David J. Walsh

David "DJ" John Walsh, of South Dartmouth, Mass., formerly of Columbia, died July 18, 2008, due to a boating collision on Buzzards Bay, Mass. He was 64.

Born Oct. 6, 1943, in Natick, Mass., to David and Ruby Scannell Walsh, he graduated from Marion High School, in Natick.

In 1965, he graduated from Lowell Technical College with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

He married Melody Carr in 1974.

During his 40-year career in manufacturing, Mr. Walsh traveled throughout Maryland, the Midwest and internationally, as well. He held positions with General Electric, RCA, Teledyne Rodney Metals and Ferguson Perforating.

Mr. Walsh was a resident of Columbia for 15 years. In 1984, he moved to Louisville, Ky., for his then-employer, General Electric, for whom he worked for more than 20 years. He retired in 2003 as president of Ferguson Perforating in 2003.

He was a member of the board of directors for the New Bedford Yacht Club in New Bedford, Mass., a two-term chairman of the Buzzards Bay Regatta, held at New Bedford Yact Club and Marion Yacht Club in Massachusetts, and recipient of the 2007 Barb McCarthy Corinthian Spirit Award, given annually by the New Bedford Yacht Club to the NBYC member who demonstrates a love of sailing, an enthusiasm for racing and is a true friend to the club.

This year's Regatta, which was held Aug. 1-3, was dedicated to Mr. Walsh.

Family members recall that Mr. Walsh was a loyal husband, devoted father, grandfather and friend, as well as a prominent businessman. Also, he served as a sailing coach.

Mr. Walsh was predeceased by a sister, Marie Cummings.

In addition to his wife of 34 years, Melody Walsh, he is survived by a step-daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Jeff Lang, of Columbia; a stepson, Michael, and his wife, Jami Carr, of Virginia; and two granddaughters, Charlotte Lang and Rachel Lang.

Memorial services were held July 22, 2008, at the New Bedford Yacht Club.

Memorial donations may be made to the Community Boating Center Inc., 1641 Padanaram Ave., New Bedford, MA 02740. The funds will go toward a scholarship established in Mr. Walsh's name to make sailing accessible to children who otherwise might not have the means to experience it.

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