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.