When I retired in 2002, my first trip was to the Sault to ride the Algoma train. I reconnected with my Uncle Dave ( half brother to William Carr) and what a wonderful time we enjoyed as Dave toured us around Lake Superior and took us hiking. We connected over our mutual love of nature and performing in live theatre. He was so kind, warm, positive and fun . I have a video of some of our adventures. What a loving Dad I am sure he was. 

Gail Murray  ( Toronto )

Just ran across Dave's obituary, and wanted to drop a line to say very sorry for his family's loss. I worked with Dave many times back in the day (I directed the production for which he won his Best Actor award), and always enjoyed his company and his talent. My sincere condolences, Terry Burns

Lesley, Eric, Lyric and Aidan 
It is so hard to lose your Dad, Father in Law, Grandpa and Friend!!  Dave was always so bubbly, outgoing and friendly. I Produced or Stage Managed a lot of shows, Dave was in. The stories!  He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered 
Love and Hugs
Valerie


Whenever I was at a rehearsal sitting by myself, which happened often, I could always count on Dave to find me and sit next to me. Whether he was telling me about the history behind the show, or asking me about my day,  he always made me feel included. I will miss our rehearsal talks.

Swimming in the pool in Welland and picnics at Nichole Plant beach.  Lots of fun!

Dear Lesley

I have very fond memories of your Dad and the many, many shows that we were in for the Musical Comedy Guild.  Can Can, Hello Dolly, Gypsy and my partner in Dames at Sea.  Miss. Hardy would direct and choreograph many a show that your Dad was in and their friendship blossomed.
He was outgoing, friendly and always willing to lend a hand.  He will be sorely missed.  Just know that the memories we all have together will keep him in our hearts forever.  My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Shelagh Connolly

My condolences to the Walsh family. Dave was my history teacher at Tech in the 60's. Because of his approach to the subject, his unique way of enticing students to be inquisitive minded about history I am a history "freek" to this day. Thank you, Mr. Walsh.

Steve Frech


My condolences to Laura and Lesley and families for your loss. 
I am so saddened by this news. Dave was a wonderful guy, a real gentleman, and always one of my favourite teachers.
We'd run into each other over the years and always made time for a chat.
I will miss him, but his memorable voice and laugh will live on in my head.
- Heidi Huber

The first live performance I attended after moving to Sault Ste. Marie 40 years ago starred David Walsh. I believe the name of the play was "Gaslight", and I remember having been impressed with his performance and continued to enjoy his many performances since then. I especially enjoyed being in a production of "The affections of May" with Dave several summers ago and will never forget the scene where he chased me around the the stage dressed in a halloween rabbit costume. He made me laugh both on stage and off. My sincere condolences to David's family.

Leslie, Laura &families, so sorry for your loss, can't believe such a healthy, fit guy like David was taken, such an inspiration and mentor to so many!My special freind Gail wiill be there to have him once again by her side, Big hugs , Margaret Rooney & Chris Tomlin

 

Dear Laura, Lesley and family,
Mr. Walsh was always so kind and friendly that is probably why you as his daughters have these wonderful traits as well. Thinking of you. Your long time neighbour, Nora (Jennings) Costello and family.


Dear Leslie, Lyric and family, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I loved working with Dave on so many shows over the years... he was always so friendly and helpful in every aspect of theatre production. I always enjoyed talking with him and sharing so many good times... he will be missed. Our community was lucky to have him. Take care and God Bless you and your family during this time of mourning. Helen-Mary

My condolences to you Lesley and your family. Your father was an excellent teacher and a great person who really cared for his students. He enjoyed teaching his students about life and I was happy to talk with him anytime I saw him at the YMCA or in the grocery store. He always updated me on how you and your family were doing. I know this will be a great loss for you. Your dad was such a nice man. Phil Bye

My deepest condolences to the Walsh family. I knew Dave as a friendly, charming and happy gentleman who was very well known in SSM. I also worked with your late Mom many years ago. Both were such lovely people. Avril Lindstone

 

My condolences to Dave's family. He was a man of many talents and had a wonderful way of making people smile no matter when you met him. He was a true educator in every sense of the word. He had a great sense of humour, infectious smile and talents that were unique and his only. Rest in peace dear Dave. Your battle is over. Sharon Indrevold

Dear Lesley and family 
So sorry for your loss Lesley. Such a wonderful man and a real asset for the community. I will be thinking of you today. Chris Rous

David was an outstanding individual with a genuine warm and welcoming personality. A dedicated member of the Ambassadors Corps, his service to our city and his smiling face will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to Laura and Lesley and all of the Walsh family.

