-
January 25, 2018
STEPHEN WALSH IS PICTURED SERVING IN HIS ROLE AS CANTOR AT ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL DURING THE CHRISM MASS ON APRIL 6, 2017. STEPHEN DIED JAN. 13 AT THE AGE OF 61 AFTER 25 YEARS LEADING LITURGICAL MUSIC AT THE CATHEDRAL. (PHOTO BY DENNIS CALLAHAN/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)Longtime St. Mary’s Cathedral cantor Stephen Walsh died Jan. 13 at age 61. He had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on Jan. 8.
Born in Portland on June 12, 1956, Stephen moved to San Francisco in the early 1980s. He forged a vibrant life of singing, acting and liturgical music.
In addition to his nearly 25-year career as cathedral cantor, Stephen also sang with the Gala Singers for years at wine tastings and other celebrations. A versatile baritone, he sang for classical concerts all over the Bay Area. He used his considerable acting, singing and dancing skills for many leading roles at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma.
Stephen was in charge of the Free Meals Program at Glide Memorial Church in the Tenderloin for many years, working with people in transition, and always treating them with dignity and respect.
“Stephen’s bravery extended itself in countless ways, always in support of justice,” according to an obituary in the program for the funeral Mass held Jan. 17 at the cathedral.
Stephen shared his love for his vocation in an email interview with Catholic San Francisco’s Tom Burke published in the April 17, 2015, issue.
“I love being a cantor at St. Mary’s Cathedral,” Stephen said, adding that he wanted Massgoers “to have a wonderful experience in our liturgies.”
“I want them to remember that they felt at home at the cathedral. I want them to feel like it is their church because it is, in fact, their cathedral,” he said.
“It’s a real blessing,” Stephen said. “I love to lead the music, to sing the Psalms, to be at the liturgies, to be a part of the team that keeps the liturgy flowing smoothly and effortlessly. It is called the celebration of the Eucharist for a reason and I love to be a part of the celebration with enthusiasm.”
Stephen is survived by his partner Eddie Odisho; his mother Marguerite Walsh; and siblings Larry Walsh (Leslie and their two sons, Brian and Jonathan), Kate Hoffman (Harry), Charles Walsh and Ann Radley (their daughter Ceridwen), Pat Walsh (Debbie and their son Timothy), his identical twin brother Kevin Walsh (John Strege), and David Walsh.