In memory of
Donald Paul Walter
September 17, 1929 - April 16, 2026
Don Walter died at the age of 96, at peace and surrounded by his family.
Don was born in Montreal to Arthur Walter and Anna Walter (Boronow). He spent summers at Stony Lake, where his great-grandfather built a cottage in 1886. This became a place of lifelong importance to Don, where he learned to swim and sail, and where he returned throughout his life, to restore his energy, renew his spirit, and be with his family.
After earning a business degree from McGill University, Don joined the family business, E.F. Walter Ltd., founded in 1893. He worked in the company for over 50 years, and rose to the role of Chairman of the Board.
Don was deeply committed to community. He volunteered for more than 20 years with the Canadian Manufacturers Association and was an active member of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and St. Peter’s-on-the-Rock Church at Stony Lake. He also served as President of the Association of Stony Lake Cottagers and as Commodore of the Stony Lake Yacht Club.
The love of Don’s life was Margaret (Boulden), whom he married in 1957. Together, they built a family that became their greatest joy and most meaningful life work. They were married for 57 years until Margaret’s passing in 2014. The early loss of their sons, David (1962) and Andy (1980), was a profound heartbreak that drew the family even closer together.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his children: Heather (Patrick McCloskey), Kathryn (Greg Woodbury), and Tim (Jennifer Beatty); and by his grandchildren, Jack, Ben, and Anna Bell. He is predeceased by his brothers Ken and Art Walter and his brother-in-law John Boulden.
Whether playing tennis with friends at the B&R, golfing with “the duffers” at Stony Lake, enjoying bridge or bocce, attending the opera, listening to a symphony, travelling with family and friends, or savouring a Stony Lake sunset, Don would have been the first to say he had a wonderful life.
The family extends sincere thanks to the exceptional staff and care team at the Dunfield Retirement Residence, where Don happily spent the last six years of his life. Thanks also to Palliative Care at Sunnybrook Hospital for providing comfort in Don’s final days.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, on Friday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. There will also be a gathering at Stony Lake this summer to honour Don. Online condolences may be offered at www.mountpleasantgroup.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunnybrook Foundation or SickKids Foundation.
Don was born in Montreal to Arthur Walter and Anna Walter (Boronow). He spent summers at Stony Lake, where his great-grandfather built a cottage in 1886. This became a place of lifelong importance to Don, where he learned to swim and sail, and where he returned throughout his life, to restore his energy, renew his spirit, and be with his family.
After earning a business degree from McGill University, Don joined the family business, E.F. Walter Ltd., founded in 1893. He worked in the company for over 50 years, and rose to the role of Chairman of the Board.
Don was deeply committed to community. He volunteered for more than 20 years with the Canadian Manufacturers Association and was an active member of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and St. Peter’s-on-the-Rock Church at Stony Lake. He also served as President of the Association of Stony Lake Cottagers and as Commodore of the Stony Lake Yacht Club.
The love of Don’s life was Margaret (Boulden), whom he married in 1957. Together, they built a family that became their greatest joy and most meaningful life work. They were married for 57 years until Margaret’s passing in 2014. The early loss of their sons, David (1962) and Andy (1980), was a profound heartbreak that drew the family even closer together.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his children: Heather (Patrick McCloskey), Kathryn (Greg Woodbury), and Tim (Jennifer Beatty); and by his grandchildren, Jack, Ben, and Anna Bell. He is predeceased by his brothers Ken and Art Walter and his brother-in-law John Boulden.
Whether playing tennis with friends at the B&R, golfing with “the duffers” at Stony Lake, enjoying bridge or bocce, attending the opera, listening to a symphony, travelling with family and friends, or savouring a Stony Lake sunset, Don would have been the first to say he had a wonderful life.
The family extends sincere thanks to the exceptional staff and care team at the Dunfield Retirement Residence, where Don happily spent the last six years of his life. Thanks also to Palliative Care at Sunnybrook Hospital for providing comfort in Don’s final days.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, on Friday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. There will also be a gathering at Stony Lake this summer to honour Don. Online condolences may be offered at www.mountpleasantgroup.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunnybrook Foundation or SickKids Foundation.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Celebration of Life
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
Get Directions
Friday, 8 May 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Info: Please enter into the cemetery through the EAST gates off of Mount Pleasant Rd., drive straight forward towards a small red brick bungalow and turn right in front of this building, turn down the first laneway on the left which will bring you to the Funeral Centre. The Funeral Centre is a large two-story building alongside a large parking lot.
Reception
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
Get Directions
Friday, 8 May 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM