Walsh. Processing his death has been difficult.
J. Christopher Walsh was a remarkable man, a dedicated public servant and a
loyal friend. He cared deeply about his family and about Framingham.
He fought a tough diagnosis with optimism, humor, dignity, candor and an
amazing amount of courage. He also taught all of us by fine example, about
having a remarkable resiliency of spirit.
His and Cindy’s commitment to caring for both of his parents at home, despite
their progressing Alzheimer’s, says more about their heart and character than
anything I could possibly say about either one of them.
Chris taught me about living with dignity, adversity and perseverance—all at
the same time.
Most of you who know Chris, also know his dad, The Admiral; and you also know
there’s no doubt where Chris’s charm and the twinkle in his eye came from.
Chris went public with his initial diagnosis, defying the special stigma
reserved for elected officials with a serious cancer diagnosis. At the time he
did that he was already breaking down the stigma that many families of
Alzheimer’s patients face in their daily lives.
He proudly brought his dad with him to all types of events; MetroFest,
Selectmen’s Meetings and other community activities. Initially, it was to help
his dad get out of the house and socialize; later it was because he couldn’t
leave his dad alone.
The Admiral charmed us all; and seeing how wonderful Chris was with his dad,
warmed our souls. If The Admiral attempted to wander off, he was easily
retrieved and Chris just kept going with the flow. He was kind and gentle with
his dad—even when he himself was so sick.
When Chris was undergoing multiple harsh cancer treatments over the past few
years, he was still working on our behalf; and he was also getting up at
ungodly hours due to The Admiral’s sleep schedule. He never complained, and
always had an anecdote to share regarding what happened in the wee hours of the
morning; shining the light of his fine Irish humor on the situation.
Chris was a unique and special soul and I will deeply miss his friendship.
Cheryl
Cheryl Tully Stoll
6 Sullivan Terrace
Framingham, MA 01701
508-641-4884
<email obscured>
www.tullystoll.com