Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
Walsh, Anthony

Teacher; born Perth, WA, 12 July 1928; died Sydney, 6 February 2003, aged 74.

Anthony Walsh was one of the most delightful eccentrics that one could know. His engaging personality, gentle kindness, sharp wit, and intelligent observations about life made him a wonderful companion. However, the mask he wore, shown in his idiosyncratic manner and way of speech, covered shyness or lack of ease with people. Some found that his pose impeded complete approachability and communication at any depth. His brushes with authority sometimes elicited anti-authority comments, humorous or irreverent, and even resulted in hostility or withdrawal. His over sensitivity, as well as long-term depression showed in his constant talk about death. He was not the most patient or tolerant person, but could be the most charming host.

It was always difficult to know when Walsh was serious or playful. He would tell people that he came from a poor family, had no shoes until he was 10 years of age and travelled with his father in the guards van on the train between Perth and Kalgoorlie. Or about his late wife, Charlotte, who was black, with a glace eye and wooden leg and died when her wooden leg was caught in a railway track and she was run over by a train. As a result, he joined the Jesuits. He could be badly caught out with his stories as when he told some students that he was a survivor of the Titanic. They immediately telephoned the local newspaper with this amazing news. The paper contacted Walsh asking for an interview. Alarmed, he has to pretend he had amnesia, and they retired disappointed.

In fact his family had a significant presence in the Perth Catholic community. His father was a partner in the law firm Lavan and Walsh, and was the legal adviser to the Catholic archbishop, Dr Prendiville. Walsh was one of four children, and was educated at Aquinas College and St Louis School. After leaving school he studied arts/law at the University of Western Australia, and practiced for two years in his father's firm.

He entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, 1 February 1954, and after philosophy there went to St Aloysius' College, Sydney, for regency, 1959-61, where he taught history, organised debating, and assisted with sport in the Junior School. He was never a sportsman, and his one attempt to referee a rugby match pleased neither players nor spectators. However, he made an impression on one young student at this time that went home to tell his parents that he was being taught by a former ace pilot from the Battle of Britain!

After theology at Canisius College, Pymble, 1962-65, and tertianship at St Beuno's, 1966-67, he taught religion and history at St Louis School, Perth, 1968-71, before returning to St Aloysius' College, 1972-79, where he taught history, and was at different times, prefect of studies and minister. He spent the years 1980-96 at St Ignatius' College, Riverview, where again he taught senior history and was minister in the community. He was highly valued by his students for his ability to help them think freely and question often. He treated all with respect and dignity. He was well read and had eclectic taste. In his office could be found copies of The Spectator, the trials of Cicero, the novels of P D James, various editions of Fowler, Brewster's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable and Butler's Lives of the Saints. He also enjoyed reading The Economist, Law and Justice, and The Tablet that kept him well informed. He also enjoyed reading mystery novels.

However, it was not only his erudition that was appreciated, but also his pastoral care. He was appointed Southwell housemaster in 1983, and was debating master, 1981-87. As one of his former students, James Eyers, commented: 'He craved informed, well-reasoned debate and had little respect for blind agreement. Historical inaccuracies were certainly not tolerated. He was a man of substance - of concrete propositions. His intellectual discipline ensured that he always retained the trust of his confidants.'

Eyers continued: 'He was a lifelong student of the classics. One of Riverview's last outspoken advocates of the benefits of Latin, he encouraged his students to question anomalies, engage in critical analysis and to attack problems from another perspective. He told them to strive for greatness in a world where mediocrity too often reigns.' The unexpected comments from him were always eagerly awaited, as when he asked the class: How do you know when you are old? When silence followed, he replied, 'You are old when regrets take the place of dreams'. He also had his 'lepers corner', a place at the back of the class for those more inattentive students. Others did not relish the thought of joining their company and did as asked. He had a fascination for Fr. Damien, and upset superiors by naming a proposed new community 'Molokai'!

His wit and charm won him many friends. Ironically, he would say that because he was intelligent, efficient and socially presentable he would never be made a superior in the Society! He could sometimes be off-putting to those who did not know him, especially when he indicated that he hoped that he would soon be dead. It was always unwise to wish him well when he was sick, as he dismissed such care with the comment that he hoped the illness might be fatal! But at all times he was a gentle man, who correctly assessed good manners to convey a genuine respect for the feelings of others. He chose his words carefully, and was always keen to pursue an argument logically and relentlessly, without meanness, harshness or lack of compassion.

He enjoyed intellectual conversation and was a very pastoral priest, generous with his time in administrating the sacraments, without any pomp or ceremony. His homilies were always short and to the point. He gave wise counsel to those who sought his advice, and he especially influenced many young men that others had overlooked. He was devoted to his family, and the Society, even if at times he spoke irreverently about both. He was always interested in what was happening and enjoyed hearing the latest news.

He retired to Canisius College, Pymble in 1997 because of ill health, but this situation increased his periods of depression. He was always very suspicious of doctors and suggested remedies. When well, he did priestly supplies in the local parish, and entertained his friends. He also enjoyed watching good mystery videos. He finally died tragically in the swimming pool of a cousin.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)