Peter Walsh - RIP

[pyjamarama]

My father died this week. Over two years ago he suffered a stroke which left him severely disabled and confined to a wheelchair. The purpose of this thread is twofold. First of all to thank the club for the pleasure that he gained over many years of watching the Reds. Secondly as his obituary notice missed this week's edition of the Observer, to let those who knew him and might want to attend his funeral service. It's at St Josephs Church, Belgarth Road, Accrington on Wednesday, 24th April at 9.30am.

Being perched by him on the red brick wall behind the Huncoat end at Peel Park as a very young child is my earliest memory of watching the Stanley. Sadly the last time we made it together to a game was against Barnet a few weeks ago. He used to love having his wheelchair parked up next to Chris in the section for those with disabilities, and learning some new abusive terms normally directed by Chris at the linesman, sometimes even before the game had kicked off! Thanks Chris for your entertaining full match commentaries. They were some of the lighter moments in a very dark two year period for my dad.

Going to watch Stanley together were some of the best father/son times we had. He often talked about the Walter Galbraith period which was before my time, and the sad exit from the Football League in 1962. It wasn't uncommon in those days to watch all three local sides, but during that period with no Accrington side we both went to Turf Moor, whilst my three brothers went over to the 'dark side' at Ewood. Following the rebirth of Stanley in 1968 we continued watching the Clarets but took in as many Stanley games as possible, until we got to the point where we were watching more Stanley games than Burnley's.

I'd like to finish this with a big thank you to Eric Whalley, and John and Jimmy who fulfilled both our dreams by getting us back in the Football League. Looking back I was reminded of my Dad messing up his big chance of TV fame. Outside the Deva Stadium in Stanley's first game back, a young Sky TV reporter thrust a microphone in my Dad's face and asked 'Were you at the last league game that Stanley played in 1962?'. He was a little bit deaf and replied 'What! I can't hear you!' and the reporter moved on without a second thought to his next victim.

Thanks for many happy memories.

On Stanley On!

[Wynonie Harris]

RIP Peter and condolences to you and your family for your loss, Pyamarama.

[cashman]

Sincere Condolences, R.I.P. to another owd red man.

[yonmon]

Although my meetings with Peter were usually in the post-match rush with just enough time to say 'bye in passing, I and many others will miss his presence at future games.
I too add my condolences to his family and friends at this sad
time.

[ossy kid]

Sincere condolences, a sad loss to your family and the Red Gang.

[Outback Ozzy]

I can only echo others on this thread, sincere condolences to you and your family. Will be enjoying t'reds with our Jack Barrett from upon high.

[JCB]

Sorry to hear our your dad . He was a gentleman , a man of principle , a man whom I was always pleased to meet .