William F. (Bill) Walsh, a former resident of San Leandro and long time Redding resident, died on Thursday, March 10, 2005 , at Mercy Hospital in Redding , CA . He was 71.

Bill was born on May 20, 1933 in New York and moved west during his teen years. After serving in the Marine Corps in Korea , he completed his Bachelors degree and received his teaching credential at San Jose State University . He taught High School history for a few years before joining the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 70, in Oakland , CA . He spent the rest of his career working at various trucking firms before becoming a Union official. In 1985 Bill was sent to Watsonville , CA to help direct a strike against the frozen food industry that lasted 19 months. During his involvement in the strike he gained a great affection for the workers in Watsonville . He acted as organizer and Teamster's Assistance Program director. In 1986 the Irish American Teamsters of the Western Conference recognized him as the Rank and File Unionist of the Year. In 1989 Bill attended The George Meany Center for Labor Studies in Baltimore , MD. He was highly respected for his work in the labor movement representing the common worker. He retired as a Business Agent in 1992 and moved to Redding , CA .

Bill was active in many organizations in Redding such as SIRS, American Legion, and especially enjoyed his time with his many friends in the men's organization at Allen's Golf Course. He was known for his quick wit and his ability to tell you like it is.

Bill is survived by his wife Dolores, sons Sean Walsh, Timothy Walsh and his former wife Elizabeth and their children Christopher, Jonathan and Kimberly; and stepchildren John Amick, Patricia McGrath, Danny Amick, Gina Amick, James Amick, David Amick and Chris Tortorici and numerous grandchildren including one great-grandchild. He will be dearly missed.