Donald William Walsh

Donald William Walsh

April 09, 1917 - February 18, 2012

Donald William Walsh

April 09, 1917 - February 18, 2012

Obituary

Donald William Walsh

Passed away Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the age of 94 in San Diego, California.

Don was born in Kansas City, MO on April 9, 1917. He graduated from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, where he lettered in baseball, basketball and track. Throughout his youth, he worked for his father at Walsh’s Market. He met his future bride, Dorothy Schelstrate, while delivering groceries to her family’s home. They were married in June, 1940. The two of them set off on a lifetime of adventures eventually moving to California in 1950, and settling in Arcadia to raise their family of six children.

Don fought in the US Army during World War II. He was part of an Anti Aircraft Artillery group in Europe, offering artillery backup during the Battle of the Bulge, then fighting their way through Belgium and Holland, to the Elbe River in Germany. As was true of many in his Greatest Generation, Don did not talk much about his military service, but we knew it was a proud and defining part of his life.

In his business life, Don built/bought/sold carwashes. He was a self-made man in every sense, proud to never have had a “paycheck” from anyone else. He and his brother, Bern, built the first “automatic” carwash in Southern CA, in San Gabriel, 1951. It was called WALSH AUTO WASH, and became a model for carwashes throughout the country. Don continued, with various partners, to build/buy/sell carwashes throughout Southern California, until he retired.

Dorothy and Don were fortunate to have an extensive group of friends in Arcadia, through Holy Angels Parish. They were always ready for a party. Everyone had lots of kids, and the pool parties, 4th of July celebrations, and Halloween parties were legendary.

Travelling was Don and Dorothy’s favorite pastime. They ventured many times to Europe, and visited Russia and the Scandinavian countries for their 50th wedding anniversary in 1990. They also traveled extensively in the US, visiting all 50 states. Don had a passion for maps and geography, and used to say, “How can you ever go there, if you don’t know where it is?”

Don loved Baseball. He played throughout his life, but really focused on Senior Softball from age 60 to 85. He pitched for many years, but he could play every position; First Base was his favorite. He played baseball all over the US and in Canada, on many championship teams from Southern California, earning 8 Senior World Series Rings. His bat bag was always in the trunk of the car, ready for a game anytime, anywhere. Whether watching a game on TV, attending his grandkids’ games, or visiting famous ballparks around the country, Baseball was the joy of his life. Mostly, though, he loved to play.

Don will be missed for his twinkling blue eyes and his Irish sense of humor – always ready with a story, a pun or a laugh. He was the patriarch of a large brood who loved him dearly.

Don is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, who passed away in September, 2011. They were married 71 years. He is survived by his six children: Diana Frank/ San Diego, Donna Petit/ San Luis Obispo, Dorothy Walsh D’Amato/ Annapolis, MD, Deborah Walsh/ Rancho Sta Margarita, Danielle Tompkins/ Concord, CA, and Dennis Walsh/ Long Beach, CA.

Don was greatly loved by his 10 grandchildren: Claire Poertner, Anne Klein, Justin Petit, Shawn Petit, Megan Walsh, Ryan Walsh, Derrick Walsh, Taylor Walsh, Sarah Tompkins and William Tompkins.

Don was fortunate also to have 7 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Logan and Brinley Klein, Kaylee and Logan Walsh, Jacob Petit and Alexis Petit.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

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22 responses to Donald William Walsh

  1. Hal Frank says:

    If there was ever a perfect representative of the Irish tradition it was Don. He was always happy, witty with the jokes and the elbow in the ribs punch ine. I marveled at his calm and patience in raising his six kids. And his endurance and drive in providing for his family and friends was a model for all.. Don was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – to all – his whole life.
    Thank you Don for being here and giving us your example.

  2. Dana Smith says:

    Lit a candle in memory of Donald William Walsh

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  4. Susan Molina says:

    Lit a candle in memory of Donald William Walsh

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