Career
He was best known for his discovery in 1979 of the first example of a gravitational lens which he made while studying quasars found in the Jodrell Bank 966MHz survey. He developed an early aptitude for mathematics and physics, gaining a first class honours degree from the University of Manchester at the age of 19. His doctorate was gained from the same university in 1957.
Doctor Walsh taught at the University of Michigan from 1959 before returning to University of Manchester in 1967.
He also oversaw 16 Doctor of Philosophy courses for various students, including one who would later go on herself to teach acclaimed British physicist and maker of documentaries, Brian Cox. He was also chair of the local organising committee for the International Astronomical Union"s meeting in Manchester in 2000.
In his last years Doctor Walsh suffered from Lewy body disease. He died at home at the age of 71.