The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation:

I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ray Walsh on his sudden passing over the weekend at the age of 75.

A native of Bay de Verde, Ray was one of the province’s best known accordion players. From 1964 until 1975, he was the featured performer on the television program All Around the Circle. He was a school teacher in Marystown and well known as a family man. In 2013, he was awarded the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society’s lifetime achievement award, for his contributions to the “cultural fabric of this province through his talent and passion for the music.”

I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ray’s family during this difficult time. Ray will always be remembered for his incredible contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador culture. He will be sadly missed.

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Media contact
Tansy Mundon
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4570, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca