28 APRIL 1922 – 22 APRIL 2013
Walter died suddenly at his home in Victoria on 22 April 2013 six days short of his 91st birthday. He leaves behind his beloved wife Elizabeth, sister Janet and dear brother Stan in Northampton, England and long-time friend Gilbert (George) Armstrong in Florida.
Walter was a scientific glass blower at University College, London when he emigrated in 1965 to start the glass blowing shop in the Physics Department at the University of New Brunswick. It was on the ‘RMS Carinthia’ that he met Elizabeth who was en route to teach in Saskatchewan. She was immediately attracted to the blue eyed tanned man at the other end of the table. They had a whirlwind courtship in Montreal, Winnipeg and Fredericton and were married in July 1966 in Ontario by Charles Middleton, Elizabeth’s cousin.
Elizabeth began teaching at Fredericton High School in 1967.
Together they embraced the Canadian way of life travelling to Montreal and Toronto at Christmas and camping down the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts in the summer.
At this time Walter started doing artistic glass and his work soon became a regular feature at local craft fairs and at Boyce Market. He was a member of the American Scientific Glass Blowers Association and New Brunswick Craft Council participating in the Mactaquac and Christmas craft markets.
Walter enjoyed his work and with his quick wit, great knowledge of history and geography he was a popular figure with a variety of PhD students.
After a wonderful life in Fredericton Walter retired in 1988 at the age of 66. They chose to move to Victoria, BC where he had visited his best friend Arnold Eisenberg (Harry). They kept in contact with their friends in Fredericton.
They embraced their new life taking sailing and Spanish classes, travelling, cruising, delivering meals-on-wheels and swimming at the Crystal Pool for about 15 years.
Walter was a socialist at heart, not a church goer but with his own creed of conduct. He was a man of enthusiasms which he embraced wholeheartedly. He loved books, music of all kinds, people, art, the sea, was a very good critic and loved to tease. He loved life and will be remembered by family and friends at a memorial service to be held in McCalls Downtown (Johnson at Vancouver Streets), on Thursday 2 May 2013 at 2pm. Condolences may be offered below.
15 Responses
Dear Elizabeth
Please accept my sympathy on the passing of Walter after a long and full life. I remember going to social events at your home and how you and Walter could banter so adeptly and lovingly with each other. It was plain to see that you were the love of each other’s lives. I also remember the going away party for you and how sad I felt when you left. I am glad that you and Walter enjoyed so many years out West. Please know that you are in my thoughts at this time. Much love and affection. Cheryl
Dear Liz
We are thinking of you in this time of loss .We have fond memories of both of you . We still treasure Walter’s glass ducks. We would love to see you when you come to N.B.
Ruth & Hollie Craig .
My sympathies, Elizabeth on the loss of your husband. It must have been a great shock to you.
Thinking of you….Stella
Dear Elizabeth,
My sincere condolences.
Rosemary Tait
Sorry to hear of Walter’s passing in the Gleaner this week. I have many fond memories of Walter when I was a grad student in chemistry. Asking Walter to repair my glassware was a difficult task for me in my first year but as I got to know him the task got easier and I appreciated the many chats we had. He was a great glassblower and will be missed.
Dave