William “Bill” P. Walsh, Jr.

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William “Bill” P. Walsh, Jr.

EAGLE POINT, OR–William “Bill” P. Walsh, Jr., 74, died peacefully at home in Eagle Point, OR of pancreatic cancer on Jan. 2, 2022. Because of limitations on safe travel and gathering due to COVID-19, only his sister Mary Jane, brother-in-law Ellis Berns, and Shirley Weathers, his wife and life partner of over 35 years, were with him when he passed, but he was held close long-distance in the hearts of the many family members and friends who knew of his condition.

Bill was a “man of few words” who didn’t seek the limelight, but whose authenticity, integrity, intelligence and tenacity landed him in leadership roles in matters he cared deeply about. There were a number of those. He devoted his life to making things better for people, especially those facing barriers to success. Service on an education project in the VISTA program brought him from his native Wisconsin to Utah, followed by work at a ranch for troubled boys, and work for 15 years at Utah Issues Information Program, a statewide nonprofit policy advocacy organization that sought justice and opportunity for low-income people. He directed the agency for eight years and began there his lifelong commitment to universal healthcare. His shared love for the outdoors then led he and Shirley to purchase and live for 18 years, on 40 acres they called “Rosebud,” in rural Fruitland, UT. There they enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, biking and skiing. They continued the kind of work they had done at Utah Issues through their consulting business, Walsh & Weathers Research and Policy Studies, as well as operated Rosebud Llamas Utah, a llama packing outfitter guide service. They found themselves leading their neighbors in a successful effort to repel an oil company planning to drill an oil well in their midst. They also threw energies into preserving and protecting the “longest art gallery in the world,” with Bill serving on the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition Board until his death.

Bill actively kept the doors of friendship open, reaching back to childhood contacts in Cross Plains, and going forward through the Queen of Apostles High School group, friends at Holy Name Seminary and St. John’s University, VISTA, colleagues in the MX Missile fight, fellow anti-poverty activists, the Monday Night Basketball group, the Mudsharks co-ed softball team, and friends made while in Fruitland. After moving to Oregon in 2013, Bill and Shirley served on the local and state Action Committees of the League of Women Voters, Health Care for All Oregon, and the fight against the Jordan Cove Energy Project, forming more close friendships.

Bill was born in Madison, the first child of William P. Walsh, Sr. and Margaret A. Kalscheur Walsh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Ann Walsh (Isaac Linney). He is survived by his wife Shirley Weathers; siblings John E. Walsh, Mary Jane Walsh (Ellis Berns), Michael M. Walsh (Beth), Catherine J. Walsh Bratton (Jim) and Daniel J. Walsh (Liz); 12 nieces and nephews; and seven grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was devoted to his family.

Bill wrote these final words before his death: “Remember me. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will possess our earth. Blessings on our caregivers: family, friends, and professionals. They do the essential work to make our lives meaningful and productive. Finally, I declare that all residents of the world have a right to health care–care driven by well-regulated patient care rather than corporate profits. God bless one and all.”

Bill’s life will be celebrated with gatherings at a later time. Donations in his name may be made to the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition (Price, UT), League of Women Voters of Rogue Valley (Medford, OR), St. Francis Xavier Parish Endowment Fund (Cross Plains), St. John’s University (Collegeville, MN), or Health Care for All Oregon-Rogue Valley (Medford, OR).

 

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