the most distinguished and learned men of Ireland, comes from Sligo. It says,
“think where a mans glory begins and ends and say my glory was that I had such friends”. That‟s what
he would say to all of you.
The Walsh family thanks you.