RIP Br Doug Walsh: A Life of Unconditional Fidelity, Friendship, Love, and Presence

On 1 January, Br Doug Walsh passed away in Melbourne, Australia. Below is an obituary written by Br Darren Burge, the Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province.

It is with great sadness that I advise you that Br Doug Walsh died peacefully last night at 6.35 pm in Melbourne. His family, including his twin sister, Maureen, together Br Harry Prout were with him, and praying with him throughout the day. Doug was peaceful and comfortable. Fr Wayne, the Parish Priest of Heidelberg West, anointed him later in the afternoon. Doug was 88 years old and had been a brother for 70 years.

Peter Doug Walsh was born in Werribee, Victoria, on 28 November 1937 to Agnes (Rousch) and David Patrick Walsh, the third child of a family of four children. He is survived by his twin sister, Maureen.

Br Doug Walsh FMS 28.11.1937 - 01.01.2026

As you would know, Doug’s health had been plagued by cancer for many years, which commenced with prostate cancer and spread to many secondary areas of his body. He had many chemotherapy treatments over a long period of time but always bounced back and never seemed to let it stop him from doing anything. In September last year, further scans showed that the treatments were no longer effective and were ceased.

Doug’s health had deteriorated significantly in early December even though when I asked him how he was his response was “still positive”. He was also still attending meetings and outings during the first part of December. This positive outlook was also reflected in a phone call he made to the Melbourne Cricket Ground to enquire about how he could get his wheelchair into the venue for the first football match of Collingwood’s season. In the last two weeks his renal function started to become poorer, his mobility became an issue for him and his body started to shut down in the Christmas week. On 27 December, he also received the sad news that his older brother, Pat, had died. This was a further setback after the death of Matthew, his nephew, some weeks before.

In October, Peter Carroll and I had the privilege to call him to thank him for his wonderful life as a brother reminding him of the thousands of people he had inspired throughout his life. He sounded so peaceful and accepting of his circumstances, maintaining that trademark positivity that has touched the lives of so many. Only two weeks later, I was amazed to see him appear on screen at the Brothers' Online Forum from his hospital bed. Remarkably, he had a computer set up on the tray table and participated actively in our discussions. He stated that a notice was displayed on the room door informing others that he was participating in a Zoom conference. That must be a first in a hospital! His attendance at this meeting was a classic example of Doug’s vital interest in all things Marist and his unceasing desire to connect with people and encourage them.

Throughout the years of his illness, Doug continued to lead the life he wanted by being involved in a vast array of activities both here and overseas. Despite his obvious frailty, he attended every day of the Marist Association Assembly in Brisbane in June. He saw the Marist Association as a key aspect of Marist life into the future and even spoke from the floor on one occasion to make a statement along these lines.  

Early Childhood

Doug received his early education in Beulah, a small rural town in Victoria's southern Mallee region, where his father served as Headmaster. Following his family's relocation to Bendigo, he attended Marist Brothers Bendigo for part of his secondary schooling, before entering the juniorate in Macedon in 1952 and subsequently joining the novitiate in 1955. He began his teaching career at Northam in 1957 and, after a period in Subiaco, was appointed Headmaster at Northam in 1963. Doug later held leadership positions as Headmaster in Traralgon and as Boarding Master at Kilmore for many years, prior to becoming Director of Marist Welfare Services in 1996. His work with marginalised students during this time proved especially rewarding, sparking a deep commitment to supporting those experiencing any kind of disadvantage.

It did not take Doug long to know that humans were already holy and the secret was to be the best human he could be leading him to dedicate himself to community engagement wherever he could. He developed a strong commitment to supporting those often overlooked, which became a driving force throughout his life. Doug contributed to food vans, served as a consultant and volunteer with Vinnies both locally and in Bagong Barrio, Philippines, and facilitated bread deliveries to soup kitchens. In recent years, he provided significant support to the Heidelberg West community through leadership of the St Vincent de Paul conference, fostering the faith life of residents, and offering companionship and presence. The people of Heidelberg West were close to Doug’s heart.

Doug's involvement with Young Marists motivated him to engage young people in discussions about justice and faith. He participated in numerous REMAR retreats, where he was widely recognised for his hospitality and supportive role. Both staff and students valued his contributions during these events, appreciating his embodiment of servant leadership and his positive influence.

Doug’s deep belief in people and his depth of spirituality, were lived out so explicitly in his relationships with others as ‘Brother’, always walking alongside others as equal, loving and encouraging them in their life journey. Countless people will celebrate the extraordinary life of this exceptional man and beloved Brother, who truly embodied the ‘joy of the Gospel’ that Pope Francis frequently mentioned. He will be sadly missed by so many.

I offer Doug’s family, particularly Maureen and family, our deepest sympathy. We are especially conscious of the tough time it has been for the family with the recent death of Pat and Matthew, Doug’s nephew. Doug had a close relationship with his family and cherished any time he had with them.

I offer our sympathy to Br Harry Prout, his companion at Heidelberg West, and Br John McMahon and the community at Fitzroy North. We are most grateful for the exceptional care that Doug received from the nurses at Fitzroy North.

Rest in Peace, Doug.

-Br Darren Burge

Provincial