Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017, post-publication supplement:
Walsh, Robert

Medical doctor, parish priest, pastor; born Hamilton, NSW, 28 November 1925; died Sydney, 26 October 2023, aged 97.

Robert Sebastian Anthony Walsh was a much-loved priest during his many years in pastoral ministry, for his dedicated commitment of service, combined with much love and care for all who crossed his path.

Walsh was born to Clement and Kathleen Walsh, Clement, an Australian born optometrist, Gallipoli veteran and recipient of the Military Cross, and Kathleen, English born, educated by the nuns in Belgium. He had an older brother, Clement, and sister, Lucy, and a younger brother, Desmond. All of them became medical doctors.

As a youth, Walsh served as an altar Boy in his parish church and received his primary education at the local convent schools. He later attended Marish Brothers, Hamilton, and finished high school as a boarder at St Josephs, Hunters Hill, 1935-1942.

Having secured a Commonwealth Scholarship, he studied medicine at Sydney University, graduating in 1948. Residency at St Vincent's and Prince Henry Hospital followed.

While enjoying these years, the notion of becoming a priest grew stronger, and he entered the Jesuit noviciate at Loyola College, Watsonia, Victoria, in 1951. After philosophy at the same place, 1953-55, Walsh did regency at Saint Ignatius College, Riverview, NSW, 1956-58, where he taught physics and chemistry, and assisted as a Division Prefect. He did not find teaching boys an easy task, but was ably supported by fellow scholastic, Patrick O'Sullivan.

Theology followed at Canisius College, Pymble, 1959-62, and tertianship at St Robert's Hall, Pomfret Centre, Connecticut, USA, August 1963-June 1964.

Then followed a life spent in parish ministry, first, at St Mary's, North Sydney, 1965-71, where with the young Paul Coleman, helped recharge the life of the parish with his great love of those he met in the St Vincent De Paul Conference, the Sacred Heart Conference for women, and his work as a catechist, and working with the Legion of Mary and the altar boys' sodality. Coleman and Walsh were a good team, supporting one another; Coleman bursting with ideas and energy with Walsh following bringing calm and peace to situations. They were good friends, sharing good humour and playfulness in their teasing of each other.

The parish of Lavender Bay followed, 1972-83, where, apart from work with parish organisations, he was also parish priest from 1974. It was in this role that the leadership of Walsh shone, as the changes from Vatican II began to be realised, especially in Church ceremonies, and the importance of freedom given to follow one's conscience. Many clergy and laity found these changes confronting. Walsh faced these challenges with his unthreatening and patient manner, explaining carefully the meaning of the changes necessary for the future of the Church.

Being well established as a successful parish priest, he was transferred to the parish of Hawthorn, Victoria, 1984-90, where he exercised many pastoral ministries, including superior of the community and parish priest. He was also chaplain to Kilmaire College and directed catechists in State schools. He also began his work as Provincial Assistant for Senior Jesuits here, and then from Campion House, Kew, 1991-94. His expertise in knowing what was best for the needs of senior Jesuits resulted in the redevelopment of part of Campion College as a home for senior Jesuits. He also assisted as chaplain at St Vincent's Hospital during this time.

In 1995 he was appointed chaplain at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, living at Canisius College, and then transferred to the parish of Neutral Bay, 1996-2001, as superior and parish priest, as well as continuing his ministry at Royal North Shore Hospital.

From 2002-2012, Walsh resided at St Aloysius' College, Milson's Point, NSW, while working as chaplain at the Mater Hospital, and within the North Sydney parish.

With declining mobility, he was assigned to Arrupe House, Pymble, April 2012, still engaged in some pastoral ministry, but finally on 10 February 2017, moved to St Peter's Residential Aged Care, Lane Cove North, where he remained for the rest of his life.

In his funeral homily, fellow novice, Daven Day, mentioned that as a novice Walsh dedicated himself to doing ordinary things well, after the inspiration of St John Berchmans SJ. Day spoke about Walsh's spontaneous smile as his secret weapon. He was rarely upset, and his homilies were 'spiked with humour'. Parishioners awaited the expected joke in every homily. With enthralled children with his puppet shows, exhibiting his talent as an engaging ventriloquist. Listening to everyone who approached him was his special gift.

Walsh had a keen interest in architecture and art. His special interest was Australian and French impressionists. He accumulated many beautiful art books and would visit the National Gallery in Canberra for the occasional special exhibition. At St Peter's, he attended art classes, and the walls of his room often displayed a few examples of his work.

At his requiem Mass, his great nephew, Robert Walsh, praised his great uncle for the way he engaged with the various generations of his family, for his love and much kindness toward them, especially in sharing the sacraments and being present on family occasions. He emphasised Walsh's special affinity with the young, using storytelling, fictional characters and famously, puppets, like Miss Piggy and Sam, to help get his message across. He had many stories, but was a particularly good listener, always interested in hearing what family members were doing. He never judged, and his cheeky, witty sense of humour stayed with him until the end. The family considered him 'a national treasure', not in an overt, grandiose way, but in a kind, unassuming way. He was a gentle gentleman, who had great impact on the lives of those who knew him. His life was a long one, full of loyalty, service, humility, and love.

While living at Arrupe House, Walsh would say Mass each Sunday for as long as he was ambulant at St Peter's Green nursing home, fulfilling the request of Sr Josephine Mary RSM. He was always faithful to requests of service. In preparing his homily he would consult some of the community for an appropriate joke that would delight his congregation. When he became further restricted in movement, he moved to St Peter's Green himself. His many visitors always found him cheerful and engaging, leaving him feeling good and special. He particularly enjoyed attending with them the adjoining café for refreshments. He died peacefully in his sleep, being the oldest Jesuit in the province at the time.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)