Robert W. Walsh

Robert W. Walsh, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2017, in Tucson, AZ with his family by his side. After attending high school in Lowell, Massachusetts, Robert (Bob) joined the Air Force as a Security Policeman. He met and married his wife, Marian, who was also in the Air Force, on July 3, 1954. Throughout his 20-year military career he was stationed in Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, Germany, Turkey, Montana, Wyoming, Vietnam, Japan, and Okinawa, before retiring in 1971. During his USAF career his most enjoyable job was working as a military dog handler/trainer. His dog, Jyp, always had a special place in his heart. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob joined the US Treasury Department assigned to the US Customs Service. Upon his retirement from Customs, Bob and Marian began working at various National Parks, which included the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Lake Crescent. In his true retirement years, he enjoyed travelling and working as a volunteer at the Pima Air Museum and Knights of Columbus and associating with the community of retired veterans. He relished spending time with his family including the ménage of animals, cheering on Notre Dame football and attending as many University of Arizona women's softball games as possible with his wife Marian. Bob will be remembered for his joy for life and adventure. Beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandparent, he was preceded in death by his wife Marian. Survivors include his four children, Colleen (Gus) Lombardo, Robin (Ralph) Cook, Robert Keith (Gina) Walsh and Lynn (Ron) Sainz; three grandchildren, Patrick Mayer, Katherine Cook and Gigi Walsh; and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Caroline Mayer, and a sister, Patricia Day. He was also preceded in death by his sister Maree Bakrow and brother John F. Walsh, Jr. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, November 19 at Bring's Broadway Chapel, with a rosary at 6:30 pm. Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Monday, November 20 at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Southern Arizona Veterans Cemetery in Marana at 12 p.m.. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.