The students at Northern Heights were lucky enough to have David greet them to start their week with breakfast and a beautiful smile! He was at our school for 5 years on Monday mornings! We all appreciated his kindness and the generosity of his time! His courteous, gentle manner was so welcoming! He will be missed by the community! Condolences to all his family.

Very sorry to hear of David's passing. Through more than 35 years of sharing the stage and rehearsal space with Dave, I always found him to be well-prepared, good-humoured, enthusiastic, and gracious. His smile and generous nature added positively to all our experiences in community theatre. Please accept my sincere condolences....May his memory be a blessing to the whole family. Maria Burgess

Heartfelt Condolences to Leslie and family....I met you both through theatre groups and your father was a very friendly and compassionate man....sending love and special prayers...cherish the memories ❤️

My condolences to the family. An unforgettable teacher and such a fine gentleman. Who can forget his warm smile. He will be missed. 
- Rico Bruni

 

Dave was one of my many theatrical "husbands" as Otto Frank in "The Diary of Anne Frank". He was the Tin Man to John's Lion in "Wizard of Oz" forty years ago. Who could forget Dave and Tom Hendrie as the old ladies in the Pantomimes? He was a generous actor who always added warmth and humanity to his roles and he will be missed by our entire theatre community. Hugs to Leslie, Laura and their families. Lee Ann and John Pearson

My condolences to Laura and Lesley,  daughters of Dave.  Dave was my fellow social studies teacher when I started my teaching career , 1970, as the geography component of Lakeway's social studies department .Dave was always supportive of my endeavours. Rest in peace Dave.
Harvey Cowan 
Guelph,  ON

What a beautiful tribute to your Dad Les... He sounds like he was quite the character with a wonderful sense of humour. An outstanding teacher, and a m an that loved his community.  Loved reading all the comments. Love to you all, and big hugs.

Leslie and Family,

We are so sorry for the loss of your dad.  Our memories of theatre shows done over the years with your dad bring back lots of happy times! We will miss seeing him out at the shows.

Shane and Kelly Halpin



I'm very sorry to hear this sad news. Your dad was a good man and so full of life. He clung to it as long as he could but his body must have been completely exhausted by the terrible pain of this disease. Now he's at rest. And I'm sure he wants you to rest now too.

I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was a lovely, kind, fun guy and I’m sure he was a great grandpa to your kids. I know it’s an enormous loss. My family is thinking of yours ❤️

I am absolutely saddened to read this news!!! We will share this with our theater community and be forever grateful that David Walsh graced our stage and shared his life with us!  Rest In Peace Alfred P. Doolittle! And sincere condolences to your family and friends and all who loved him.

Beautiful ceremony today.  Your eulogy was touching, funny and heartfelt.  Lyric’s poem and the way it was delivered would make your Dad proud.  So glad that I was able to join in on the webcast.  Thinking of all of you during this sad time.  Jamie

Wow one of the rare moments when he was sitting and just chilling, his energy and adventurous activities always had him on the move and on the go, Even sitting between scenes in the dressing room he was always engaged in conversation and always offering me a helping hand with props / costume organizing . Love this picture Lesley. 

Oh I love this one with the light streaming. Your dad always seemed to carry himself with an air of peace. It was a privilege to serve you on your daddy/daughter dates, and to have spoken with him so recently about this journey. Again, peace was his theme, how grateful he was for all he had experienced in this life and how he was unafraid. He had so much love and admiration for how you were caring for him that it welled up in his eyes...sending you so much love 💜💜💜💜💜

Your parents were two people who made a difference in our community. Even though I realistically know your  parents house will sell some day I can guarantee you that we will always be able to picture your parents on the front porch. How blessed you and Laura are to have had such wonderful life mentors.

Very lovely tribute to a wonderful man's dedication to his community and the arts! We shall miss you!

Sending you and your family big hugs. Your dad will be missed by so many people.  He will live in your hearts and memories forever.  💜

Oh, I am so so sorry to hear of this Lesley Walsh Tibben.  I have always thought of Dave as a wonderful, caring, talented  individual.  I am sending you and your family the warmest of hugs💕💕😓

I will never forget him, will keep him in my thoughts. Hope you guys are okay. Lots of love ♥️

So sorry for your loss Lesly.
We did many a show together he always had a kind word and a smiling face to make you feel comfortable before you went on stage. Sending you some love and hugs.

Our condolences Lesley! Your dad was always fun to watch on stage! Cherish the memories and a life well lived! Hugs, Bill and Elaine

Leslie, if I’m reading this correctly, this saddens me so. Your dad was the guy I truly never thought would go. What a spirit! And in that, I guess he really never will go. He will always be with me... spiritedness , optimistic, light up a room with me.❤️😄

Your dad had a special zest for life, always smiling and happy and way younger than his years. He obviously loved the stage and seemed to be in his element in front of an audience. He talked often about his family and it was obvious that he adored you all. I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️

Your father was one of the very best and talented teachers, a true professional, so dedicated to his craft, so kind to unruly teenagers and should compassion and empathy always.  You are in my thoughts. 

