Dr. George Walmsley

He leaves his wife of 63 years, Mary (Ryle) Walmsley; his son, George Tom Walmsley, his daughter Nancy McNamara and her husband David McNamara and their four sons; James, Sean, Bryan, Daniel; his devoted brother-in-law, Arthur Ryle; close friend and colleague Dr. Robert Tremblay and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Born and raised in Fairhaven MA, the son of Tom and Elizabeth Walmsley, he was a lifelong resident of Fairhaven.

In his early years, Dr. Walmsley had a passion for life and a love of all animals. After graduating from Fairhaven High School in 1934, he attended Ohio State University, and graduated in 1939 with a Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. He joined the US Army in 1941 and served as an active duty officer in the “Big Red One” during WWII and was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1946.

After serving in WWII, Dr. Walmsley married his childhood sweetheart and next door neighbor, Mary Ryle in 1947. They lived in New Bedford and later settled in Fairhaven where he established his Veterinary practice at Capeway Veterinary Hospital and raised their two children along with numerous dogs, cats, chickens, exotic birds, homing pigeons and pretty much any sick or injured animal a townsperson or friend brought to him for care. Over his 50 years of practice he developed many friendships and a loyal clientele that he served with an unmatched passion and generosity – he epitomized the warm-hearted humanitarian.

Dr. Walmsley served on the Board of Health for the town of Fairhaven and was a 32nd Degree member of the Masonic Temple, GH Taber Lodge and a faithful parishioner of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00PM at Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn, 180 Washington Street, Fairhaven with a Funeral Service on Friday morning at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven. Burial will be in River-Side Cemetery, Fairhaven. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shepherd’s Pantry, P.O. Box 760, Fairhaven, MA 02719