Stephen “Steve” Walsh
Steve spent nearly his entire life loving and playing guitar. He was a guitar virtuoso who played lead in several bands, and was accepted to and attended the Guitar Institute of Technology (now the Musicians Institute) in Los Angeles, at just 17 years old, before coming back home to the Western suburbs. Steve worked for many years as a painting contractor, but loved most of all his positions as a guitar teacher. He always encouraged his students, young and old, to learn and have fun with music. It was his passion. When summertime came, you could find Steve heading to the family cottage in Culver, IN, where his waterskis awaited. He was the self-anointed “King of the Lake,” and his skills and tricks entertained Lake Maxinkuckee for 35 years. He is survived by his parents, William J. Walsh Jr. and Lydia Walsh, of LaGrange; his brother, Patrick, sister-in-law, Nikki, their four children Ryan, Collin, Brendan, and Shannon, of Naperville, IL, and his sister, Laurie Walsh and her husband, Paul Ritchie, of Chicago. Steve “Guitarman” Walsh was one-of-a-kind, and his big presence, silly sense of humor, and beautiful smile will be missed by all who loved him. There will be a private memorial for family and close friends. Memorial donations may be made to one of Steve’s favorite organizations: The Hinsdale Humane Society, 22 N Elm St, Hinsdale, IL 60521. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home (708) 352-6500
Dear Walsh family,
I was so saddened to hear of Steve. I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed running into him in the area. His smile was infectious, and he had a wonderful charm about him.
He will be missed.
Julie Reid Nicholson
I remember playing pool with him in the basement listening to music and he played a song he made I believe it was called the Spider. You could literally picture a spider crawling along a web with his guitar. Very talented. Always mentioned hair color to me, cause I color my hair 🙂 miss him RIP cuz
I’m so sorry for your loss! I babysat a few times for Laurie and remember him being home but he was practicing with his band! I had a huge crush on him and loved watching him play. Have been on FB with him for a few years now but only recently saw a couple posts. I am very sad hearing this. Sending prayers and positive energy to give you all strength during your time of grieving! God bless you all!
I saw him a while back smiling as always, talk about when we were in grade school how we went crazy over kiss, great guy!
Steve was always a blast getting to play guitar with him and watch him ski. The king of the lake will be missed. Rest easy brother
Steve took lessons from John Curulewski (JC) in LaGrange and was the hour lesson before mine. I’m a few years younger than Steve and can remember getting to my lesson early just so I could hear him play his guitar through the closed door. Years later I had the chance to play with him once or twice and he remained an incredible player. My deepest sympathies to his family and all those who loved him. RIP, Steve.
All I have to say is that the world has lost a kind, loving and great guy. Steve was one of my favorite people to bump into on South Shore Dr at the lake, and year after year I loved (envied) watching him ski and listening to him play guitar. Steve seemed to find happiness and live life to the fullest each and every moment.
My love, my thoughts and my prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace Backflippin’ from your skis, Guitarman Walsh.
My prayers to the Walsh family. Many great memories at the Walsh house from our band practice to just hanging out. One of my first rock bands was with Steve. Group was called “Spectrum”!! ( Steve Walsh, Ron Duke, David Berry and me Scott Foringer). I still to this day have not played with a perso who was so dedicated and had the passion to just be the best guitar player period!!! To this day I still looked to Steve of being the best.
Rest in peace my friend and I look forward to jamming with you again in that special place..
So sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen Steve since our teens as my family moved but he is one of the few classmates I still remember. He was kind and always fun to be around. Rest in peace old friend.
We’re going to miss seeing him on the lake! Prayers for the family!
My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. I have many good memories of Steve from the early days when he was dating my sister.
He was a true talent. My condolences to the family, as I am sure there will be a large empty space that he once filled. I have so many memories of our 6 years together. No doubt he is now happily jamming with Stevie Ray, David Bowie, Prince etc. Rest in Peace.
It’s so good to hear from those who knew Steve over the years. Our family takes much comfort from hearing stories of how his goodness and talent touched more people than we ever knew.
There will be a tribute to Steve on September 14, at 6-9:30pm, at Salerno’s Pizzeria in Hodgkins, IL. If you knew Steve and would like to come by to share in our love for him, please feel welcome to join us.
I will surely miss him. He was always so funny – even at times he was not trying to be. He taught me how to ski, and he learned “Redemption Song” so he could teach me how to play it on my guitar because he knew it was one of my favorite songs. He was so thoughtful – on my birthday a few years ago he helped me to purchase my first guitar. Steve was definitely the King of the Lake, and was well deserving of that title. Rest well my brother. We love and miss you.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Played in a band called “Spectrum” 1977-1980. Steve was a monster guitar player and gifted musician. The world will miss him. Cheers Steve, play the big gig.