In Celebration of
Walter R. Stevenson
November 27, 1941 -
September 7, 2021
Passed away tragically and suddenly on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at the age of 79.
The most loving father, he will be forever and deeply missed by Catherine (Steve), Kimberly (Jeff) and Matthew. Much loved grandfather of Chris, Cole, Stella, Nikki, and Madison. Survived by the mother of his children, Margaret. Lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, Wally was the best big brother to his surviving sibling, “Bullit” Bob. After a distinguished career in Law as Senior Partner at McLean & Kerr, Wally will be greatly missed by his many respected colleagues and dear friends.
We invite you to spend some time looking around this memorial site we created for our Dad Wally, reading his Biography, Life stories, poems dedicated to him, pictures, some of his favourite songs and more. If you have any of your own favourite memories or photos you'd like to share here, please do. We are devastated and will miss him and keep him in our hearts forever.
Wally was loved by all who knew him. Born in St. Catharines and raised in Port Dalhousie, he maintained a lifelong love of the water and often took his kids back to his see his childhood home and his humble beginnings. He loved the Henley Regatta, and served as Co-Commodore of the Mississauga Canoe Club in the 1990’s. Wally loved his backyard swimming pools, relaxing poolside at his condo in Florida in Fort Myers, family RV trips to Myrtle Beach and then visiting Goderich at his trailer on Lake Huron in recent years.
A gentle, kind and loving man, Wally instilled strong values in his children. A proud grandfather, Wally adored spending time with his grandchildren and “watching them unfold like blossoms”.
Wally was a proud Alumnus of The University of Western Ontario, now known as Western U, earning an undergraduate degree in History, followed by his LLB at U of T Law School. His firstborn, Catherine Leslie, came along before he graduated law school and he always told her she was his and Margie's "lovechild". A few years later, after Wally established his Law career at the firm, Kimberly and Matthew came along in quick succession. Being only 18 months apart, they were often mistaken for twins.
Each of his children was immensely proud of their Dad and his career. A memorable highlight was the endowment of the Walter R. Stevenson student bursary at U of T Law School by businessman and philanthropist Gallant Ho. The award is granted to a law student demonstrating significant "perseverance and determination", qualities which Wally personified throughout his life.
He had a strength of character and tenacity of will true to his Scottish roots. Like the solitary bagpiper, he managed his pain with quiet strength and grace until it became too much to bear.
Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow.
A private family cremation has taken place, with a public celebration of life to be held at a later date.
If desired, donations may be made to The Chronic Pain Association of Canada (https://chronicpaincanada.com) or to Pain BC (PainBC.ca).
