John Martyn Walsh, 72, saw a welcome sight in his first-born son Patrick ‘Atsa Yaazh’(Young Eagle), as he was guided into heaven on October 20, 2015. Also welcoming him home were a nephew, Joseph, a brother, Kirk, and his parents Ruth Lee and Harold Thomas Walsh. In addition to others gone too soon, his many beloved four-legged family members of years past met John at the rainbow bridge- ready to run and ready to ride.

John Martyn was born to Harold Thomas and Ruth Lee (Costello) Walsh in Witchita, Kansas on March 30, 1943. Shortly after, with his parents and older brother, the family home was made in Alamosa, Colorado. He was baptized at the Sacred Heart Church, where he was later an altar boy. “Johnny”, as his schoolmates affectionately knew him, had many fond memories of growing up in Alamosa.

His grandparents owned the Walsh Hotel where he and his cousins would throw coins into the wishing well. There are many stories involving “the loop”, Splashland, and Cole Park. His love for Labrador Retrievers began on the banks of the Rio Grande, where he would often swim his dogs in between hunting outings for grouse, geese, duck, or whatever happened to be in season. John also discovered fishing in his youth, a love he later shared with his own sons.

After high school graduation, John followed in the footsteps of his parents and older brother and enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

In 1963, he suspended his education to once again follow in his father and brother’s footsteps and serve his country. He enlisted in the Army. He was sent to basic training at Fort Ord, California. He fondly recalled Big Sur and a private visit to Hearst Castle while on a three-day pass. He then went to San Antonio and then on to jump school in Fort Benning, GA. John chose Special Forces and was sent to Fort Bragg, NC, where he trained with the 82nd Airborne Division. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group as a Medic in Southeast Asia and was also sent to the Dominican Republic. He wore the revered Green Beret. John was a decorated combat veteran.

As a Special Forces Combat Medic, John saw not only hardship, but also the giving of life through childbirth. The knowledge he gained later afforded him the ability to deliver all five of his children at home.

Upon returning to the United States, John resumed his education at Adams State College, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in Business Administration. However, his love of Archaeology also had roots at ASC. During this time, he was a regular at the Campus Cafe, where he met his future wife and eventual mother of his children, Delene. Delene and John shared many interests including music- going to Rolling Stones and Doobie Brothers concerts. They both also loved the outdoors and introduced this love to their children who all spent many hours off-roading in all areas of the San Luis Valley especially- often admiring the beauty of Mt. Blanca and wildlife seen along the way.
John and Delene were happy to meet Dennison and Marie Smith of Gallup, New Mexico. They quickly became their “Navajo Family”. John knew, and held sacred, the ways of the Great Spirit, Mother Earth and the path of the Native American Church. John walked in Harmony.

During his time working for the United States Postal Service, John was a Union President and passionately advocated for many in terms of fair treatment and labor rights. He also frequently visited the Lazy-Y-Arrow Ranch owned by his mother and father in- law, Wilbur and Doris Alvey, where he helped with farm and ranch work and later as a caretaker in their last years.

John adventurously went on elk hunting trips to the mountains- many of them on the back of a smooth gaiting Tennessee Walking Horse, a breed of which he was a proud owner. He enjoyed these trips with Patrick, close friends, and also with cousins Lono and Jason.
All five of John’s children became state champions. Whether the sport was BMX, wrestling, or track, John always said, “You are only as good as your competition” and provided as many opportunities as possible for his children to face the best. He believed in the power of “positive mental attitude” and had encouraging words for young people throughout the years. John spent many hours sweeping the berms at Rad River Raceway and made many trips back and forth to town to put his young athletes on an early morning bus. His children fondly remember him taking them swimming at Splashland and the Hot Springs, cheering them on in AYSO, smiling proudly at dance recitals, and yelling “stick ‘em” when they were on the mat.

Whether the activity was skiing, hunting, or arrowhead hunting, John loved the great outdoors and calling the San Luis Valley home. In his golden years, he was able to make trips to the “hills” with his granddaughter- and took her for her first trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument this past summer. He loved to cook. Hatch green chile or stuffed jalapeños on the grill were among his favorites.

Those closest to him appreciate his sense of humor and wit- and even his famous ornery streak. The thoughtfulness of sending a hand written note, a specially picked out card- or care package will be missed greatly. He had a heart of pure gold.
John showed his “survivor spirit” through a long hard stint with numerous health challenges. In the end, he remained optimistic- his last Sunday on earth, he played lotto and watched his favorite NFL team, the Denver Broncos, go 6-0. Of course, he went after and read his "morning paper" as well. Through his trials and tribulations, John never lost his faith. He spent his last hours in the privacy of his own home, which was important to him.

John is survived by his #1 granddaughter Lynnae Vivian Beek: mother of his five children, Delene (Alvey) Walsh; sons, Daniel and Michael Walsh, his daughters, Maurene (Lucas) Beek and Collene ‘Nizhoni-Bah’ Walsh; a sister-in law, Kay H. Walsh of Chula Vista, California; a brother-in-law, Kevin (Val) Alvey; nieces, Stephanie Walsh, Patricia (David) Coy, and Judy (Mark) Jackson; a nephew, John Thomas Walsh; cousins, including Lono (Lani) Costello, Jason Costello, and Holly Lowder; his “Navajo Family” of Gallup (and Bend, Oregon); and other endeared from the far corners of “the Valley” to Alaska to Ft. Collins to Italy.

John’s Celebration of Life will begin with a Come and Go at the American Legion Post in Alamosa from 3 p.m- 6:30. on Tuesday, November 10th. A Candlelight Vigil will follow at 7 p.m., with a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, November 11th at 10 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Church in Alamosa, Colorado. We then ask that John’s friends and family attend the local Veteran’s Day parade in honor of all Veterans. Following the parade, we will gather at El Charro Café.

Military Honors will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please support Alamosa Kids Wrestling c/o Rusty Johnson or your local Veterans Service Organizations.

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