Gene Walsh

Eugene (Gene) R. Walsh Camarillo, CA Eugene R. Walsh passed away on May 11, 2011, in Camarillo, Calif, at the age of 82. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 11, 1928, to Walter and Kathryn Walsh. Gene and his family moved to Santa Monica, California, in February 1941. He attended St. Monica's School from 7th grade thru 12th grade, graduating in 1947. He then attended Santa Monica City College before going into the Army in 1948. After his discharge from the Army in 1950 Gene was married on May 2, 1953 to Trudi Haider, daughter of Daniel and Theresa Haider, in West Los Angeles. They had two children. He started his career in Santa Monica with General Telephone Company in 1951. In the early sixties Gene transferred to the PBX Department in Thousand Oaks, later became an Outside Plant Engineer, entered Management as an Facilities Inspector. He ended his career in 1986 by taking a early retirement after 35 years of dedicated service. Gene was an avid fisherman who spent the week of his birthday for almost thirty years camping in the Eastern Sierra's with his brother Jim and his good friends. He became the self-elected patriarch of an ever-expanding group of fishermen, later to include his son Steve, grandson Steve Jr., nephews and many more good friends. Gene eagerly looked forward to planning this annual event, he was the chief chef, in charge of the gourmet menu and the delegation of camp duties. Gene was very proud of his grandchildren's athletic abilities and attended their softball, hockey and soccer games whenever possible. He loved the football season, especially the USC Trojans, and every game day he would play their fight song and display his USC memorabilia. Gene's quick wit combined with one line jokes made him the life of any social event. Gene was fondly known as the Mayor of Hobart Drive, and almost every evening his garage "office" became a gathering point for neighbors and friends to socialize and enjoy each others company. Gene always enjoyed life to the fullest, his infectious personality influenced and touched many lives. Gene will be greatly missed but he left many memories for family and friends to cherish. Gene is survived by his wife Gertrude (Trudi) Walsh of 58 years. One son, Stephen Walsh and wife Barbara of Moorpark. One daughter, Kathy and husband Steven Hampton of Oxnard. His brother James Walsh and wife Greta of Palm Desert. 5 grandchildren, Vanessa Walsh, Stephen Walsh, Brittany Hampton (fiancee Cameron Hernandez), Alyson Hampton and Jesse Hampton, as well as Step grandchildren, Yvonne (Noel) Silva of Dallas, Texas, and Lisa (Joey) Ortega of Camarillo, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank family, friends and neighbors for all their prayers and loving support during Gene's illness. Services for Gene Walsh will be on Saturday, May 21, at 2 P.M. at the Perez Family Chapel, 1347 Del Norte Road in Camarillo, Reception to follow at funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make donations to VITAS Hospice Services, 333 N. Lantana St. # 110, Camarillo, CA 93010.