John Patrick Walsh

John P. Walsh, “Pat” as he was known mostly to his family, son of John and Dorothy Walsh, was born in Anaconda, MT on November 29th, 1943 as one of five children. He passed away at his home on September 17th, 2022, at the age of 78. After graduating from Anaconda Central High in 1962, he went on to attend Carroll College where he would receive a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He married his high school sweetheart, Ann Marie, in 1968, and together, they moved to Greeley, CO where they would make their life and raise their three sons.

As a child, John developed a love for sports that would continue throughout his life. He excelled as a three-sport high school and collegiate athlete, playing football, baseball, and basketball, and would later grow a passion for sports officiating in all three. As a football official, he officiated in 32 Colorado high school seasons, and was part of 4 State Championship games, and 8 Semi-final contests. He served as Area #10 Director three times, and once as President of the State Football Officials Association. All of John’s lifelong and longtime friendships were developed through his athletics associations, and he loved telling stories about the hijinks of his teammates Billy Sullivan and Johnny Chor, as well as those of his fellow referees, Richard Rangel, Leonard Variano, and Jim Reamon. He loved them all.

John enjoyed golfing, watching college football, and would watch almost every Colorado Rockies baseball game on TV with his wife, a devoted fan and defender of the team. His criticism of the baseball club would spark many good-natured debates between the two. He enjoyed being with his family, especially during the holidays, getting together with friends for coffee, and attending the sporting and musical events of his grandchildren. In his last week, John said that his proudest achievements in life were his boys and grandkids.

He will be missed by those that knew him. John is survived by his loving wife, Ann Marie, his three sons; Mike (Janet), Greg (Betsy), and John, and grandchildren Kate and Jack. He also left behind brothers Tony, Jim (Debi), and sister Nancy (Tim) Johnson, sister and brother-in-law’s Jerry and Ruthie McDonough, Joe and Marion Strelnik, Leah Stergar, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father John, mother Dorothy, brother Danny, and brother-in-law Eddie Stergar.

The Family will be having a Celebration of Life in Montana at a later date.