William Desmond Walsh
Aug. 4, 1930-Nov. 16, 2013
Atherton, California
William Desmond Walsh, Esq., Leader in Business and Philanthropy
William (Bill) Walsh, a man of singular generosity and outstanding leadership in business died at Stanford University Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013.
Born in New York on Aug. 4, 1930, Bill was a graduate of Fordham University (1951) and Harvard Law School (1955). He began his career as an Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where his arguments led to the prosecution of many organized crime figures of the 1950s including crime boss Vito Genovese. After six years he entered the private sector, first at McKinsey and Company and then heading to the west coast to join Arcata Corporation ending as President and CEO, later founding Sequoia Associates, LLC.
There he forged partnerships and envisioned investment possibilities in corporate America which brought inestimable benefit to the country's economy and institutions.
Bill took a deep interest in political, religious and educational matters in his country and the country of his heritage, Ireland. A committed and thoughtful philanthropist, he set standards that summoned up the best in others, and countless institutions have benefited from his generosity and leadership.
Fordham University acquired a world class library (The William D. Walsh Family Library) and a classic antiquities museum, Harvard Law School built new state of the art classrooms, the Neuroscience Institute was given a new home for important study, the American Ireland Fund launched groundbreaking programs in peace and reconciliation for the new generation, the government of Bolivia was a recipient of much needed medical supplies through his service as a Knight of Malta and served on the Board of Overseers at the Hoover Institution.
Bill and his cherished wife Jane hosted Vintage Affaire, the annual fundraiser for the Vista Center, for many years at their home in Atherton. Sonoma Developmental Center, which looked after his daughter, Caroline was another of his philanthropies. It was not simply financial support that he offered and inspired in others. Believing that time and talent should be given in equal measure with treasure, he served on the boards of these institutions, tirelessly offering his advice and inspiration.
Bill had a great sense of fun and festivity, while being utterly committed to his friends and family. His greatest pride with Jane were his children: Deborah Hirsch (Peter), Michael Walsh (Barbara), Suzanne Tinsley (Ken), Tara Jane Arnold (Mark) and Peter Walsh (Melanie) and his 12 grandchildren: Timothy and Rebecca Hirsch, Patrick, Riley, Kevin, Brian, Megan, Sean, and Molly Tinsley, Spencer and Maxwell Arnold and Liam Walsh.
Mr. Walsh is predeceased by his wife of 57 years and his daughter Caroline and is survived by his brother Donald G. Walsh of New Haven, Connecticut. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 22, at 11 a.m. at St. Raymond Catholic Church, 1100 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Bill Walsh's memory to Parents Hospital Association in support of Sonoma Developmental Center, P.O. Box 237, Eldridge, CA 95431.
Tags: business, public service
