George Ove Walsh

 

f083George Ove Walsh, 84, of Shoreline, passed away Oct. 28, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was born July 15, 1930, in Ross, Calif., the only child of George Harold Walsh and Minnie Woie Walsh. He was 4 years old when his parents divorced, after which Minnie and George junior moved back to the family farm in Clifford, N.D.
George had many happy memories of life on the farm with his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousin Rhoda, who was like a sister to him.

He and his mother later moved to Spokane, where Minnie worked as a private duty nurse and George assumed many adult responsibilities as the only child of a single mother during World War II, supplementing their income by collecting cans and bottles, hunting, and developing a lifelong love of fishing. During the war he learned to identify airplanes overhead, a habit he never lost.

He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1948, attended Gonzaga University for one year, and then enlisted in the f050 - Version 2Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1954. He obtained the rank of petty officer, second class, working as a radarman on a troop transport.

An appreciation of boats and harbors stayed with him the rest of his life.

George and Christine Quickert began dating during his shore leave in San Francisco, and they married on Aug. 28, 1954, only two weeks after his discharge from the Navy.

George and Christine began married life in Pullman, Wash., where they had their first child, Lyle. George received his teaching credentials from Washington State College in 1957. He later received a master’s in education from the University of Washington.

The family moved to the Northridge neighborhood of Seattle, where Lynnette was born the day before George began his first teaching job.

Construction began on the family’s home in Edmonds in 1964, and the family moved in shortly before the youngest child, Laurelle, was born.

George worked a second job at Standard Oil on Aurora Avenue for the first seven years of his teaching career. He worked summers as a machinist and a house painter. George was a self-taught handyman and shade-tree mechanic who, when he wasn’t teaching, seemed to be constantly occupied maintaining the family’s cars, house and yard.

George taught his children never to leave the dining table empty-handed; always do their chores before playing; and to take responsibility for their schoolworkf115 and their actions.

He was a founding board member of St. Peter by the Sea Lutheran Church in Edmonds, where he also taught Sunday School.

George taught social studies in the Shoreline School District for 33 years, at Cordell Hull Junior High, Einstein Junior High and finally Shorewood High School.

As a teacher he was beloved by both students and colleagues, and maintained long relationships with many. He was passionate about current events, and specialized in teaching contemporary world problems.

George traveled to Egypt in 1978 along with 18 other American social studies teachers in order to develop a curriculum on the Middle East. The teachers were invited to the presidential palace, where they met with first lady Jehan Sadat instead of Anwar Sadat who, unbeknownst to them, was attending the Camp David peace accords.

At Shorewood, George also coached Hi-Q, refereed basketball and taught drivers education. He acted as senior class advisor and was regularly voted “teacher of the year” by the senior class.

George retired from teaching in 1990, after which he and Christine traveled widely in their RV, spending many seasons “snowbirding” in Arizona and California, and touring the United States. They also enjoyed several sea cruises until health problems no longer permitted it.DSC_9328

George attended every sporting event his grandsons participated in, rain or shine. He was their No. 1 fan.

George is survived by his wife of 60 years, Christine Walsh; son Lyle (Ann) Walsh of Charleston, S.C.; daughters Lynnette (Rory) Callahan of Edmonds and Laurelle (Frank Vander Wall) Walsh of Winthrop, Wash.; and grandchildren Leorah (Ted Brzinski) Walsh, Talor Walsh, Shaun Callahan and Derek Callahan. A private graveside service will be held at the Edmonds Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Seattle’s PBS station, KCTS 9 – http://kcts9.org/support – in honor of George’s long devotion to public television.

12 Responses to “George Ove Walsh”

  • Howard & Ruth andewith says:

    We all lost a good friend and a very good man. May he rest in peace.

  • Barbara McCurdy says:

    Thanks for teaching social studies at Cordell Hull circa 1970. I have not forgotten.
    My sympathy for his loss.
    Barbara

  • Charlie says:

    I really enjoyed the few but memorable times we visited. You always had me entertained with stories and good humor. I can still hear your voice. Uncle George I will miss you. Love Charlie

  • Ann Boyce says:

    Mr.Walsh is a well-remembered and dearly loved teacher at Shorewood. I had him for WA State history in 9th grade and he made it fun and enjoyable. Thanks for the memories! Ann Boyce Class of 1981

  • Steve Vitalich says:

    I have good memories of Mr. Walsh’s 9th grade social studies class in 1974-75 at Einstein, and his world history class as a senior in 1977-78 at Shorewood. He taught us, among other things, the importance of knowing our fellow classmates’ names, how to write term papers, how to think critically, and to discern between truth and BS. To this day he remains one of my all-time favorite teachers. Rest in peace, Mr. Walsh. Sincere condolences to the family.

  • Dan Engelstad says:

    I remember Mr. Walsh well and warmly. While school was not high on my list of places to be Mr. Walsh had a way of keeping me interested and involved. He was one of 3 teachers at Cordell Hull whom I would have loved to thank in person. I believe he is one of the top 10% of teachers who used the turbulent mid to late 60’s to keep his students thinking and in school rather than dropping out.
    My condolences to the family we all lost a fine man.
    Dan Engelstad

  • Stacey Stanford says:

    I remember Mr. Walsh fondly, I attended Shorewood High from 80 – 84. I recall him as a teacher that cared about each and every one of us, just a little bit more, than even other great teachers! I enjoyed Wa. State History, and a TA position with him! Thank you for contributing to my education George! My thoughts go out to his loved ones! Sincerely, Stacey Stanford

  • Jennifer Buchweitz says:

    George Walsh was my favorite teacher! I had him in the ninth and twelfth grade at Shorewood, for ninth grade social studies and World Problems. I wish I had seen him after high school but I didn’t forget him. Prayers and thoughts to his family, you are so lucky to have had him as part of your lives

  • Randy Bennett says:

    My wife (Frances Natterstad) and I have fond memories of Mr. Walsh. When the topic of educators who care come up, he is on the short list. Over 50 years ago, and many still remember this quiet and firm mentor.

  • Kelly Christensen says:

    Wonderful teacher. Really believed in you.

  • David Chen says:

    Mr. Walsh was my Washington State History teacher during my freshman year at Shorewood High School. I enjoyed his class. I wasn’t able to have him for World Geography due to a schedule conflict. I am glad I was able to find this site. He is a good man, and may he rest in peace.

  • michelle koontz says:

    Mr. Walsh was my 5th grade teacher. He help me become who I am today. I wish i could had told him The positive impact he had on my life.

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