Robert Walsh
My poppy died of lung cancer on March 4/2008 in St. John’s, NL only 16 months after being diagnosed.
My poppy was a well respected man who worked 33 years with Marine Atlantic in St. John’s, NL before retiring. My whole world was shattered when I learned that, at age 61, my poppy was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The man who had saved so many lives through his 93 blood donations was now fighting for his own life. He was a person who cared about others more than he cared about himself.
He was always very proud to show me the pictures and letters from the little boy in India who he had sponsored for many years.
Poppy was a highly religious man who devoted himself to attending church as often as six days a week. He was also very involved in The Legion of Mary, a group who gathered to pray the rosary at hospitals and funeral homes. He faithfully wore the brown scapular which promised Holy Mary’s divine protection. He taught me so much about my faith and this is helping me become a better person.
Poppy was diagnosed in December 2006 and slowly, as time went on, and after numerous Chemotherapy treatments failed, I could see he was losing his battle with cancer. I was so scared but poppy always told me to trust in God. Near the end of his life, I remember the one thing poppy said that I’ll never forget; “You know Austin, cancer has taken everything away from me but the one thing it will never take is the love I have for my children and grandchildren”.
On March 4, 2008 poppy lost his fight to cancer with his son, daughter, sisters and best friend by his side.
Almost as if he knew it was his time to go -he opened his eyes to see us all that one last time.
Poppy’s one wish was to see me make by First HolyCommunion in May. At his funeral (March 8/08), in honour of my poppy, the priest let me receive my First Holy Communion. I was so happy because Poppy’s wish came true after all. Now I am blessed with my best friend (my poppy) as my guardian angel forever.
I will never forget him; he will live on in my memory forever.
Austin Walsh
