Thomas (Tom) Walsh

May 14, 1947 – April 1, 2017

Thomas (Tom) Michael Walsh, 69, of Coulee City, Wash. passed away after a long battle with dementia on April 1, 2017, at Lake Ridge Center in Moses Lake, Wash.

Tom was born on May 14, 1947, to Edward and Ann Walsh in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tom had an older brother, Marty, and two younger sisters, Rosanne and Peggy. He graduated from Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1965 and was drafted into the United States Army in 1966. Tom served as a military policeman and on the 5th Army HQ General’s Color Guard until he was honorably discharged in 1968.

It was during their time in the Army when Tom met the love of his life, Priscilla Walker. They were married on Dec. 27, 1969 in Moses Lake, Wash. Tom and Priscilla spent the early years of their marriage in Cincinnati where Tom worked for Penn Central Railroad as a brakeman. Later he worked at Bethesda Hospital as a security guard while he attended college. In 1973, shortly after the birth of their son Brandon, they moved to Moses Lake, Wash. Tom worked for the Columbia Basin Irrigation District from 1974 until 1981. During those years in Moses Lake Tom and Priscilla added Justin and Severin to their family.

In 1981 the Walsh family moved to Coulee City, Wash, where they lived for the remainder of Tom’s life. In 1982 Tom took a job as a UPS driver in Grand Coulee. Tom faithfully served the communities of Electric City, Mansfield, Coulee City and Hartline. His customers always appreciated his kindness, helpfulness, and ready smile during his 23 years as a UPS driver. Tom retired in 2005.

When Tom wasn’t working he loved spending time with his family. He was deeply proud of his three boys and was an avid supporter of anything that they participated in. He loved watching them compete in high school and college athletics. As the boys became adults Tom continued to love attending their events, whether it was a sporting event in which Brandon or Severin coached, or a bluegrass jam in which Justin played. Despite his quiet nature, Tom also had an adventurous side. He always looked forward to cross-country road trips when the boys were younger, and international travel with Priscilla or camping and river rafting trips with his family when they were older. When Tom was diagnosed with dementia he became an avid bicyclist and could be seen cruising the streets and back roads around Coulee City at all times of the day.

Tom was an elder in his church and his life was a wonderful example of the power of God’s work in the life of a man. His quiet faithfulness to God and his love of Christ was an influence to his family, friends and many others.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Ann and his brother Marty and sister Peggy. He is survived by his wife Priscilla and three sons Brandon (Katie), Justin (Tatiana), and Severin (Annette) Walsh and his grandchildren Ezekiel, Talita, Quinton and Ronan Walsh. He is also survived by his sister Rosanne Fear and many other loving relatives and friends.

The Walsh family would like to thank the community and friends who have given them so much support over the past 10 years as they cared for Tom through his battle with dementia. Thanks also go to Bob Poindexter of Aging and Adult Care; the nurses, CNAs and staff at Lake Ridge Center and to Dr. Quinn and the nurses and bathers of Hospice for their care of Tom for the past four and a half years. A special thanks also goes to Judy Hanson. There is no way to express our gratitude for her countless hours spent with Tom and her love and friendship toward him and Priscilla.

Tom will be interred on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash., at 2:15 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017, at ACH High School in Coulee City, Wash. Officiants for both services will be Steve Peirson and Dan McLeod. A potluck reception will be held immediately following the memorial service in the cafeteria at ACH High School.

A memorial donation can be made to the Tom Walsh Excellence in Wrestling Award at Umpqua Bank in Coulee City, Wash. Flowers can be sent through Busy Bee Floral of Coulee City, Wash.