Stoltz, Walter Ralph - Oct. 20, 1929, to Jan 8, 2019.
In his 90th year, Wally has left us for the open range, green pastures and the wide open road. There to meet him was his horse Glory, and son Todd (Lisa), who passed of melanoma in 2010 at age 47. Walt was predeceased by parents Florence (Burse) and wonderful step-father William (Bill) Burgess, his sister Carol (Tom) Burse Breslan, Stoltz siblings Allen (Thelma), Jerry (Francis) and Bill (Marilyn) Burgess and presumably his birth father Frederick Stoltz who left the family in 1931. He leaves behind his loving partner and wife Shirley (Kemp) of 58 years, daughter Cheryl Stoltz (David Atkins), grandchildren Iain Stoltz and Alexander Atkins, and Shannon Stoltz-Limin (Dom), William and Sean Stoltz, and his sister Helen Boyko (Steve).
Wally survived tough times but lived a life full of adventure. Although he was reportedly the best behaved and sweetest of children, he was sent away from his birthplace of Toronto to a rough life on a farm in Meyersburg at age 8 when his mom could not support the family, returning three years later. He was a loyal and hard worker from sun up to sun down throughout his life. At 13 he was driving a horsedrawn milk cart for Valley View Dairy and then was in the merchant marine throughout his late teens. Shirley met him in East General Hospital where he was in a full body cast after being run over by a dump truck that cut him off while he was on his beloved motorcycle. Later he worked for Mercedes Benz, as an Animal Control Officer, and finally for the Town of Newmarket Parks Department. His work as an Animal Control Officer led to their farm in Mount Albert having many dogs, cats, raccoons, rabbits, horses, and even a donkey, which he kept until he found them good homes.
His love for his family knew no bounds, and he sacrificed much to give them a good life filled with experiences. In household where every dollar counted, it was expected that possessions were carefully selected and taken care of. He enjoyed the cottage he built on Lake Scugog for more than 30 years. Wally loved waterskiing, a good bonfire, stylish cars and motorcycles. Children and animals followed him like he was the Pied Piper, and all of them cried or whined when he left, especially if he had treated them to his harmonica tunes or a little soft shoe dance. He was stronger than an ox, and never turned away anyone who needed help, a hand up, or a place to stay, and was still shovelling driveways and cutting grass in his neighbourhood until the multiple myeloma slowed him down this last year. Walt treated everyone courteously and was always a gentleman. He had notes of thanks from men who said he had been a better father to them than their own. His kindnesses were repaid in the difficult months of struggling with Alzheimer’s and multiple myeloma as neighbours and friends came forth to help him and Shirley, for which we are very grateful.
His care from Dr.’s Twiddy, Gow, and Levesque, and the acute care teams at Belleville Hospital (Quinte 4) and Trenton Hospital (Floor 2) was exceptional and deeply appreciated by the family. According to Wally’s wishes, there will be no service, and he will be cremated. Fred and Susan Bendell have arranged for a stone to be laid at Trinity Memorial Park beside Madoc Trinity United Church. Wally loved a good party, and one will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A note to Shirley of happy memories would be appreciated.