Tributes flow for Gisborne entertainer and speedway racer Doug Walsh

Doug Walsh (right) and brother Walter "The Wiz" Walsh were synonymous with great entertainment in this district. Sadly, only half of the colourful combination will be performing and making their fans laugh from now on, following the death of Doug Walsh on Saturday.

Popular Gisborne entertainer, singer and speedway racer Doug Walsh passed away on Saturday and his tangi is under way.

His family reported he died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 70.

Brother Walter Walsh made the announcement on Facebook.

“It’s with deep sadness we announce the passing of my brother Doug. My heart is broken,” his post read.

“I’m gonna miss him so much. Head to the golden gates of heaven, my brother, and be with mum, your brothers and sisters and your aunties and uncles and nan and the whānau ... moe mai ra taku tuakana.”

Doug Walsh was in demand in the district for many years as an entertainer and singer.

Doug Walsh was well known as a singer and entertainer across this district. Here he performs as Billy T. James in a variety concert in 1995. His impersonation of Billy T. was brilliant. Photo / Gisborne Photo News

A special karaoke session was held at the Cosmopolitan Club on Sunday in his honour. He was a volunteer driver of the club’s courtesy van.

Walter Walsh was considering cancelling the karaoke but decided his brother would have wanted the show to go on.

“A big thank you to everyone who came for our tribute karaoke gig, a great turnout whether you came to sing, dance or just enjoy the music. We appreciate you.

“We had 36 singers that were amazing. Thank you all.”

Doug Walsh also took part in local productions, starring in Gisborne Centre Stage’s shows Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Walsh was a racer for many years with Gisborne Speedway Club in the saloon and production saloon classes.

Tributes have flowed for entertainer and speedway racer Doug Walsh since his passing on Saturday. "I don't know if they have a banked track up there Doug, but I'm sure you will check it out," one tribute read. Photo / Awapuni Speedway

He was named the club’s Driver of the Year in 1995.

At 62 years of age, he went back out on to the track to race after a break of 11 years living in Australia.

Walsh piloted his rotary-engined, rear-wheel-drive Mazda RX8 production saloon (16G) – the same car number he had used successfully previously.

The club paid tribute to Walsh on its Awapuni Speedway Facebook page.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Doug Walsh.

“Doug has been a valued member of our club for many, many years and we are going to miss seeing his friendly face around the track.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Doug’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Former club president Grant MacGregor told the Gisborne Herald it had come as a big shock.

“He was a strong advocate for the club. Doug had us at heart, even when he wasn’t in the country.”

Other tributes were paid online.

“A Gizzy ‘icon’ who so many will have fond memories of, including the Sandown days. Doug you will be missed by so many.”

“RIP my bro ... that wicked sense of humour and the smile that lit up the universe will be sorely missed here but loved up there.”

“I don’t know if they have a banked track up there but I’m sure you will check it out.”

Walsh’s tangi continues at 86 Valley Rd (9am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday preferably).

“Anyone is more than welcome to come and see him,” his brother said.

Doug Walsh (right) and brother Walter Walsh ready to do what they loved doing most ... entertaining.

His funeral service will be held at Evans Chapel from 11am on Thursday and will be livestreamed for those unable to make it.

“At 12.30pm, we will leave to go to the Awapuni Speedway, where we will take Doug for his final lap around the track,” his brother posted.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped in any way through koha or kind words. Thank you so much to our whānau. We appreciate you.”