For Ian Walsh: Honoring a Life of Friendship & Kindness

Hello Friends & Family,

I'm Binkle.

[Ian and Me, at Three Links.]

Ian Weide Vaughan Walsh was my close friend; I have no doubt that he was yours as well. Ian had an incredible and innate way of transcending barriers and meeting people as friends he hadn't yet made.

He once told me that I had a way with words that he didn't have; I suppose it's fitting that I deliver this message to you now.

Truthfully, I would trade his gift for mine. I would certainly trade a lot more to have him here with us today.

I think that gift is what, among many things, made him a phenomenal barman. The ability to see people, and to let them see him as well. I experienced it firsthand when we met in late 2019. I began working at Local Traveler, where he was the Bar Manager. As a keen hospitality professional knows another quickly, we were soon thick as thieves. It wasn't two days before he invited me home to meet his roommate, Dave Ausberry, and share some laughs over drinks and video games. Ian always instinctively knew the way to my heart.

[Ian in his natural habitat.]

Dave didn't know that I was already plotting to get Ian to be MY roommate. Shoutout to you D, love you!

Then COVID-19 happened, so that plan took a backseat. Months went by but, thanks to Ian, we stayed in contact (which is rare for me), and later in 2020 he moved in. We shared a lot of things. Interests, chores, late nights, and especially the snacks he bought specifically for himself. Ian was a giver even when he didn't know it.

["Papa Fluff" and Ashes, our Malamute.]

Soon, I would meet Madison, my now wife. Ian was overjoyed for us and when the day came that she and I wanted to live together, we excitedly asked Ian to move with us.

[Ian, Madison, Me.]

What once was a friendship, became a family. We shared holidays, heart-to-hearts, hobbies, and countless hugs and handshakes. Ian was an integral part of our wedding and privy to our first year as newlyweds.

Years later, Madison and I started a family of our own, and Ian moved to a different unit in our building. It was truly a hard decision, but knowing he would be only a few floors away salved the sting a bit. He was out of our home, but never out of our thoughts.

[Ian in all his glory.]

Today, he is tragically gone and his memory is cemented in my mind and in my heart. He is survived by his grandparents Barbara and Tracy Walsh and an unyielding spirit in the Dallas hospitality community.

[Ian in the snow.]

The outpouring of sadness and somber remembrance is innumerable and immeasurable.

He is truly missed.

I've no doubt that the support will be the same.

That support is why I'm finding the words to reach out to you now. In the time since I was told of his passing, I have had very few.

As you know, funeral costs are high and can add up quickly...

I am organizing a memorial fundraising event to be held in Ian's honor, benefitting the Walsh's and their pursuit of a fitting resting place for our dear friend.

I will be turning over all funds raised to them in their time of need.

Service and Event Date are currently to be determined.

Rest in Peace, Ian.

[Ashes and Ian at White Rock Lake.]