Lawrence Edward Walsh

1912 - 2014

Lawrence Edward Walsh obituary, 1912-2014, Nichols Hills, OK

BORN

1912

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors

6600 Broadway Extension

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Lawrence Walsh Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 21, 2014.

Lawrence E. Walsh, a former federal judge who served as the court-appointed Independent Counsel investigating the Iran/Contra matter from 1986 to 1994, died on March 19, 2014 in his home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, following a brief illness. He was 102 years old.
Judge Walsh was born in Port Maitland, Nova Scotia, on January 8, 1912. He grew up in Flushing, Queens, New York, where he attended high school. His father died when he was 14, and he worked his way through college and law school by working as a merchant seaman during the summers He graduated from Columbia College in 1932, and from Columbia Law School in 1935. In later years, Judge Walsh was a trustee of Columbia University, and received its Medal for Excellence.
After graduating from law school, Judge Walsh served as a prosecutor in the office of New York County District Attorney Thomas E. Dewey. After Dewey was elected as Governor of New York State, Judge Walsh served as Assistant Counsel to the Governor from 1943 to 1949, and as Counsel to the Governor from 1950 to 1951. From 1951 to 1953 Judge Walsh was Counsel to the New York State Public Service Commission, and from 1953 to 1954 he was General Counsel and Executive Director of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor.
From 1954 to 1957 Judge Walsh was a United States District Judge in the Southern District of New York, appointed by President Eisenhower. From 1957 to 1960 he served as the Deputy Attorney General in the United States Department of Justice during the Eisenhower Administration.
In 1961, Judge Walsh joined the New York City law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as a senior partner. In 1969, Judge Walsh served as Deputy Head of the United States delegation to the Paris peace talks on Vietnam, with the rank of Ambassador. Judge Walsh retired from Davis Polk in 1982 and moved to his wife's home town, Oklahoma City, where he was of counsel to the law firm of Crowe & Dunlevy.
In 1986, Judge Walsh was appointed as Independent Counsel to investigate the Iran/Contra matter. He served as Independent Counsel from 1986 to 1994, during which time he and his office brought indictments against Oliver North, John Poindexter, Caspar Weinberger, and other defendants. After completing his work as Independent Counsel, Judge Walsh wrote a book about his experiences, which was entitled Firewall: The Iran/Contra Conspiracy and Cover-Up. Judge Walsh also wrote an autobiography entitled The Gift of Insecurity.
In addition to his public service, Judge Walsh was a leader in the legal profession. He was President of the American Bar Association (1975-1976), President of the New York State Bar Association (1966-1967), and a long-time member of the Council of the American Law Institute.
Judge Walsh was a person of great character, integrity, and devotion to duty. He was demanding of both himself and others, and was never satisfied with less than his best. He was an example for all who knew him.
Judge Walsh is survived by his children, Barbara Marie Walsh, Janet Walsh Larson (Alan Larson), Sara Porter Walsh (Frank Hagel), Dale Edward Walsh, and Elizabeth P. Walsh La Colla (Peter La Colla), as well as by his grandchildren, Winton Emmett, Blaine Wells, Logan Wells, and Megan LaColla-Linquist, and by his great-grandchildren, Tucker Emmett and Madison Emmett. His wife of 47 years, Mary Porter Walsh, died on December 22, 2012.
Memorial Services will be held 2:00pm, Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, and a Memorial Service will be held in New York City at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Walsh

What is your first memory of Lawrence?

Share a favorite memory you have of Lawrence.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Lawrence.

Describe a time when Lawrence made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Lawrence?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Lawrence.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Lawrence.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Lawrence.

What is something you learned from Lawrence?

Not sure what to say?

November 25, 2016

Valenda Newell

April 29, 2014

Joe Winslow

Your father was an amazing person who never stopped working hard in his tenuous service to his country and family. I knew Liz soon after she moved to Topeka, and met him once when he visited. But I read about him prior to that--when he was asked to come out of retirement to act as special prosecutor--and admired him for all he'd been through and accomplished. I'm sorry for your loss, but his life is one of which you can all be proud!

April 10, 2014

My deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of meeting Sara in Carefree, Arizona.
Julie (Rogers)DeMarois
Kissimmee, florida

March 28, 2014

rest in peace

March 26, 2014

Christine Early

The greatest legacy your dad leaves for me is you. My fifth sister and an amazing human being. I will be forever grateful to him for bringing you into this world. xoxox

March 26, 2014

I send my deepest condolences to your family. May God be with you in your time of grief.

March 26, 2014

LO

Like his outrageous personality A person who fought and expressed what his mind would direct him into. And, it would prove a lesson in the fact of not giving up! Now it's time for him to go to rest and to wait until our Lord Jesus bring him back to life (John 5:27,28) Please accept my most sincere condolences.

March 25, 2014

TO THE FAMILY OF LAWRENCE WALSH. I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF MR. WALSH. MAY YOU FIND COMFORT BY DRAWING CLOSE TO GOD DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME (PS 121:1-8)

March 25, 2014

Betsy Replogle

I am so sad to hear he is gone. Judge Walsh and Annie were the nicest dog walking companions I ever had. I have always admired him and miss chatting with him. My condolences to his family.

March 25, 2014

I send all of my condolences. May God be with your family.

March 24, 2014

Barb, So sorry to learn of your dad's passing. I have the warmest memories of you and him and your family during our horsey girl days. He was an authentically kind person. Fondly, Liz Climenko Clarke

March 24, 2014

Michael E. Grayson

God blessed His wonderful servant with courage and integrity. Thank you for your years of service. List America along with the throngs that will miss this good man. God help us to know when more men like him will appear to help us.RIP. God will comfort the family.

March 23, 2014

Mike W. Barr

Deepest sympathy to the family of a dedicated and valued public servant and protector of democracy. Men like Lawrence Walsh are needed, and when they are gone, they are sorely missed. Thank you.

March 23, 2014

candy & john tenerow

I did not know you, but have had the pleasure of knowing Liz. What an amazing and long life. Your family is truly blessed. May God send only the peace that He is able to send to all the family.

March 22, 2014

Thank you for your many impeccable years of public service to our country. It is gentlemen like you that make me proud to be an ÀMerican. MY deepest sympathy to your
family.

March 22, 2014

Mary A. Briggs

My deepest sympathy to the Walsh family. My America is a better place for his good works. Holding those in public trust accountable for their actions is a difficult but, noble pursuit. It is sad many went unpunished for their undermining of democracy. Thank you for exposing the Iran/Contra coverup. Bless you sir.

March 22, 2014

Brenda

March 22, 2014

Matthew McGuire

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 22, 2014

Joann Bell

He was a scholar and a gentleman and a very patriotic American. My sincere condolences to the family.

March 22, 2014

My condolences to the family. John 17:3

March 21, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.

March 21, 2014

I was sorry to hear about the death of Lawrence Walsh. He served the public's interest for years. Family and friends can look forward to seeing him again with perfect health under the rule of the Prince of Peace forever.

March 21, 2014

Elaine Brooks

To the family of your love one I wish to express my deepest sympathy and convey to you the comfort and peace that comes from our God during this trial some time.2cor1:2&3 and Matt 5:3.

March 21, 2014

sherelle

So sorry for this loss for your family. There will be a time when sickness and death be a thing of the past. Rev 12:4

March 21, 2014

May Jehovah be your source of comfort during this time of deep sorrow.

March 21, 2014

Charlotte

So sorry for your loss. May God bless the family at this time of sadness. (Psalm72:12-14).

March 21, 2014

Reed

Offering my deepest condolences to the Walsh family, may God grant you strength and courage as you face the coming days.

March 21, 2014

This is the hardest things we can go through, because we are never prepared for death of a love one, so please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more for this has been promised to us. Please except my deep condolences.

March 21, 2014

Sincere condolences to the family of
Lawrence Walsh. May the God of comfort be with
you and your family at this difficult time.

March 20, 2014

Bob Houle

Mr Walsh is the epitome of what we call a true American Patriot. As a matter of principle all Federal and US State flags should be lowered to half mast to honor and celebrate this man.
A giant of a man- and this country is a better place because of his work !

March 20, 2014

My condolences to the Walsh family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your love one.

March 20, 2014

Godspeed, Thank you for your hard work.
KGJ

March 20, 2014

Psalm 46:1

March 20, 2014

Pamela Lodefink

We all owe a great debt to Lawrence Walsh. In our time, where are the truth tellers with his intellect and courage?

Sincere condolences
Pamela Lodefink

March 20, 2014

Mike P

Rest in peace

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Lawrence Walsh's name

Memorial Events
for Lawrence Walsh

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors

6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116-1298

How to support Lawrence's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lawrence Walsh's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more