Everything I read about him and all the pictures you posted gave a real good description of the man he was.  Be proud of your father and remember him fondly.  
Love Leslie 

Really wish I could just hop on a plane to be with you Lesley Walsh Tibben. What a beautiful tribute to a special man. I feel honoured to have known your Dad. He will be so missed. 😢The love and care you provided him are beyond what most people are capable of. You amaze me with your strength. Love you all ❤️

We will remember you, David. ❤️❤️❤️
You will always hold a special place in the hearts and memories of many people!
You were a kind, loving, genuine and gentle and intelligent person. Your presence will be missed by myself and many others whose lives you touched!

My heart aches for you all and I will always remember Dave and smile! He was the most wonderful character on and off stage! Love and hugs to you and your family. 💙

Lesley I send my condolences . Your dad was a fantastic staff member, a pleasure to work with and one of the most positive individuals that I have
encountered. Take care.

David was an integral part of the Northern Heights Breakfast Program. Every Monday morning David arrived at 8 to prepare cereal, toast, English muffins, bagels and fruit. What a great way for students to start their week off-Breakfast with David. He always seemed to know which child needed that extra special treatment. Students loved to help David clean up and he always “filled their buckets” by recognizing them with Bucket Filler awards. 
His generosity of his time and his kindness will be missed by our entire Northern Heights family. Thanks for sharing your dad with us. He truly made a difference in our lives.

I’ve been thinking about your dad a lot over the past few days, Lesley. He sometimes challenged me, but at the same time he was so so generous with his expertise and experience in all sorts of ways. He asked pointed questions to keep the MCG board accountable to the membership - but he always, always stood up at the end of every AGM and made sure to thank the board for their/our governance over the previous year and express best wishes for the incoming board. He was sometimes late for or absent from rehearsals when I was stage managing - but it was usually because he had a commitment to his grandkids, and it was clear that he adored them and they were his first priority. And he was always there to pitch in for the “unseen” stuff too, building and painting, prop making, striking the set. Mostly what some of these pictures you’ve posted have been reminding me of, is how willing he always was to get dressed up in something real silly and then do ridiculous things onstage, to get a laugh from the audience or in service of someone else being able to get a laugh. And like many many others have said, he always had a friendly and encouraging word for everyone involved in putting on a show, and was a really interesting (and interested!) conversation partner. He was definitely one of a kind. 💜

This is your curtain call 
The stage is dark, curtains drawn and the audience looks onward eagerly to celebrate your performance. 
A performance a lifetime in the making. 
With a large cast of character, each holding you dear.
From your wife, who reaches out her hand, to welcome you home. 
To your daughters who embrace you as you walk along. 
To your grandchildren, who look up to you with a spark in their eyes. 
All cheering for your performance. 
This is your curtain call 
The audience applauds and roars with tears to celebrate your creation. 
The people you touched, with your stellar performance. 
The students, the friends, the people met in passing. 
This is your curtain call, 
The curtain lifts and the ensemble emerges. Beckoning you to join the cast. a kaleidoscope of the lives you’ve impacted just by saying hello. 
This is your curtain call 
You raise your hands and let the praise roll through you. 
Your family at your side, your friends behind you, a life time worth of characters unparalleled singing a song of joy, for you. 
As you bow. Head to the floor, lights showing your kind soul. You stand. 
Overlooking your stage. 
Your audience, your cast, your crew. 
And you take one last breath. 
This is your curtain call. 
And you smile as the stage goes black. 
And you know, you are home. 

Lyric Tibben

Lesley, I was saddened to learn of David's passing.  I remember speaking with him several months ago at the neighbourhood Food Basics.  

I would like to share how fortunate I was to witness your dad's talent and dedication to his acting craft as we were in several productions together with both Sault Opera and Comedy Guild.  Even though I was usually cast as a 'member of the chorus', David   always had time for a quick chat, to share a laugh, and even explained about his make-up routine when I expressed an interest in how he'd created a certain effect.  Local theatre has certainly lost 'one of the good ones'.  

May you be comforted by the many memories and in knowing David was a wonderful gentleman who gave so much of himself to the community. 

I will especially miss David's smile and our grocery store tongue wags.

Gail and David were wonderful supportive friends to my parents, Fran and Jim.  They had lots of good times and laughs together, especially with Frank Parsons. 
The funeral service was lovely.  Lesley's eulogy and Lyric's poem were beautiful and perfectly captured Dave's fun loving, boisterous and giving personality. He was so proud of his family! 

