Thomas J. Walsh

Thomas Joseph Walsh (March 2, 1927 – June 30, 2016) was a Canadian lawyer, practising in Calgary, Alberta. In addition to a busy legal practice, he was very active in his community and profession, including serving a term as national president of the Canadian Bar Association. His community involvement was recognised by his appointment to the Order of Canada and to the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Early life and education

Walsh was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Thomas and Ann Walsh, with one sister, Martina. His father was a station agent with the Canadian Pacific Railway, which involved frequent moves for the Walsh family. Young Thomas grew up in Rosser, Sidney and Birtle, Manitoba, and Oxbow, Saskatchewan.

In 1946, Walsh entered the University of Alberta in an accelerated pre-law Bachelor of Arts program. He was active on campus, joining the Delta Epsilon fraternity and meeting his future wife, Anne. The couple eventually had five children. While tempted by a career as a pilot, he chose to continue with his legal studies, graduating in 1953.

Leadership in the legal profession Walsh played a leadership role in the legal profession. He participated in the governance of the legal profession as a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta. He was the president of the Calgary Bar Association. followed in 1978-79 as the national president of the CBA.

Community involvement Throughout his career, Walsh was actively involved in his community and profession. He was a director, president or chairman of a number of community organisations, including the Downtown Calgary Rotary Club, the Calgary Family Service Bureau, the United Way, the Fort Calgary Preservation Society, the Calgary Tourist and Convention Bureau, the city’s Centennial Celebrations Committee, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Calgary Economic Development Authority and the Calgary Winter Festival. He was involved with the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.

Honours and awards Order of Canada (1994) Alberta Order of Excellence (2008) Queen's Counsel (1967) Canada 125 Commemorative Medal (1992) Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) Doctor of Laws (Honorary), University of Alberta (1989) Certificate of Membership of 50 Years, Law Society of Alberta (2005) Bar of Paris, France (Honorary member) American Bar Association (Honorary Member) Law Society of Saskatchewan (Honorary Member) Law Society of Manitoba (Honorary member). Distinguished Service Award, Law Society of Alberta/Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch (1998) City of Calgary Centennial Award of Merit Calgary Stampede Life Member (2008) Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary International David Gibson Award, Canadian Chamber of Commerce