Obituary – Leo Walsh

Leo Walsh – a foundation member of the CMPA

Leo Walsh, the owner of Walsh Ballarat Quarries located in Dunnstown and Learmonth died just prior to Christmas at St John of God Health Care Services.

Mr Walsh was born in Ballarat as the youngest son to the late James and Ellen Walsh. He lost his father at an early age. Mr Walsh looked up to his older brothers and relied on their knowledge to learn the building and bricklaying trades.

He had a strong Catholic upbringing and going to mass each week was an important part of his life right up to his death.

Life for Mr Walsh started humbly but determination, ambition and sheer hard work became unique qualities, which gave him the ability to accomplish and succeed in whatever he envisaged.

Mr Walsh very much enjoyed the challenge of doing things his way.

Many young men including his own son Raymond did their building and bricklaying apprenticeships with him and he was always proud of his team of hardworking and dedicated men.

One very significant time in his industry was when Raymond became a partner in the business.

After many years in the building industry, Mr Walsh was having a few beers with his friend Jack Brogden who shared his interest in trotters.

Mr Brogden happened to mention there was outside interest to purchase the land where the trotting track lay.

Mr Walsh was curious and his business instincts were aroused especially as there was an existing bluestone quarry nearby. Soon after Mr Walsh began his own investigations and discovered through geology reports that the land was rich with natural basalt (bluestone) deposits.

In October 1982, the first ground blast signalled the end to three years of frustration and legal battles including a Supreme Court hearing to gain the right to mine the land.

In the early days, the quarry started as Walsh and Brogden Quarry now known as Walsh Ballarat Quarries Pty Ltd as Mr Walsh obtained sole ownership.

He wanted “Ballarat” included in the business because of his great love for the city.

He had the opportunity to travel the world but always told his children and grandchildren there was no place better than Ballarat. He would always break out in song singing “B-A-L-L-A-A-R-A-T”.

Dunnstown quarry was well established, and operating to it’s full potential as a family company.

One of Mr Walsh’s proudest achievements was winning a $3m contract for the supply of up to 200,000 tonnes of crushed rock to the Ballarat Bypass.

He saw the opportunity to develop a similar quarry operation on the other side of town and so the company expanded and the Learmonth site was developed about ten years ago.

The growth of a branch company called Ballarat Dimensional Stone was formed involving it’s truck division, which enhanced both quarries operations.

His recent project that sadly he will not see to fruition, was the purchase of Wendouree’s famous Timken Site, where he saw the potential for further land development

Mr Walsh never wore a suit and tie to work. He wore his overalls and work boots and was often mistaken for one of his employees. Many clients would arrive on the site looking for the boss not realising they were already talking to him.

Apart from his business activities, Mr Walsh was a mate to many people and was a dearly loved husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by wife Joan, son Raymond and daughters Gayle and Lee-Anne and their families.

Written by Raymond on behalf of the Walsh family.

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