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Thousand Oaks woman killed in murder-suicide remembered
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Walsh
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More from Conejo ValleyThe birthday card from Lisa Walsh arrived last week, the same day a co-worker killed her in what police have called a murder-suicide.
A single mother who worked as a trainer at Spectrum Club in Thousand Oaks, Walsh, 43, sent out hundreds of cards each year.
Always on time for birthdays, the handwritten notes were a trademark of a compassionate woman who exuded positive energy, even when she was struggling, her family and friends remembered this week.
This recent birthday card was the topic of conversation the last time Walsh spoke to her oldest brother, Michael Lucas. Walsh called July 3 to get an address for Lucas' daughter, Bella, 22, who had a birthday coming up, said Lucas, 51, a Bay Area resident.
On July 6, Walsh was in San Diego for an International Dance Exercise Association convention. About 6:30 p.m., she was seen talking with Harold Michael Kent — a man she used to date — at the San Diego Marriott Hotel, where the conference was being held, said Lt. Kevin Rooney of the San Diego Police Department. She was staying at a different hotel.
Kent persuaded Walsh to go to his room, and about 7:45 p.m. a guest in the next room reported hearing a woman screaming and gunshots, Rooney said.
Walsh and Kent were found dead in the room shortly afterward.
Based on evidence and the position of the bodies, police believe Kent shot Walsh and then turned the gun on himself, Rooney said.
Kent, 54, also was a trainer at Spectrum Club in Thousand Oaks.
Both divorced, Kent and Walsh had dated for about a year before Walsh ended the relationship several months before the convention, Rooney said. Walsh's journals indicate she was trying to break up with Kent for much of the time they were together, Lucas said.
Police this week were searching for more information about their relationship and about the gun used in the crime. They served a search warrant at Kent's Thousand Oaks home Wednesday, Rooney said.
Bella's card arrived on time for her birthday, the same day Walsh was killed.
"I feel like we are all in the middle of a nightmare, and we can't wake up," said Lucas, speaking by cell phone from Walsh's Thousand Oaks home, where her family and friends gathered this week to grieve.
Walsh was a deeply devoted daughter, mother and friend, said Jennifer Kramer, her best friend.
"She never forgot anyone's birthday; even her hairdresser got a birthday card for 10 years," said Kramer, who met Walsh 18 years ago.
Lucas still has a birthday card made of cardboard and magazine cutouts his sister sent him when he was a ski bum more than 30 years ago.
"She would do stuff like that, she would brighten your day," he said.
Walsh's gentle, unaggressive disposition made it difficult for her to end her relationship with Kent, said several of her family members and friends.
While going through his sister's papers, Lucas said, he found a draft of a letter from October 2006 in which Walsh told Kent she didn't feel the same way about him as he felt about her.
Rooney said Walsh was originally under the impression Kent would not attend the convention in San Diego. But on July 5, Walsh told Kramer that Kent had called and said he was going to the convention.
"She didn't seem afraid, just she had broken up with him months before and she didn't want him around," Kramer said. "No one saw this coming, but in retrospect, I think signs were there."
Walsh wrote in a journal that when she gave Kent the breakup letter, he yelled and frightened her, though he apologized later, Lucas said.
Both Walsh and Kent were well liked at Spectrum Club. Numerous people who posted comments on newspaper Web sites expressed sympathy for both families, including several who identified themselves as Kent's relatives.
Lucas said he feels sympathy for Kent's family but not for her alleged killer.
"To know her boys and know her situation and to know how many people were counting on her to keep afloat, it was the ultimate selfish act," he said. "There are hundreds of people who are affected by this and who are just shattered."
Walsh's memorial is set for today.
A native of Wisconsin, Walsh moved to California in 1988 with her then-husband, Jack Walsh, whom she met while working in the furniture industry. She stopped working to become a full-time mom.
She is survived by three sons: Luke, 16; Doug, 13, and Thomas, 10.
A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Walsh became a trainer at Spectrum about three years ago. "She literally loved her job," her brother said.
Fitness was one of the things Walsh shared with Kramer, who was a longtime hiking partner.
"She was the salt of the Earth," Kramer said. "She is going to be missed."
Posted by MaryLushina on July 13, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is just like Lisa ! I'm not one to tell or announce my birthday to anyone. But she did remember. She too gave me a handwritten card and a gift. I was very surprised. I was touched by her thoughtfulness. I did thank her for being her and told her how very fortunate I was to have her in my life. She was an angel among us. I will always miss and love her.
Posted by BeaHappi on July 13, 2007 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is just so sad and tragic. My heart just aches for her sons.
RIP Lisa Walsh and may your sons find comfort in knowing that their mother angel is always with them.
Posted by jaesmom on July 13, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart breaks for these kids too! They are so young. How lucky to have such a special guardian angel thou! Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Posted by rugratz on July 13, 2007 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lisa, I miss you and your smile and your positive energy. The Spectrum will never be the same nor will I. You touched my heart through your innocence and your gentleness. You didn't have a mean bone in your body.
I know you can hear all of us. You would have been so proud of Lucas, DOuglas and Thomas today. Lucas said he wants to grow up to be the man you wanted him to be, (who could have asked for more). You did a wonderful job raising your boys and your family is so genuine. You are and always eb forever loved. For Eternity I will miss you my friend.
Elly
Posted by summerlilley02 on July 14, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are just no words that can even near express the tremendous sorrow that I feel and feel for Luke, Doug, Thomas, her parents, her brothers, and all of those who knew and loved Lisa. She was one of my closest and dearest friends and it tears at our hearts that this terrible tragedy happened to her - the most kind, generous and loving person that is already missed terribly, by so very many us. Her beautiful smile could light up any room and you could just feel her warmth, as we did, the minute we met her. She did so many thoughtful things for me and my boys that we will always remember. That was just "Lisa", doing what came natural to her, always making others feel so special. We loved her so much and are in such a state of unbearable sadness and grief. It was obvious yesterday at her service, everyone that knew her is feeling such heartbreak and tremendous pain, as we are. She was such an inspiration, and I feel so lucky, honored and blessed to have had her in my life for such a dear friend. There just wasn't anyone like Lisa. Now she will be watching over her sons, smiling proudly at them from heaven as they grow in to young men. Something she shouldn't have had to miss. Luke, Doug, and Thomas, we love you and know we are here for you, always.
God Bless,
Marcy,
Posted by stage3 on July 14, 2007 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so blessed to have known Lisa Walsh. I knew Lisa for about 15 hours....and she and I had plans for so many more. For my 50th birthday present to myself, I got a personal trainer. I didn't know who, but one day, she called from Palm Desert, where her parents and I both have homes, a sign. Lisa will an inspiration to me for the rest of my life.
Undeniably midwestern, Lisa was a shining and bright light in a city full of stars. She brought warmth and genuine kindness to a world full of cynicisn. And, most importantly, she loved her boys. I knew this, and I have only known her since January. Lisa dearly loved her boys.
The last time I saw her, she was radiant about her vacation with her brothers to Budapest. Her favorite part was just hanging out with the family. In my short time with her, I knew this was her idea of a perfect vacation---with her family.
Lisa was a teacher, with a gift for making you feel special and part of her world. We all live such busy lives, but she always found time to care.
Lisa Walsh was a force of life and an angel. Ask anyone who knew her. We all know it. More than 600 people witnessed it yesterday. Lisa was an exceptional person, with exceptional character.
Kelly and I will miss her charm, her warmth and her joy of life.
We pray to God her boys will find some peace, however small, knowing there are so many people around them that loved and respected their mom. She would want the best future for each one of them. Lisa influenced my life in 15 hours, just think how much she touched theirs.
Be at peace sweet Lisa. We are heartbroken, we grieve with your family and we will miss you with our hearts and souls.
Aloha mai no, aloha aku;
o ka huhu ka mea e ola `ole ai.
Cindy Yee Stage
Posted by ISOCONVERSATION on July 15, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lisa was a special gift to all of us that were fortunate enough to have her in our lives. It was obvious she lived her life by a very strict interpretation of the Golden Rule. You sensed it immediately upon meeting her from her bright engaging eyes and her warm charismatic smile, and you came to know it by her thoughtful, caring, and kind actions.
To Luke, Doug, and Thomas - more than anything, Lisa loved being a Mom to you. She viewed you as her reward for living the life of character she chose. Even those who have never met you know she loved you all dearly and was extremely proud to call you her sons.
Lisa's bright light touched countless hearts and souls, and by example she showed us how we humans should treat each other.
Our hearts go out to Lisas family. May you find comfort in the love she has for you, the admiration we have for her, and the knowledge that she will be in our hearts forever.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on July 15, 2007 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lisa sounds like a beautiful lady that everyone would want as a friend, daughter , Mother. God be with all her family and loved ones. Some comments here made by those were so beautiful, Wouldn't it be nice to write each of the boys a special letter about thier Mother. They may not open it for years. But when they are ready it would mean so much to them. Prayers to you all !
Posted by JDobbs5 on July 15, 2007 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This nightmare is just so difficult to believe and even harder to understand. As all before me have said, Lisa was the kindest and most genuine person and I have been lucky to have been her friend since sophomore year in HS. Lisa has been my dearest and best friend- distance was not an issue- as you have heard before....she made sure she kept in contact with everyone she cared for. I wish I had had more time with Lisa, the day to day moments were not possible due to distance... but I will cherish the memories of her annual visits to Wisconsin with the boys. I have heard Lisa mention most of you in many conversations over the years- it sounds as though she was as lucky to have you as you were to have had her in your lives. To Luke, Doug and Thomas- you were the light of your mom's life...every time we talked she spoke of each of you and I know you'll find the strength to continue to lead your lives as a tribute to the way she led hers.
Posted by vsreden on July 17, 2007 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was shocked and deeply saddened when I read this story. I met Lisa when our kids attended pre-school at the same school. She was always smiling with a radiant attitude toward life. She was a wonderful mom and always brightened the day of those around her. My heart breaks for her three boys that are left to live life without the loving care of their mom. May the love of God and family surround you during this tragic time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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