Neuropsychologist Tony Walsh remembered as ‘larger than life’ character after Goodwood Rd fatal hit-run

One of the state’s top neuropsychologists has been remembered as a tireless advocate for his patients, after he was killed in a hit-run crash while walking in Goodwood.

One of the state’s top neuropsychologists has been remembered by colleagues as a larger-than-life character who advocated tirelessly for his patients.

Tony Walsh, 70, was walking near the Capri Theatre on Goodwood Rd when he was struck in a hit-run crash on June 30. He died in hospital nine days later.

Cumberland Park woman, Lauren Jean Willgoose, 29, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Mr Walsh and his wife, clinical psychologist Christine Walsh, spent more than two decades working together at their North Adelaide practice, Walsh Psychology.

Longstanding neuropsychologists Dr Colin Field, Dr Andrew Rothwell and Dr Tony Kneebone remembered their colleague as a “deep thinker” who was genuinely concerned about the profession.

Neuropsychologist Tony Walsh, 70, died following a hit-run crash on Goodwood Road in June. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr Walsh has been remembered as a “larger than life” character. Picture: Supplied by family

The three specialists said Mr Walsh was the nephew of Australian neuropsychology pioneer Dr Kevin Walsh and Royal Adelaide Hospital’s former head of neurosurgery Dr Jim Dinning.

But he became highly respected in the field in his own right and was instrumental in persuading the Australian Psychological Society to lobby for neuropsychology Medicare rebates.

Above all, they said, Mr Walsh was driven by a dedication to the people he served.

“He was a tireless advocate for his patients and clients, many of whom had suffered debilitating head injuries, endured chronic pain, or both,” they said.

“Literally in the last day of his life, he was continuing to advocate for his clients.

“He would always go the extra yard for clients as well as professional colleagues, always generous in giving supportive and helpful advice.”

Mr Walsh will be missed “terribly” by family, friends, patients and colleagues. Picture: Supplied by family

Friends say Mr Walsh “knew how to suck the marrow out of life”. Picture: Supplied by family

Beyond his professional life, they remembered Mr Walsh as a raconteur and a gourmet who “knew how to suck the marrow out of life”.

“How can we sum up Tony? He was always larger than life, always outgoing, persuasive and chatty,” they said.

“He would drive conversation in any group of any size, and you would never be of any doubt regarding his opinion.”

Mr Walsh was farewelled by family and friends at a funeral held in July.

“It is a tragedy that someone who was a fit and active 70-year-old, not yet ready for retirement, should be taken from us so abruptly,” his colleagues said.

“We will miss him terribly and he will always be an important and unforgettable part of our lives.”

Nadia Kingham, Mr Walsh’s cousin and a board member of the Neurosurgical Research Foundation, said the foundation had set up a tribute fund.

“As Tony contributed so much to patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, his family thought it appropriate that a memoriam to Tony be established through the Neurosurgical Research Foundation to further aid research towards traumatic brain injury,” she said.

Donations in Mr Walsh’s memory can be made at www.nrf.com.au