Cletus Thomas Walsh Obituary (1942 - 2014)

"Tom" Cletus (Tom) Thomas Walsh went on the ultimate hike on June 30th, 2014, a hike that led him off into the sunset and over the horizon. He was born in Billings, Montana on October 17th, 1942, the second son of Cletus J. and Helen Walsh. He attended parochial school in Billings, earned his Eagle Scout as a young man, and graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1960. In 1965, he graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor of Political Science. He joined the Air Force in 1966, and shortly thereafter, married Jacqueline Marie Jam. In service to the Country during the Vietnam era, he was lucky enough to be assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany for his tour of duty. Tom was proud that he saved the country tens of thousands of dollars by his usual efficient and careful paperwork and record keeping. During this time, he and Jackie had the opportunity to travel much of Europe together. Having earned an honorable discharge, Tom began a career with the Bureau of Reclamation in SLC. He was an active father and enjoyed participating in his sons' activities. Tom was instrumental in establishing youth soccer in West Valley City during the late 1970s and 1980s and was a coach, referee, and league President. Tom was also an active participant in anything that involved hiking, biking, skiing, and any other outdoor activity. He was highly involved in the administration of the Wasatch Mountain Club, was an active participant in their activities, and eventually after 25 years, earned a lifelong membership- the friendships formed there have been enduring and endearing. He enjoyed mountaineering and adventuring across the globe, including places like Nepal, Patagonia, and Iceland. Tom rode his bike in the RAGBRAI bicycle tour (Iowa) over a dozen times and conquered the grueling 206 mile LOTAJA bicycle race multiple times. He also enjoyed his book club, yoga and bird watching. Tom had a quirky sense of humor and he was known for his creative and unusual inventions, gadgets, and contraptions that he used for fixing things around the house. He is extremely proud of his two sons and daughters-in law, Jeff (Jaime) and Justin (Claire) Walsh. His two granddaughters, Keely Shea and Ailie Rose, are the apples of his eye. Tom is also survived by sister Kathleen (Bill) LaMeres, brother Tony (Edna) Walsh, and by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family sends warm thanks to Mary Beck, who cared deeply for Tom and was there for him continuously. Waiting for him are his parents, older brother Larry, and special friend Kar Burns. In memory to Tom, please take time to hug your loved ones, or at least, hug a tree...life is too short. A memorial will be held, contact the family for more information. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State St. Murray, UT 84107 Service: Please contact family for Memorial information A Memorial will be held, please contact the family for more information.