Raymond Walsh, Ph.D.: 1925-2017
Raymond Robert Walsh, Ph.D., a retired professor and former chairman of the Department of Biology, died Wednesday, Feb. 1. He was 91.
Dr. Walsh joined the faculty of Saint Louis University in 1972 as a professor and chair of the Department of Biology. He retired in 1988.
Following service in the armed forces, Walsh attended Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology in 1950 and a Ph.D. in Comparative and Cellular Physiology in 1953. In 1951, he was a visiting scholar at Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, Massachusetts.
Prior to joining SLU, Walsh was an assistant and associate professor of physiology at the University of Colorado Medical School in Denver and Coordinator of Laboratories at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton.
Walsh was a well-respected university instructor and mentor, admired by students and faculty alike.
“His students, especially those interested in careers in neurobiology, were very loyal to him,” said biology department colleague Peter Bernhardt, Ph.D. “He never missed fine details whether he was observing lab rats or fellow faculty. He was the sort of man who could give you excellent career advice informally over lunch.”
Robert Aldridge, Ph.D., who succeeded Walsh as chair of the department, said leadership is the first trait that comes to mind when he remembers his friend and colleague.
“He went out of his way to provide us with opportunities for research and to extend our knowledge and experience through meetings and seminars,” Aldridge said.
Aldridge also commented on Walsh’s warm personality.
“He was lighthearted, never grouchy , and always met people with a smile,” Aldridge said. “He also encouraged socializing outside of work, encouraging people to be friendly and get to know each other.”
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty; daughters Kathleen Granseth (Gary) and Peggy Kinamore; sons William (Kathy), Stephen, Thomas, and Dominic (Jennifer); eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Visitation was held Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Barry Wilson Funeral Home, Maryville, Ilinois, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville. Burial will be at a later date in Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church or to the Salvation Army.