Michael H. Walsh ’72 died on May 19, 2024, in Topsham, Maine.
(The following was provided by Maine Sunday Telegram in July 7, 2024:)
Michael Walsh ’72
Michael H. Walsh, 73, passed away on May 19, 2024. A beloved father, friend, teacher, writer, editor, and golfer, Mike lived a life fueled by passion, creativity, compassion, and love.
Born in Tampa, FL, on Oct. 23, 1950, to George and Constance (Dumas) Walsh, the eldest of four sons and with a father in the Navy, Mike spent his childhood living in Trinidad, Hawaii, and California, his family eventually settling in San Diego, CA. It was in Alameda, CA while attending Encinal High School, that Mike’s love of literature, writing, and oration calcified. He won national awards for debate and public speaking and traveled to Washington, DC, as a member of the Model UN. His love of learning and fascination with the power and beauty of words led him to attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.
At Bowdoin, Mike studied English, began writing poetry, and traveled to Europe where he worked on an archaeological dig in Southern France. He graduated from Bowdoin in 1972, traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada, and settled in Topsham. After stints in his 20s working as a news writer, librarian, and charismatic bartender, Mike spent his early career as an island realtor in Casco Bay.
He met and fell in love with Elisabeth Arrington, and they married in 1979. Their daughter, Mary, was born in 1983 and welcomed with great joy. Although Mike and Lisa later divorced, they remained close friends.
Mike attended the University of Southern Maine and earned a master’s degree in education. In 1991, Mike joined the staff at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, where he taught English. He also became the dean of faculty there in 2004. During his tenure at Lincoln, he fostered student growth not only through his curriculum, but also acting as advisor to the student council, prize speaking, and graduating class team leader. He was very involved in the College Board Advanced Placement program as a nationally recognized grader.
Outside of the classroom, Mike also spent countless seasons as the school’s golf coach, ushering the team to regional and state championships. Mike’s keen intellect, infectious curiosity, gregarious humor, and deep empathy for others made him a one-of-a-kind educator beloved by his students and fellow faculty.
In addition to his professional dedication, Mike was a devout golfer and member of Brunswick Golf Club. He was deeply committed to the BGC community, spending years as the head of the tournament committee and collaborating closely with golf course staff and members to contribute to the club and events, and to welcome new players and members. Playing golf brought him great happiness, many close friends, and was a way to connect with nature on a daily basis.
Mike’s brightest joy was being a father. He and his daughter, Mary, traveled the world together. They explored Italy, Greece, England, Costa Rica, France, Montserrat, Ireland, and all over the U.S., though many of their fondest times shared were talking and laughing at home in Maine or in California – Mike always was happy to be a bi-coastal family, spending much time in Oceanside, CA, where Mary and his son-in-law, Sam, reside, as well as nearby to his mother, brothers, nieces, nephew, and other family.
A talented and published poet, Mike’s beautiful observations about the world live on for family and friends. We love him forever.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Mary Walsh, and son-in-law, Sam Sosnowski; his mother, Connie; brothers Terry, Tim and wife Jeanne, Doug; and many Walsh family members; his former wife, Elisabeth Arrington Cox; sister-in-law, Anne Arrington, and brothers-in-law Chip Arrington and Rob Arrington.