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Dear Uncle Harry. Congrats on your retirement. You made it! I doubt you'll retire though from being that kind, gentle and wonderful man I remember from my youth. I got so excited when you used to come and visit from the States and what a sight it was to see you and Dad laughing together. How the years apart disappeared in an instant. I'm living in Australia right now and will be in New Zealand in the future. We might be a world away but you are in my thoughts always. Infact I see you every morning when I look in the mirror. Those damn Walsh eyes, you can run but you can't hide. SO have an amazing new chapter in your life and stay in touch. Lots of love from your nephew Jim, Megan and 2year old Betty Walsh (A newer and improved Walsh)

Hear Ye!-Hear Ye! Harry! Harry! What a beautiful turnout for your Tribute party. The place was packed, just as I knew it would be. I need to share this now, as I could not on that day because I did not want to start blubbering and sobbing and it would have been just a mess! I remember when you came to St. Henry's and it was if we just gotten a blast of fresh, clean air to breath into our souls! Your homilies, as Gene Garmen mentioned, were directed right to me! I could not wait to come back for more. Back then I seemed to be living in world that was "upside down" and you helped make it "upside right". So many people have said that you were always one who "walked WITH the people", this is so true. To me you are a true shepherd, and most of all my favorite "little guy", always so humble and giving, and thinking of others. I wanted to look out and say to the crowd that day, "Shall we sing that song Carol Burnett used to end her show with? "I'm so glad we had this time together", because the music will never be the same again without you Harry. So I'm glad we sang "I Believe" instead. Because we ALL believe in you Harry. Very well then, as the the Herald would declare,"The Queen has found her heart!"...so have ALL of us because of you! Love, The little Herald and her husband Ketzel

Harry, I wish you all the best in the coming years. I hope they are full of good things. Jim would be proud of all your achievements, particularly keeping the Walsh music alive. Your compositions deserve to be heard on the world stage! Margaret Walsh

Dear Uncle Harry. Congratulations on your retirement! I hope you get to do all the things you've always wanted - maybe even finishing your book 'Bowsie' (of course, that's a provisional title!). With love from your niece, Anne-Marie xxx

Fr. Harry-'Tis a gift you have been as sure as the sun rises and sets! Blessed we have been to have basked in the light of your love, wisdom, humor, teaching, music, humility and gentle spirit. Our God comes to us in the presence of thse such as you dear Fr. Harry- whose immeasurable impact on our lives in miriad ways will continue until you play us yet another song of praise in heaven! Music is the language of the soul. we are grateful that you've chosen to share yours with us. This sad old world still needs you so please keep it up! Thank you can not begin to cover it. Bless you seems far too meager a response, although heartfelt. We love you - more than you can imagine. Anything at all, any time at all - just ask. Love and prayers, Linda Rohland and family

Dia leat, Harry ! Your "French connections" are with you in spirit at your retirement celebration. Unfortunately, we don't get to meet up very often, but you're in our thoughts and prayers, and at least modern technology is there to keep us in touch ! Fondly yours Maria, Ghislain and Sean (Paris, France)

Hi Harry, Helen here your niece from Ireland. It's so wonderful to read the wonderful effect and joy you've had and brought to your friends and colleagues in the States. I found so much help and solace in your letters to me in the past and i can only say that the healing you have brought to the world has been on both sides of the pond. I hope this retirement brings you great peace and affords you some time for yourself. I can't imagine you'll stop being as active as you now are. That crazy Walsh brain is something I can identify with! It's wonderful to know that you're helping others to sing from their souls over there and I'm trying to do the same over here. Be kind to yourself now and do your parishioners a favour and write a book so they can read your words for a very long time. The work of a priest who sees farther, loves deeper, heals without judgment and allows people to turn their faces in hope and trust to the One in whom all anxiety finds relief is more than a blessing. It is the work of jesus on the cross telling the good thief, that despite all, with nothing more than an open heart, and a sense of our own incompleteness that we will be with Jesus forever in Paradise. You've lifted my soul with just your words over the years. You have lifted the souls of your people for many more. God go with you now on this next step. Big loves and Irish kisses Helen

Fr. Harry thank you for the privilege of being your secretary. It was always a pleasure to come to work and be greeted by your smile. If I was ever a little down you would ask if it was something you said or did. My answer would be,"No, I'm just a little inside tired and need to work through it, "and your response was always, "I'm in my office if you need me." Harry, that is what you have been for St. Henry's Parish, always there for us when we needed you. Bob and I are so happy to call you our friend. Please know we will always be here for you as you have been there for us. Sharon and Bob

While I have known you for only a year, I have been blessed to be welcomed as a part of the choir. As I was watching the beautiful sunset a few minutes ago, I was reminded that Moses, at 80 or so, left the familiar, reasonably comfortable life he had known for many years to go into unfamiliar service. Abram, too, was not young when he stepped into a journey leading to a whole new way of life. We are all familiar with his sons Ishmael and Isaac (the family fued goes on), but we seldom think of the other children he and Keturah had after Sarah's death. Who knows what adventures await you! (Only God, & he's not telling us everything at this point!)

Fr. Harry, We began attending St. Henry's soon after we were married and we always enjoyed your Homily's with a little Irish Story included at the old parish. Then, when you became a part of the Music Ministry at St. Henry's new parish, we were so excited to see you bring that joy of music into our parish community! You have been an important part of our lives and parish family for many years. I really hope you can still share the Gift of your Musical Talent with us through your Writing. We are a very Blessed Community for having known you, Fr. Harry, and we wish you all the Best in your Retirement years ahead! Thank-you for your guidance, love, compassion, direction in our faith and for inspiring us with your beautiful music! We Love you, Fr. Harry and will greatly miss your presence at St. Henry's! The Eastlund Family