Paul "Ike" Errol Walsh

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Errol Walsh. Paul passed peacefully in hospital with his granddaughters Skylar and Jordan and dogs Kevin and Marvin, by his side on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, just two days before his 82nd birthday.

Paul was born in Charlottetown, PEI to Barry and Josephine Walsh and was one of 11 children. He is survived by his brother Al Walsh of Calgary and sisters Eileen (John “Beaver”) Arsenault of Charlottetown and Debbie (Lionel) Belfield of Halifax.

Paul was the devoted father of his daughter Mandy (Jay) and granddaughters Jordan (Brandon), Skylar (Kevin & Marvin), and Ryley.

Paul was a proud military veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) and Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) from 1955 – 1970. During his time in the military, he served in Cyprus, Egypt, and Germany. In 1970, in Germany, he welcomed his daughter Mandy into the world. His unwavering passion for service never faltered as he remained a loyal member to the legion and was an active participant in various Remembrance Day ceremonies throughout the years.

Upon returning to Canada, Paul worked as a superintendent at Canada Post for 25 years before retiring. Paul’s retirement did not last long as he enjoyed keeping busy and went on to serve with the Commissionaires for another 15 years. Paul loved to spend his free time reading, learning, and watching classic films. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge and could tell you pretty much anything you wanted to know (including the colour of Eisenhower’s tie the day he was inaugurated). His granddaughters loved to quiz him on how far it was between two major cities, and he could always tell you the distance within 50 miles. Paul took immense pride in his work, but his greatest love was his daughter and granddaughters.

Paul was a persistent man, who would not waver once he set his mind to something whether that be convincing the girls to join the military or get a job at the post office. He would often ask the same question that he knew the answer to, just to make sure you weren’t pulling the wool over his eyes. He loved to ask Mandy when her mother (Evelyn) was retiring from the post office, which she would respond, “next year” (for your information the answer is never, next year hasn’t come and never will) or if this was really the last dog, which she would tell him “Of course it is!” (Spoiler alert, it wouldn’t be). Despite naming each new dog “last straw” and the one that would have him moving out, he loved the dogs like his own. He would pile the pups into his car and take them through the drive thru at McDonalds to buy cheeseburgers or make toast for them every morning.

Paul was faithful to the Catholic Church and taught all three of his granddaughters the Lord’s Prayer. When teaching Skylar, her version of the prayer was “Our Father, who art in heaven, Harold be his name”, much to his dismay. We think she finally got it by the time she turned 18.

He was unapologetic and put up a tough exterior, but led his life with care, love, and generosity. He will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to his family, his wisdom, and his humour. His celebration of life will be held at South Calgary Funeral Centre on Sunday, October 8th at 11:00 a.m. MST. Paul will be laid to rest in Charlottetown next summer at his waterfront property.

If you'd like to join the family for the celebration of life, there is a livestream available by visiting: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY5NjM5NDA1MTI3NDY3NCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==