John D. “Easy” Walsh passed away on January 6, 2022, with his son, Tom, at his side. He was born in Butte on March 27, 1925, to Dave and Marie “Lenz” Walsh, attended St. Joseph Grade School, and just prior to graduation from Butte High, joined the Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon discharge, he returned to Butte and followed in the family trade of carpentry. Jack married Peg “Walsh” Walsh in September 1951, and son Tom joined the family in September 1952 – point of interest while dating Peg, her niece, Peggy Jo would announce that “Easy” was here. Little did she know that the “Easy” nickname fit him perfectly and would last a lifetime. In the early 50s, Jack started his own construction company and would complete numerous projects in the Butte area. In the early 70s, an accident took him away from his trade and business for over 2 years. In 1976, Easy and Tom restarted Walsh Construction, where he helped Tom with many projects in SW Montana until his retirement in 1992. And after retirement, he spent countless hours at the shop, office, and jobsites, as he would say, “just keeping Tom in line.”
Easy and Peg enjoyed several Notre Dame football trips and trips to Jackpot and Wendover to as he would “donate.” And of course, they both enjoyed many great times with friends and family at the “cabin” at Canyon Ferry.
Preceding “Easy” in death were his parents, his wife Peg – brothers Fred and Joe Walsh, sister Fran OFarrell – sister-in-law, Mary Bartsch, brothers-in-law Jack “Uncle John” Walsh – Martin “Muggs” Walsh, Frank “Babe” OFarrell and Bill Mehrens, nieces Lynn OFarrell Benjamin – Brenda (Walsh) Brewer and Peggy (Walsh) Briney (the person who started the nickname “Easy”).
Easy is survived by his son Tom – sister Marie “Sis” Mehrens, sisters-in-law Peg “Perkins” Walsh (Seattle) and Darlene Walsh (Phoenix).
Nieces and nephews Linda – Sheila – Patsy and Bill Mehrens, John – Gary and (Sherry) – Dennis and (Gayle) – David OFarrell – Mike and Terrie “OFarrell” Buttons
Rex Walsh
Pat (Linda) – Dan (Sheila) – Fred (Anita) – Shawn – Tom – Jerry (Annissa) Walsh – Dennis (Collen) Walsh Mallory
David (Deanne) “Walsh” Williams, all of Seattle
A few very special people in Jack and Tom’s life were Deb Hamry and Jackie Currey and of course our Tuesday night dinner providers Randy and Shari Widhalm. Thank you so much.
We would like to thank the crew from Senior Solutions, especially Kathy – Abby – Julie and Chris for their care and love and another big Thank You to Janet and Shawna at Compassionate Heart Home Care. You were all fantastic. Thank you so much – also a thanks to Dr. Shawna Yates for all her care and concern and love.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Easy’s life will take place this spring/summer. Easy would want us to have a party and we will.
We request that memorials be sent to Butte Central Education Fund – Butte Food Bank – Alzheimer’s Association or charity of donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Easy.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Easy and his family.
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Bob Butala says
Tom, Terri and I remember traveling to Hawaii with your folks and Milo’s group. A great time.
Your father was an inspiration to me.
Our condolences.
Bob and Terri Butala
Brenda Cortese says
Tom, So sorry to hear the loss of your dad. He must have been one great dad because you were one great son. Thinking of you at this tough time Tom. Brenda Cortese
Larry and Karen Briney says
Tom, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Steve Sorich says
Tom, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad, Jack and Easy. It seems like yesterday that he and you would visit our house on Wilson street and share great conversation. Canyon Ferry visits with you Jack and Peg (also lots of others) were always special and will not be forgotten. Please let me know when the party is this spring or summer.
Take care my good friend!
Marlene Miller says
Tom, your Dad was a true gentlemen and will be missed by many. He & Peg were so lucky to have you as such a loving & caring son. You went above & beyond caring for them. Jack is at peace with Peg in heaven. God Bless you!!
Bill Willman says
Tom, Jack was amazing man. I always enjoyed being around him. He lived a Christian life and was a great influence on others. So sorry for your loss.
C. A. Davisson Jr. says
Please accept my sincere condolence. John was a long time neighbor on The Boulevard.
Gene O' Neill says
Tom and family, I just recently became aware that your dad passed away in 2022. I was very fond of him and had deep respect for him as a fellow tradesman and man. My deepest condolences to you and yours. He was one of the good guys. R. I. P. “EAsy”. Gene O’ Neill