Thomas J. Walsh, a legend in the legal community, passed away on June 30, 2016 at the age of 89 years. Tom was the founding member of Walsh LLP in Calgary. Since establishing the firm in 1959 and long after his retirement, Tom was an integral part of Walsh LLP, instilling deep and lasting values that have allowed the firm to be successful for over 55 years.
Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba on March 2, 1927 to a CPR station agent and a registered nurse, he grew up in Manitoba and then came to Alberta to attend the University of Alberta where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts, LL.B. and Honorary Doctorate of laws. When you met Tom, it did not take long for you to realize his love for his family, and absolute devotion to his wife of 62 years, who he referred to with fondness and respect as his “bride”. The loyalty that he showed to his family was part of his character that he also displayed through his commitment to the members of his firm and the clients that he served through his many years of practicing law.
Tom described himself as a business lawyer, doing “real estate and labour law and liking it”. He was a courageous leader and he showed that through his many accomplishments including as a bencher with the Law Society of Alberta, as president of the Canadian Bar Association, founding chairman of the Calgary Parks Foundation, chairman of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, president of the Downtown Rotary, board member of the Calgary Stampede Foundation, chairman of the Calgary Airport Authority and many volunteer position which he participated in to the fullest extent of his abilities. Tom never did anything halfway.
Members of Walsh LLP were privileged to hear stories of his exploits first hand, from testing butter at one of his first jobs, to flying airplanes, his educational pursuits, detailed history of the firm, notable people that he had met and worked with, and his absolute commitment to the community he lived in.
Tom was recognized for his achievements on many levels and he received the Order of Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence, Canadian Bar Association`s Distinguished Service Award, Diamond Jubilee Medal and Queen`s 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee Medal. He was on the top 20 Power List in 2003 as one of the people who have what it takes to move, shake and keep Calgary going. In 2008 after retiring as a lawyer with 60 years at the bar, he was honoured by over 200 of his closest friends and family with a supper at the Palliser in Calgary. During the speeches at that event many of his exploits and accomplishments were brought to light and it was clear that he touched people from all walks of life.
Tom continued to visit Walsh LLP after his retirement and his booming voice never failed to bring a smile to us when he walked through the door. His family has said that he “brightened the corner where he was” and everybody at Walsh LLP can attest to that. We are very happy to be one of the corners where he spent time. He will be missed in the halls of Walsh LLP but his memory and his work will be carried on.