Walsh was diagnosed with ALS in August 2003. In his obituary, his family wrote that rather than mourn the circumstance that saw him develop the fatal disease, he always tried to be an inspiration to all.
“Every second already is a gift from God,” said Walsh, a devout Christian, in a 2013 interview with NorthernLife.ca.
“Every day I'm happy. I know God will take care of me, and I know God will take care of my family. Every day extra that I get with my family is a blessing and a miracle.”
At the time, he said his disease meant he was able to spend more time with his three children than most dads.
“It's been a blessing in some ways,” he said in the 2013 interview.
According to his obituary, Walsh was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Nov. 20, 1968. He moved to Mississauga at age five.
An avid hockey player, Walsh began bodybuilding at the age of six. He was known as the world’s youngest competitive body builder and starred in the short 1981 documentary “Body by Garret,” in which he shared billing with his idol, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
At age 12, Walsh was a guest poser at the 1981 Mr. Olympia competition in Columbus, Ohio (as chronicled in the film). Walsh won many bodybuilding awards through his career, including Mr. Junior Canada in 1986.
In Sudbury, he worked for Dan Courville Chevrolet, and his final and much-loved work place was Palladino Honda as service advisor.
He passed away just six days before Sudbury's annual Walk for ALS, which is organized by his wife, Mary-Anne Walsh. This year's event takes place starting at 9 a.m. June 20 at Delki Dozzi Memorial Park.
Walsh is survived by Mary-Anne and their three children, Keatha, Joey and Cory.
“Garret lived for watching his boys play hockey for many many years arriving early to the arena to watch two full hockey games before the boys even played, LOL,” his obituary said.
“Garret lived to listen to Keatha sing. She was Daddy’s girl, and he would tease and bug for as many hugs as possible.”
Walsh is resting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home. The visitation is June 18 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and after noon June 19. The funeral takes place starting at 2 p.m. June 19 at Glad Tidings Church.
“In acknowledging Garret’s love for his children, and his desire to see them excel in their future endeavors, we ask that in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made to an education fund for Keatha, Joey and Cory,” the obituary said.
