 
Assembly Resolution No. 205
 
BY: M. of A. Schimminger
 
        CELEBRATING  the  life and accomplishments of John
        B. Walsh
 
  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
the death of prominent citizens of the State of New York whose  lifework
and  civic  endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life in this great
Empire State, and one such individual was John B. "J.B." Walsh, a  major
figure for more than half a century in government, legal circles and the
arts who passed away on February 5, 2017; and
 
  WHEREAS,  A 1945 graduate of Canisius High School, J.B. Walsh earned
a bachelor of arts degree from Canisius College in 1950,  a  law  degree
from  Georgetown University in 1952 and was admitted to the New York bar
in 1953 and to the U.S. Supreme Court bar four years later; and
 
  WHEREAS,  J.  B.  Walsh's  legal  career  was  multidimensional  and
included stints as a clerk and trial attorney in Washington and New York
City,  a  partnership with the Buffalo law firm of Jaeckle, Fleischmann,
Kelly, Swart and Augsberger, trial counsel with the Anti-Trust  Division
of the Justice Department in Washington, executive secretary of the Erie
County Bar Association and an attorney and lobbyist in private practice;
and
 
  WHEREAS,  A  local  legend  in  the  art  of  old  school  politics,
government and law, J. B. Walsh represented high profile clients, was  a
confidant  of  elected  officials  ranging  from  mayors  to  governors,
established Erie County's assigned counsel system,  co-hosted  "The  Law
and You" television show, published in legal and scholarly journals, and
lectured  around  the country on various topics, especially on providing
counsel to the poor; and
 
  WHEREAS, J. B. Walsh had great respect for  our  nation's  two-party
political  system  and  he embraced and respected those in the political
arena, regardless of party affiliation, and worked with individuals from
both sides of the asle to achieve common goals for Buffalo  and  Western
New York; and
 
  WHEREAS,  With  the  heart  and passion of a troubadour, J. B. Walsh
sang the tunes of the day, sometimes with  a  political  twist,  at  his
favorite haunts which included Jew Murphy's Omega Steel Bar in the early
years  and  the  Boomerang Restaurant in later years, composed music and
lyrics for political spoofs performed at the old  Capitol  Club  in  the
1960s  and  1970s,  produced theatrical productions for the Grand Island
Playhouse and participated in international festivals in Monaco; and
 
  WHEREAS, In 1966, J. B. Walsh married a  reporter  for  the  Buffalo
News, the former Barbara Ashford, who died in 2001; together they raised
a   daughter,   Martha,  who  presented  them  with  a  grandson,  Harry
Walsh-Black; and
 
  WHEREAS, J. B. Walsh will be remembered by many  a  friend  for  his
charming  smile, witty thoughts and songs, and the lyrics of one song in
particular, "Happy Days Are Here Again", written by Buffalo native  Jack
 
Yellen,  are  a  reflection  of  J.  B.  Walsh's life, time and spirit -
"..Let's sing a song of cheer again, happy times,  happy  nights,  happy
days are here again!"; now, therefore, be it
 
  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of John B. "J.B." Walsh,  for  he
leaves  behind  a  legacy  that will endure the passage of time and will
remain a comforting memory to his family and friends; and be it further
 
  RESOLVED, That copies of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Martha Walsh and Harry Walsh-Black.
Celebrating the life and accomplishments of John B. Walsh

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