John Scott Walsh

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of John Walsh, of Portage la Prairie, MB, on February 5th, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 70 years.                            

John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Winnie, of 49 years, and his children Dana (Jeff) and Jaret (Stacey), grandchildren Kenzie, Taylor and Jordyn. He is also survived by his 4 sisters Shirley, Gail (Gary), Joan (Scott), June and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, James Arthur and Edith Bernice and in-laws Edwin and Muriel Berry.

Born January 27, 1953, John grew up in the Gladstone area, graduating from William Morton Collegiate where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Winnie. After graduation, John then moved to Portage where he completed his psychiatric nursing diploma at the Manitoba Developmental Centre. He went on to enjoy his work at MDC for the next couple of years.

However, with both he and Winnie working shift work, John looked for a job with more regular hours. He landed at Portage MPI where he stayed for the following 20+ years. In 1996, the opportunity to purchase and build the Portage la Prairie A&W Restaurant came available and John decided to take the leap. He owned and operated the restaurant for 5 years. After the sale of

the restaurant, John managed Taylor Janitorial until his retirement. John & Winnie loved travelling and were lucky to take trips throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Cuba as well as cruises on the Mediterranean and Caribbean. When they retired, they spent the winters in Mesa. Once John’s health deteriorated, they wintered in Puerto Vallarta and then Mazatlan. He so thoroughly enjoyed the warm weather and especially the friends they met along the way.

John enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and spent many weekends doing so.  John loved everything sports related; be it playing or watching.  His passion was playing baseball, curling and golf. He met many of his lifelong friends while participating in each sport.  John held many titles in his life, from adjuster to entrepreneur, but his favorite roles were being a father and grandfather. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He was always there for them, whether he was helping them with home renovations or cheering them on at their various activities.

While John left us far too soon, the impact he had on our community will be felt for years to come. He was elected to the board of directors for the Portage Credit Union for many years and held the position of President for several. He was a member of the Portage Foresters and served as President for a number of years. John was presently a member of the Portage UCT and served as President for several years. Currently serving as President of the UCT Manitoba Saskatchewan Regional Council. He was also active in the Trinity United Church.

We are incredibly blessed to have had him as our Dad, husband, Papa, uncle, cousin, and friend.  We will miss him every day and love him always.

Viewing and visitation will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 7 pm to 8 pm.  A celebration of John’s Life will be held at Trinity United Church on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm, led by Wilma Shirriff.  The service was recorded and can be viewed below.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in John’s memory to Manitoba Lung Association, Box 2040, Station Main Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R3.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com