Auburn was the center of his life

The passing of actor, author, choreographer, dancer, two-time Tony Award winner and, maybe the title he enjoyed most, Auburnian, Thommie Walsh on Saturday was a shock to many. With a vibrant voice, quick wit and a friendly smile, the idea of illness would never have crossed the minds of most who saw him return to Auburn on a regular basis.

Yet, for months he and his family bravely fought the good fight that came to an end where it all began: in Auburn.

It is easy to reiterate the litany of his successes, starting with the creation of his signature role as Bobby Mills in “A Chorus Line” (where he uttered the line he will be most remembered for that were all the more powerful, coming from someone from upstate, “To commit suicide in Buffalo is redundant.”) Yet, all his successes over the years would be worth nothing if he couldn't have shared them with his family and friends in Auburn.