Obituary of Colin Walsh

It’s with sadness that we announce the death of Colin Walsh. Born in Consett, UK in 1954, he died in Toronto on May 24, 2016. He leaves behind his three kids Leenah, Marieke, and Thomas, and his former wife Maria. He is pre-deceased by parents Tommy and May and survived by his siblings Ann, Brian (Christine), Bob (Dawn), David (Janette) and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his goddaughter Victoria. Dad grew up in Northern England, studying at St Andrews and Cambridge universities. He then moved to Ghana to volunteer, where he met our mum. They both eventually moved to Toronto where Dad had a full scholarship for his PhD. He worked in academia for several years before becoming a high school teacher. Our parents shared many, many happy years with their children in the Cherrywood community. Dad struggled with depression and we had some very difficult years before he found his place as a teacher in Northern Canada. We are so grateful that Dad found happiness and belonging when he settled down in his new home in Rankin Inlet, NU. Friends and colleagues became family there and he spent the last years of his life enjoying every minute as a high school teacher and community member. He embraced the people, the land, and the adventures. He even bought an ATV - something the Toronto academic 20 years earlier never could have imagined. He was a passionate teacher who gave his students his all. Dad’s death isn’t a surprise but it comes too soon. In December 2014 he was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma. With the support of his friends he was able to live alone in Rankin for another year. He moved back to Toronto in January when he could no longer live independently. Leenah took on the task of being Dad’s primary caregiver, with constant back-up and help from Thomas and Marieke. Words can’t express our thanks and admiration for our Mum who provided care and supported to us and Dad. Much love as well to Kevin, Ben and Nora for holding down the home fronts in Toronto, Halifax, and Waterloo. Our thanks as well to our social workers who got us through the toughest times – Orit in Winnipeg, Cheryl in Toronto, and Alyson in Halifax. Thank you to the friends and family who visited, emailed, and called Dad and to the many health care providers involved in his care. Dad died knowing he made a difference in the lives of many and feeling the warmth and support of those he loved. Dad's body has been donated to the University of Western Ontario to assist in medical study and research. A Memorial Service will be held at Enoch Turner School House (106 Trinity St., at King and Parliament, Toronto 416-863-0010) on Tuesday May 31, 2016 from 2-6 p.m. with a formal tribute delivered at 3 p.m. A scholarship in memory of our father is being set up at the the high school where he worked. If you would like to contribute, please consider one of the following options. E-trasfers sent to leenah.walsh@gmail.com, security question "Dad's first name". You can also bring a cheque to the Memorial made out to Leenah Walsh which will be deposited into the specific account. Alternatively, you can transfer the money directly to this Tangerine account from your online banking: Account number: 3026106341 Transit/Branch number: 00152 Institution number: 614 Bank: Tangerine Please contact your banking institution for further instructions on E-transfers and direct deposit to the account. We invite you to share in your memories, photos and condolences for Colin here at his Memorial Website. Your participation in creating his legacy is greatly appreciated. Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently