Lawrence Joseph Walsh D.V.M., was born in Spokane, WA on Thursday, November 19th, 1936 to William E. and Ila Mary (Flannagan) Walsh. Larry was the youngest of four children: Mary Loretta (Walsh) Rielly of Spokane and Thomas Patrick Walsh (both deceased) and William E. Walsh Jr. of Vancouver, WA, to whom he remained very close.
Larry attended primary school in Wenatchee, WA and lived in Salem for a short time before the family moved to Eugene where he graduated from St. Francis High School. He attended University of Portland for two years before joining the US Marine Corps in 1957. He served as a jet aircraft mechanic for four years in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Japan and Southern California. Larry continued his undergrad studies at Orange Coast Junior College in Costa Mesa, CA. Larry fell in love with veterinary medicine while working at a veterinary hospital in Laguna Beach, CA. He studied hard and was accepted into the Washington State School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1971.
Larry worked as a relief veterinarian at various clinics in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. He was on the first shift, opening Dove Lewis Emergency Veterinary Animal Hospital in Portland. In 1973, he partnered with Dr. George McGinnis to open the Sandy Animal Clinic in Sandy, OR.
Also in 1973, Larry married Beverly (Duernberger) Black, gaining three children from her former marriage: James Black, Steven Black and Teresa (Black) Ketelsen. He and Beverly had two daughters together, Lynette Marie (Walsh) Sestric 1974 and Kristina Lynn (Walsh) Glazier 1976. Larry and Beverly divorced in 1978, and she died in 1981.
In 1982, Larry married Gale Grace Guest of Vancouver, WA. In 1986, he and Gale adopted Robert Joseph Walsh 1986. Larry enjoyed opening his home to others. Jory Long lived in the Walsh household from 1985 to 1987. Patrick Fowler lived in the Walsh household from 1987 to 1989. The Lasenko family, refugees from Ukraine, found refuge in the Walsh household in 1989. Larry even hosted a Norwegian exchange student whose original sponsor did not work out in 1992.
In 1985, he and Dr. George McGinnis, opened the Welches Veterinary Hospital and added a second clinic on the west side of Sandy. As if Larry wasn't busy enough with three clinics, he and Gale started Riverside Nursery at their 15-acre home on the Sandy River. He also created and immaculately maintained a beautiful riverfront landscape, where he hosted many large family gatherings, church picnics, baptisms and all three of his younger children’s weddings.
Larry retired from veterinary medicine on December 31st, 2005. He loved animals and they loved him back, even the horses. Although Larry was "retired", he continued working part time at the Sandy Animal Clinic until 2010. He also continued to run Riverside Nursery until 2012. Larry also now had the time to pursue his passion for tennis, playing at least three times a week.
Larry, Gale, Lynette, Kris and Robert started attending Good Shepherd Community Church in 1991. Larry was a faithful member: participating in Men's High Ground, Firewood Ministry, Car Clinics, and hosting Growth Groups in his home for seven years. Larry was also proud to present the American Flag for the Patriot Services as part of the US Marine Corps Color Guard. In 2008, Larry joined Dr. Bob Sayson’s medical mission team traveling to Uganda, serving as the team "pharmacist" organizing medications and helping behind the scenes.
In 2015, Larry was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). While keeping up his tennis game, he joined "Rock Steady Boxing" as a treatment for LBD. Later, he enjoyed walking up and down the hills around his neighborhood with those he loved and sitting on the bench at the duck pond.
Larry was faithful, loving, kind without prejudice, and had a great sense of humor. He was always thinking of others first. Despite his disease, he was still able to give good advice, many times remembering what others may have forgotten: like basketball scores or what candy should still be around!
During the last week of his life he was surrounded by family and loved ones. On Friday, September 16th, 2022, with his wife of forty years beside him, Larry passed away peacefully. He is now with Jesus, God's Son who died and rose again for all who believe in the power of His name.
A memorial for Larry will be held at Good Shepherd Community Church on Saturday, October 15 at 11:00 AM.
Semper Fi