In memory of
Edmund Howard William Warburton
January 5, 1940 - February 24, 2026
Edmund Howard William Warburton (Ted) was born in Orillia on January 5, 1940, and passed away peacefully February 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He lived a life shaped by music, loyalty, and deep personal connections.
He is predeceased by mother Marjory, Father Edmund and sister Joan ((Jacobi). He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betty” (McRoberts), and his two children, Sean (Jocelyn) and Angela (Edward). He is also lovingly remembered by extended family: Nadia, Candace (Michael), David, Moira (Rob), Lynne, Linda (Kenroy), John-Scott (Jackie), Michaela, Debbie (Joe), Kathy, Wendy, Kevin (Cheryl), Bridgette, Jeanine, Bill, Ryan (Zhenya), Lilah (Nigel), Andrew, Carla, Annelise, Amy, Aaron, Cameron, Jamaar, Daniel, Victoria, Leroy and Nicole.
Ted was a professional trumpet player who trained at the Oscar Peterson School of Music. Following his marriage, he and Betty moved to London, England, to further his music career. During his time there, he had the honour of playing with several legendary musicians, deepening his artistry while forming meaningful and lasting friendships that stayed with him throughout his life. During those years abroad, he and Betty, along with close friend Dave Gold stood in line for hours to pay their respects at Sir Winston Churchill’s visitation at Westminster Abbey — an experience they felt deeply honoured to witness and one they never forgot.
His musical journey later brought him back to Toronto, where he continued to play with the National Spring Thaw Tour. He later produced two musical reviews: If I Would I Could at the Theatre at the Dell and You Better Believe It — After Hours at St. Lawrence Hall.
Music remained a constant thread throughout his life, from his early training and love of live jazz concerts to countless evenings spent enjoying music with his wife, Betty.
His career later changed direction when he was introduced to the life insurance industry (Manulife) by his brother-in-law, John (Jack) McRoberts. There, he built a successful insurance practice. In 1984, he formed First York Financial with business partner Edward (Ted) Polci and went on to serve as President of the Life Underwriters of Ontario. Ted was thrilled when his son Sean joined the firm in 1998.
Family was central to Ted’s world. Summers were joyfully spent in the Kawarthas at the family cottage with Betty, his parents, Sean, Angela, and niece Wendy, creating memories that became part of the family’s foundation. Ted and Betty divided their time between Toronto and their treasured farm in Harwood, Ontario (Folgate Farm), a second home since 1987. There, surrounded by woods and nature, Ted found peace, relaxation, and creative inspiration for his art and a wonderful community of people. The farm was also a special gathering place for extended family celebrations, and for his men’s group, which met for over 40 years.
He cherished travel, especially trips to Mexico, Florida, Japan, and throughout Europe and Canada. Among his most meaningful experiences was celebrating his 55th wedding anniversary in Como, Italy, in 2019 with Betty, Sean, Jocelyn, Angela, and Edward, and his 70th birthday in Chicago, experiencing local blues and jazz with the same motley crew.
Ted was known for his sharp wit and quick comebacks — a quiet humour that revealed itself to those who knew him well. Though introverted by nature, he valued deep friendships and meaningful conversations. He was generous with his time, wisdom, and success, committed to helping make the lives of those he loved — and others — better.
Along with a colleague, he was instrumental in bringing the Make-A-Wish chapter to Ontario and served on its board for several years, where he was deeply touched by the depth and impact of the work. He would often say, “Do good stuff and make the world a better place.”
There are so many fond memories of music shared on family trips, laughter, great culinary adventures from around the world, and cherished time together. Ted will be remembered for his intellect, generosity, quick wit, wry humour, artistic pursuits (music and painting), and the loyal, steadfast way he showed up for the people and causes he cared about most.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, their partners, and his many nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Ted's honour to the following: Make-a-wish Foundation, Fred Victor Mission, CJRT
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on April 18th, 2026 1-4pm at The Granite Club 2350 Bayview Avenue
Tribute will start at 2pm.
