Robert Waldo Walsh

Robert (Bob) Waldo Walsh passed away at the St. Andrew’s Terrace nursing home in Cambridge, ON on February 7th at the age of 86. Born in Truro, Nova Scotia in 1924 to the late Dr. Waldo Walsh (MBE) and Naomi (Hayden), he leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary (Thomson) of 27 years; his children Patricia (Terry)Devenish of Kelowna, BC, the late Richard (Barbara) Walsh of Caledon, ON, Christine Walsh of Chisasabi QC, and Cynthia (Allan) Ettenson of Toronto ON; his grandchildren Rachel (Chunua) Ford, the late Jeremy Devenish, Rebecca Devenish, Matthew (Lara) Devenish, Aaron Walsh, Sarah (Derrick) Duby, Andre, Benoit, Daniel, and Stephane Lahaye, Camille and Lilah Ettenson, and seven great grandchildren. He also leaves his first wife and mother of his children, Grace Burrows Walsh, of Orillia ON, and younger brothers Jack (the late Evelyn), of Halifax, and Fred (Mary), of Berwick, NS, plus dozens of nieces and nephews.

Bob served as a mortar man during World War II in the North Shore Regiment of New Brunswick and was part of the force that liberated Holland and went into Germany to help defeat the Nazis. It was the period that defined his life and shaped his views.

Back in Canada he studied biology, specializing in Entomology at the University of Guelph, graduating in 1952. He worked for the Department of Agriculture and then taught science and biology for 27 years at the Essex High School in Essex County and at the Burnhamthorpe and Emery Collegiate Institutes in Toronto.

Bob took real delight in the natural world. Walking through a forest he could name every insect, plant, animal, and bird that came into view–in Latin no less–and would describe how each fit into the ecosystem. His understanding of the interconnectedness of life made him an early conservationist. He also loved the life of the mind, and was an ardent bibliophile and devotee of literature and learning. He amassed a library containing thousands of books. At the Galt Royal Canadian Legion he enjoyed friendship, camaraderie, and laughter.

But it was travelling with Mary that made him most happy, walking hand in hand down dusty roads, marvelling at frescos in ancient ruins, poking around junk shops, picking up the odd piece to add to their collection.

Naturalist, educator, father, husband, Bob Walsh lived a life enriched by immense curiosity and activity. He remained a warrior to the end.

The Service will be held on Friday, Feb 11th at 2pm at Trinity Anglican Church on 12 Blair Rd, Cambridge, ON, with reception to follow at the Parish Hall.