Thomas J. Walsh

The Singing Bus Driver, 63, of Bay City, was born into eternal life on the evening of Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Toni & Trish House after a 1 ½ year battle with Stage IV Prostate Cancer. Thom was born in Bay City, where he remained on November 7, 1953, the son of the late Thomas L. and Louise B. (Johnroe) Walsh. He was a 1972 graduate of John Glenn High School. Thom met the former Beth Phillips and in late 1993 they were married in Las Vegas, returning several times as travel was something Thom always enjoyed. Thom and Beth spent nearly all their time together and never had a fight. He was to retire this month from Bay Metro where he had been employed for 37 years. Thom enjoyed the sport of softball and remained involved the last several years with local Bay Softball, holding office for numerous years as well as District 17 Commissioner with the MASA from 2002-2016. Throughout life, Thom cherished his friendships made at both work and softball. Thom leaves to carry on his legacy, his devoted wife Beth; Thom’s children Corey Walsh and Kelli and Matt Petrowski. He so enjoyed being “Grampa” to Claire and Kate. Going to the Bay County Fair and golf cart rides were their thing! Thom will forever remain alive in the hearts of his siblings and their families: Janice and Larry Nash, Kathleen Urbaniak, Michael and Patti (Villarreal) Walsh; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Carla Phillips; in-laws, Bill Phillips, Bob and Sandy Phillips, and many loving nieces, nephews, and countless friends. In addition to his parents, Thom was welcomed home to heaven by his beautiful sister, Maureen; brother-in-law, Al Urbaniak; nephew, Jeff Mantyla, and sister-in-law, Cheryl (VanSumeren) Phillips. Thom’s family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service and again on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 9:00 AM until the time of Thom’s 10:00 AM Life Celebration at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Toni & Trish House would be greatly appreciated. Thom wanted to extend a special thank you to Dr. Megan Caram and N.P. Amira Deep at the University of Michigan, Dr. Rajesh Dandamudi, and the many others that were so devoted to Thom’s care. Beth also thanks nieces, Krystle Jaskiewicz and Janelle Wilhelm, as well as her friend, Carrie Norris Engevik of Washington, who have been her constant. Many always noticed Thom’s never ending smile! Now without pain, he smiles down upon us as he continues to make up songs. “So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart. For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.” Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.