Father Michael Walsh

For me it was the start of the day, he had a fantastic way of putting it over, his knowledge, great sense of humour and passion brought it alive, and for as long as I can remember Mike always asked him a question at the end “will you be with us next week?” and Father Michael always replied “yes, unless I get a better offer”, and this catchphrase has become a legend.  His commitment was seen  not only in the length of time he did it for, but by the way he travelled to Manchester each week by train from Guide Bridge Station for 7 am, and this was the kind of man he was.

But…. I always wondered what he looked like and wanted to meet him, and this happened when I went to work for the Churches’ Media Council, when I found out that Father Michael was on the Council.  Yes, he was a man with many missions, and part of his work was representing the Catholic Church as their Media person.  I was not disappointed!

I must admit it was a real shock to hear the news of his death on the radio on waking up that Sunday morning, but all the great tributes to him on the programme were just so wonderful.   His words the Sunday before “Yes, I’ll be back unless I get a better offer” really came back to me.  He was such a great man, I used to travel down to the Churches’ Media Council meetings in London with him, he looked after me so well and there was never a dull moment in the conversation covering a wide range of topics.   His sense of humor and knowledge was amazing and he was a very wise man in so many ways.  He will be much missed, I’m just so thankful I had the privilege of knowing and working with him, and I thank God for him and the special times we shared together.

Father Michael served God in so many ways and was Parish Priest at St Paul’s Guide Bridge from 1991 until his death. His funeral was one I will never forget, not least because of the tremendous number of people there. Not only was the church seating area full, but people were standing all around and even some outside, it was a great witness of love and respect for someone who had served his Lord, his community and the wider community through his ministry in the church, in the media and many other ways.

Bishop Brain leading the service picked up on Father Michael’s answer to Mike’s question “Will you be with us next week?” and “Yes, unless I get a better offer” saying that he got a better offer at his baptism, and he was now with his Lord.  He said he would be much missed by him, his colleagues in the ministry, those he served so faithfully in the Parish, his family and friends.  He was a man who lived his life serving God, and loved sharing his faith with people in practical ways and in his teaching of God’s Word.  He was always ready to help both day and night.

He was one of 5 children and family was very special to him.  The eulogies by them were so moving as they shared their memories of how he spent each Monday with some of them and his niece Heidi summed it up when she said that to her “he was Uncle Michael” and she was just so sad that as her children grow up they would not be able to experience the great times she had had with Uncle Michael”

Father Michael was indeed a “special person” and I know that like me, many people’s lives have been touched by this lovely, gracious Christian man over many years.  His infectious personality, his faith and trust in God, his sense of humour and his commitment will be remembered by us all for years to come, and I thank God for the privilege and joy I have had because he came into my life.

I travelled to London again today, but I was on my own, I missed him, but know that he is enjoying his “better offer now” with his Lord.

RIP Father Michael Walsh

DOROTHY MASON
Bolton England