Obituary of Andrew Bernard Walsh

Andrew Bernard Walsh

1979 – 2023

We mourn the sudden loss of Andrew “Walshie” Walsh, beloved son of Helen (Harvey) and the late Larry Walsh, and special brother to Jodi (Jim Rodgers). Loving grandson of the late Milt and Jean Walsh and the late Irene and Merrill Harvey. Aunt Cathy (Bob), Uncles Norm (Marie), John (Leonard), David (Marlene) and numerous cousins will miss the spark he brought to family gatherings.

Andrew loved the outdoors with his radio-controlled boating and wakeboarding, football and canoeing, midnight walks and snowmobiling, and conquering the snowstorms with his masterful plowing. He will be especially missed by the friends with whom he sang beside and toured the world in the Amabile Boys & Men’s Choirs since the age of 10 – especially the never-ending card games during long bus rides from concert venue to concert venue. His lifelong friends, Jeff Beynon, Jeff Tims and Charlotte Steeves who held a special place in his life, will always hold him in their hearts.

Andrew was ready to participate in various shenanigans at school, at work, and on tour, and was always the sharpest dresser at any function. The shared condolences from his many friends are helping to sustain his family through this difficult time. When we were young he taught me never to be afraid of failure… To sing with and discover new worlds with a person is to know a person and love and understand them… Andrew gave the best hugs and his joie de vivre will not be forgotten… The laughs, the special memories, the beautiful music and his infectious smile will remain in all of our hearts... His solo in If I Had a Million Dollars will always be our earworm… There is no doubt that Andrew was a memorable light for all those who knew him.

In his memory, the Amabile Choirs of London, Canada have established the Andrew Walsh New Music Project. Each year a composer will be commissioned to create a new choral composition in Andrew’s memory to be performed during the Amabile concert season. Donations in memory of Walshie to this project (www.amabile.com) or any other cause you are passionate about, would be greatly appreciated. 

Arrangements for a celebration of Andrew’s life will be announced at a later date.