Minnesota school bus veteran passes away

EDINA, Minn. —  Industry veteran Martin Walsh passed away on Oct. 21. He was 91.

Walsh owned Columbia Capital Transit Company and was a “legend” in the Minnesota school bus community, according to Harold Turnquist, transportation director for St. Paul (Minn.) Public Schools.

Walsh owned his company until its sale to ARA Services in 1975. “The company was the largest in Minnesota and provided transportation service to St. Paul, Minneapolis, Roseville, Mounds View and other school districts,” Turnquist said. 

Individuals have expressed their condolences to Walsh’s family in an online guest book, and one person discussed the impact that Walsh had on his career, writing, “Other than my father, Mr. Walsh had the biggest impact on my life starting out. He was a tough boss who launched many a career on the right path. I still use the lessons he taught me. A great man.”

Walsh is survived by his wife of 69 years, Suzanne; his children, David Walsh, Suzanne Capps and Mary (Steve) Andros; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, according to his obituary in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove St. in Minneapolis.