September 21, 1952 – April 6, 2024
James (Skip) Lowry Walsh (71) of Friday Harbor, Washington passed on April 6, 2024, unexpectedly while doing what he loved, a building and remodeling project.
Skip was born and raised in West Hartford, Connecticut, by his parents James and Jean Walsh. He attended St. Timothy Elementary School and Northwest Catholic High School. He was a Connecticut Basketball All Star and went on to play basketball at St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas.
Skip was an entrepreneur in real estate development and residential construction and renovation. He honed these talents moving between Tucson, Arizona; San Francisco Bay Area, California; Kona, Hawaii; and Bend, Oregon, before eventually relocating to San Juan Island, Washington in 2018. He met his wife Suzanne Creedon in 1982 and they married in 1988. They settled in Bend, Oregon to raise 2 children, while Skip was Vice President and partner at Bend Plating Inc.
Skip lived his life focused on his passions. A new challenge never intimidated him and he learned by doing. Skip enjoyed learning new skills by building relationships, working alongside professionals, and engaging in thorough research. This approach extended beyond construction to his other passions: fishing, boating, sailing, basketball, golf, and tennis. Skip approached every opportunity with enthusiasm!
As a devoted Dad, Skip was deeply engaged in his children’s lives. He embraced an active role in their interests, particularly supporting their athletic achievements in tennis and swimming. His hands-on approach and unwavering support not only fostered their success, but also instilled in them the confidence they carry into their lives today.
His unique sense of humor touched the many people he cared about. He lit up every room he was in, captivating everyone with his endless array of stories and filling the space with laughter. Everyone in Skip’s life had a unique nickname that he created. Skip’s love for the dogs in his life knew no bounds. He cherished each one of them unconditionally, finding no fault in their loyal companionship. Presently, Cooper, his English Yellow lab is missing Skip.
He will also be dearly missed by his wife and children, extended family, friends, business and project associates and especially his grandson and future grandchildren.
Skip was predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law Joe Dowley.
He will be missed by so many people, but especially his loving wife Suzanne, their children Tyler Walsh (Anna) and Brooke Walsh (Daniel Zentner, fiancé) and new grand baby James. He also will be missed by his four siblings and their children; Carol Dowley, Sue Walsh (Lou Gaudio), Pam Walsh and Stephen Walsh (Alison).
Services for Skip will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Skip’s name may be made to Animal Protection Society, Friday Harbor at https://www.apsfh.com/donate or Salmon-Safe https://salmonsafe.org/donate
To share memories of Skip and to check for updates, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/skip-walsh.
