David N. Walsh

David Norman Walsh died peacefully in his home on Friday, October 20th 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 11th 1942 in Bangor, the son of Norman and Rita (Connor) Walsh. In 1944 the family relocated to Mount Desert Island where David continued to live for most of the next 4 decades before returning to Bangor in 1988. In February of 1973 he married the love of his life Marcia Sari Brooks. They were blessed with two children, Rachel and Noel, and loved and supported one another until her death in 2007. A graduate of Pemetic High School and St. Francis College, David went on to have a career as a respected journalist. In his more than 4 decades as a journalist he worked as a reporter, photographer and editor on The Bar Harbor Times, Portsmouth Herald, Weekly Packet, Ellsworth American, Bangor Daily News, The Island Advantage, and Castine Patriot. In June of 2002 David realized a lifelong dream when he and Marcia launched their own weekly newspaper The Bangor Broadside. David was a gifted storyteller and prolific writer, often telling humorous and insightful anecdotes. His skill at interviewing led to a series of articles highlighting the memories of Maine elders titled Memories and Memoirs. He enjoyed sharing tales of the history of Maine and the history of folk music. An avid reader, gardener, and music fan David attended many concerts in his life including several of his favorite musician, Bob Dylan. He instilled a love of music and literature in both his own children and those of his siblings. In his later years David enjoyed sitting on the front porch with his sunflowers and squirrels. He could often be found there reading the paper and listening to the radio and was always ready for a smile and a chat with a friend walking by. He was quick with a joke and his dry wit enlivened many a conversation. He was a fond supporter of NPR and never missed a broadcast of Prairie Home Companion. A devout Catholic, David was a faithful parishioner of St. John's Catholic Church of Bangor. He always looked for the good in others and over the years he opened his home and his heart to many friends and acquaintances in need. He is survived by his son Noel Walsh of Bangor, daughter and son-in-law Rachel Walsh Mattson and Kenneth of Fredericksburg, VA, grandchildren Jonathon Mattson and Sarah Mattson, sisters Clarice McClure and Bill of Brewer, Rita Kane and Arthur of Portland, brothers Kevin Walsh and Su hsin of Massachusetts and Paul Walsh of Colorado as well as 12 nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Marcia, his brother James Terrence Walsh of New Hampshire and sister-in-law Thelma Walsh of Colorado.