Judy Banks 



Dear Lesley and family,
We have truly lost a great man!  A wonderful father.....great teacher and mentor...and awesome talent in so many ways!  How I will treasure those special musicals with him! I feel privileged to have shared the stage with him!  He was so much fun to work with and always had a smiling face and positive attitude!
Treasure all of those special memories!  He has now joined your wonderful mother.
With love and my condolences,
Barb

I offer my sincere condolences to the Walsh family. I had the pleasure of meeting David through his work with the Road Scholars tour groups as I gave talks at their stop at Lake Superior Provincial Park for a number of years. David was always so warm and greeted me with a hug each visit. I was so nervous my first year of giving presentations but David was such a supportive and passionate presence, his groups soon became some of the most fun to lead. His enthusiasm for the region and generous spirit shone very brightly. I will remember him fondly, as will the many visitors who were lucky enough to have him as a guide. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Les, as you grieve the loss of your Dad.  Sincere condolences are also sent from my family, Kathy and Wayne, Alex and Ashley.    Sending  our heartfelt sympathies.

Sincere Condolences to the Walsh family on the passing of a father and grandfather..
Had the pleasure of Dave's company in  Comedy Guild and Soo Opera shows over the last 40 years along with serving time on the Guild Executive with Dave... His talent on stage was an absolute pleasure to watch. I think my favourite though was Kismet where I believe he played Hadji..
What a joy to watch him in that role..
We also reconnected just recently hosting cruises for Lakeshore Excursions.
Take comfort in the memories..will miss him..
Hans and Colleen.


Our sincere condolences to Leslie and all the family.  May you be blessed with courage, strength and peace as you continue your own journey with John's memory in your heart.


I worked with David for over 15 years and we also shared his love of theatre - especially plays such as 'Annie'.  Dave was always a friendly conscientious  individual who gave much to the enrichment our community.  His ongoing commitment to children was evident through his participation in the elementary breakfast program.  We miss him.  He has passed all too soon. hans and judy

Mr. Walsh was one of my teachers in grade nine
at Tech in 1960.  Of course, at 14 years old, I didn't know that he was a very new teacher but he was one of the very best teachers I ever had throughout my school years.  He was so cheerful and personable and had that unique ability to get his students to really understand the subject he was teaching in a really interesting way.
I bumped into him a couple of times later in life and introduced myself to him as having been one of his students in 1960.  Again, so very, very nice and personable and chatty.  He was a gem of a teacher and a very wonderful human being. 
I am so sorry for your loss.
Condolences,  Sonia Dube. Sault Ste. Marie

Dave was a Great man and a GREAT Actor. I had the privilege of being in a few shows with him. In 91 we did Jesus christ superstar...Dave was Pontius  pilate ..I was Judas...my acting ability was beginner at best but Dave was my coach...he helped me get through the show ...some Great coaching and advice. And I loved his sense of humor ...RIP my freind....Steve Sicoly

My condolences to my cousins Laura and her son Christopher and my cousin Lesley and her husband Eric and their children Lyric and Aidan on the loss of a dad and grandpa. He will be forever missed and loved and forever in your heart and memories. I have alot of fond memories of Uncle Dave. He now can be at the Walsh kitchen table having some tea and gingersnap cookies that Grandma Walsh would bake. Love and fond memories of the trip to the Sault when I was 16 sitting outside at their house and going to many places like fishing, to  Crystal Falls with Laura and Lesley and my other cousins Jimmy, Cheryl Ann and Richard. He will be with you forever. You will be missed my many. Rest in peace Uncle Dave. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3


Our city is a better place as a result of Dave’s many and varied contributions. Citizens like him are rare and are remembered with great gratitude. I remember well some shared time as Ambassadors with the Chamber of Commerce. Condolences to family and thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us.

I'm in shock. It can't be real. Mr. Walsh gone, no. He was my English high school teacher and one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever met. Even though I wasn't the best behaved student, he was always there for me and any other student that needed guidance. Too bad I wasn't mature enough to realize what a true gentleman and friend he was until later in life. We met up a few times and had great discussions about high school days and also about the play or musical he was in, when I interviewed him for the media.
We all have lost someone who everyone truly loved. My condolences to the family. Rest In Peace Mr. Walsh. I will never forget you.
Mike Caruso

To the Walsh family members
I am truly saddened to learn of Dave's passing.  He was one of my favourite teachers at Tech, and Lakeway.  He was interesting, kind and fair as a teacher.  I am sure I learned these qualities from him when I started my teaching career.
We often would run into Dave and catch up.  He was a true gentleman, and will be missed by so many.
I hope that your memories of happier times will comfort you through these times.
Sincere Condolences
Ron & Marsha Hemy

OBITUARY

John David Walsh

17 January, 1936 – 16 July, 2020

Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel

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