Thomas Leonard Walsh (60), passed away peacefully March 23, 2014, in hospice care at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. Most recently of West Seattle, Tom was born Sept. 22, 1953 in Madison, WI to Patricia Clark and Leonard Walsh (deceased) of Richland Center, WI. He moved to the Northwest in 1985 from Denver, CO with his former wife Jennifer Zeisig and to Vashon Island, WA, where they raised their daughter Caitlin Zeisig-Walsh from 1994-2008.

Tom attended high school in Richland Center; started studies at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and completed his Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing degree from the University of Denver, CO, in 1985. He was awarded his Masters in Nursing in 1989, and his Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2010 from the University of Washington, Seattle.

During his nursing career in the Seattle area, Tom worked at the Seattle Veterans’ Affairs hospital, Harborview Medical Center, was Director of Behavioral Health services at Valley Medical Center, Renton, 1994-2004; and in 2003, established the Northwest Psychiatry and Wellness Center, West Seattle. Active in his professional association, Tom was presented with the 2014 Excellence in Nursing award on March 20th by the Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses.

His enthusiasms included world travel, skiing, mountain climbing, backpacking, music, photography, and reading.

Hardworking and adventuresome, Tom was known for his generosity, quick wit, and quirky humor. He was a devoted father and loyal friend and will be dearly missed by a large extended family, many close friends, professional associates, and clients.

Thomas is survived by his daughter Caitlin Zeisig-Walsh, Vashon, WA; mother Patricia Clark, Richland Center, WI; sisters Jeri Walsh, Monona, WI; Jane Miller (Brian), Necedah, WI; Nancy Zeman (Joe), Boscobel, WI; and Amy Clark, Seattle; brother Greg Walsh, St. Paul, MN; aunt Ann Walsh, Waunakee, WI; uncle Steve Beaty (Boyce Hinman), Carmichael, CA; many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews; and companion Charel Fisher, Bonney Lake, WA. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Avery Clark, Richland Center, WI.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held May 10th, 11:00 a.m. at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7141 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to:

UW School of Nursing, atten: Gloria Visario, PO box 357260, Seattle, WA 98178; note “scholarship Fund in memory of Thomas Walsh.”

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.

Paid Obituary.