He is predeceased by mother Marjory, Father Edmund and sister Joan ((Jacobi). He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betty” (McRoberts), and his two children, Sean (Jocelyn) and Angela (Edward). He is also lovingly remembered by extended family: Nadia, Candace (Michael), David, Moira (Rob), Lynne, Linda (Kenroy), John-Scott (Jackie), Michaela, Debbie (Joe), Kathy, Wendy, Kevin (Cheryl), Bridgette, Jeanine, Bill, Ryan (Zhenya), Lilah (Nigel), Andrew, Carla, Annelise, Amy, Aaron, Cameron, Jamaar, Daniel, Victoria, Leroy and Nicole.
Ted was a professional trumpet player who trained at the Oscar Peterson School of Music. Following his marriage, he and Betty moved to London, England, to further his music career. During his time there, he had the honour of playing with several legendary musicians, deepening his artistry while forming meaningful and lasting friendships that stayed with him throughout his life. During those years abroad, he and Betty, along with close friend Dave Gold stood in line for hours to pay their respects at Sir Winston Churchill’s visitation at Westminster Abbey — an experience they felt deeply honoured to witness and one they never forgot.
His musical journey later brought him back to Toronto, where he continued to play with the National Spring Thaw Tour. He later produced two musical reviews: If I Would I Could at the Theatre at the Dell and You Better Believe It — After Hours at St. Lawrence Hall.
Music remained a constant thread throughout his life, from his early training and love of live jazz concerts to countless evenings spent enjoying music with his wife, Betty.
His career later changed direction when he was introduced to the life insurance industry (Manulife) by his brother-in-law, John (Jack) McRoberts. There, he built a successful insurance practice. In 1984, he formed First York Financial with business partner Edward (Ted) Polci and went on to serve as President of the Life Underwriters of Ontario. Ted was thrilled when his son Sean joined the firm in 1998.
Family was central to Ted’s world. Summers were joyfully spent in the Kawarthas at the family cottage with Betty, his parents, Sean, Angela, and niece Wendy, creating memories that became part of the family’s foundation. Ted and Betty divided their time between Toronto and their treasured farm in Harwood, Ontario (Folgate Farm), a second home since 1987. There, surrounded by woods and nature, Ted found peace, relaxation, and creative inspiration for his art and a wonderful community of people. The farm was also a special gathering place for extended family celebrations, and for his men’s group, which met for over 40 years.
He cherished travel, especially trips to Mexico, Florida, Japan, and throughout Europe and Canada. Among his most meaningful experiences was celebrating his 55th wedding anniversary in Como, Italy, in 2019 with Betty, Sean, Jocelyn, Angela, and Edward, and his 70th birthday in Chicago, experiencing local blues and jazz with the same motley crew.
Ted was known for his sharp wit and quick comebacks — a quiet humour that revealed itself to those who knew him well. Though introverted by nature, he valued deep friendships and meaningful conversations. He was generous with his time, wisdom, and success, committed to helping make the lives of those he loved — and others — better.
Along with a colleague, he was instrumental in bringing the Make-A-Wish chapter to Ontario and served on its board for several years, where he was deeply touched by the depth and impact of the work. He would often say, “Do good stuff and make the world a better place.”
There are so many fond memories of music shared on family trips, laughter, great culinary adventures from around the world, and cherished time together. Ted will be remembered for his intellect, generosity, quick wit, wry humour, artistic pursuits (music and painting), and the loyal, steadfast way he showed up for the people and causes he cared about most.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, their partners, and his many nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Ted's honour to the following: Make-a-wish Foundation, Fred Victor Mission, CJRT
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on April 18th, 2026 1-4pm at The Granite Club 2350 Bayview Avenue
Tribute will start at 2pm.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Celebration of Life
The Granite Club
2350 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2L1E4
Get Directions
Saturday, 18 Apr 2026 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Info: We would love to invite you to join us in celebrating Ted’s life. His Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 18th from 1:00–4:00 PM at the Granite Club, in the Main Ballroom. A tribute will take place at 2:00 PM. Granite Club 2350 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario, M2L 1E4 When you arrive, simply mention the Warburton event. There is free parking available. We would be honoured to have you there to share stories, memories, and the many ways Ted touched your life. Your presence will help make this a meaningful gathering as we celebrate the life he lived and the connections he cherished.