Walter Barclay wanted families to have some security after a loved one was gone. That was true of his 30-year career in life insurance, and that was more than true in his own family life. Walter did not fear his own death; his only concern was for the people he left behind. He need not have worried at all, because he took care of us all right until the end.

Walter Barclay was Judy’s beloved husband of more than 57 years; father to Michael and Patrick; grandfather to Leonard, Alex and Ben. To many more he was an uncle, dear friend and overall bon vivant whose face lit up every time you entered his life.

Walt met Judy Kuntz playing bridge in 1965, and went on their first date to the CNE, where Judy threw up on a roller coaster, which did not deter Walt. "We were good bridge partners and good life partners," he told a nurse at his hospice. "Not many people are both. We were." They married in July 1967. Michael arrived in 1971; Patrick in 1977. Walt never missed a chance to express how proud he was of his boys.

The family bought a cottage in the fall of 1975, which became an active social hub, including an annual Labour Day pig roast for more than 100 people. Even outside the summer months, every weekend at home in Scarborough was some kind of social event for the family, either hosting a dinner or travelling to one. Walt also enjoyed many skiing, hunting, fishing, golf trips, and travelling the world.

When Judy took an early retirement, Walt did as well and the two relocated from Scarborough to Collingwood in 1995. To say they had a healthy social life would be a profound understatement. Their circle of friends expanded exponentially, both in Collingwood and later in Harbour Hills, Florida. Becoming a grandparent was the next big thrill in Walt's life, first in 2010 (Leonard) and then in 2014 (Alex and Ben). He referred to the three of them as his "treats" and “treasures,” respectively.

Walter’s first bout with cancer in his jaw took place in 2020. The radiation and subsequent surgery knocked the wind out of him, affecting his walking and eating – two of his favourite activities. Yet he rallied after that with the help of his Gandalf-like staff, and continued to be the life of a party. He loved watching his three grandchildren grow into adolescence.

The cancer came back in October 2024, just before he and Judy were set to leave for their annual six months of snowbirding. It wasn’t a recurrence; it was a new cancer in the same area. Radiation was not an option, and surgery wasn’t recommended – because there was no guarantee the cancer wouldn’t return again anyway. His condition was declared palliative.

That said, he wasn’t feeling any worse in November than he was in October, so he got the doctor’s permission to go to Florida, where he was strong enough to walk to the gym and work out every day.

On January 30, 2025, Judy and Walt flew home for a postponed Christmas weekend with their sons and their families. That journey home to Ontario was the real beginning of the end for Walter. He arrived very weak. Among many other symptoms, mobility became even more difficult, if not dangerous. Judy and Walt made the decision that their Florida days were now behind them.

February and early March were tenuous yet filled with tentative optimism. Despite his deteriorating mobility, he maintained his healthy social life. On Monday, March 17, it was clear he needed medical assistance and went to Collingwood General Hospital. Three days later he was transferred to Hospice Georgian Triangle. At every stage, excellent care was provided by Dr. Marion Arthur, and all the nurses and attendants at both the hospital and hospice.

Walter was a long-time supporter of Dying With Dignity, long before medical assistance in death (MAID) became legal in 2016. He was very clear that he did not want to prolong his rapidly deteriorating situation and become a burden to anyone.

His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends: laughing, telling stories, making wisecracks, delighting the staff, grinning at his grandchildren's talents, and listening to his favourite music, from Patsy Cline to the War of 1812 Overture. "How are you feeling, Walter?" guests would ask. "Better having seen you," was his response every single time. "Nice to see you, Walter," guests would say. "Better to be seen than to be viewed!" he'd reply.

His final hour was no different, laughing right up to the end, with a glass of scotch in his hand. We'll love you forever, we told him. "I'll love you forever, too, but it won't be quite as long now," he quipped. The entire room was in stitches, right until it was time to cue up Joe Cocker doing "You Are So Beautiful" and Willie Nelson doing "Stardust."

Walter was predeceased by his younger brother Robert. He is survived by Judy, his children and grandchildren, and daughter-in-law Catherine Martel; also Walt’s older sister Elaine Jackson, niece Karen Banelopoulos (with Paul, Michael and Alex), nephews Jim Jackson and Jordan Barclay, the Kuntzes and Barfoots – and of course the many people whose lives he touched.

At Walter's request, there will be no funeral or public celebration of life, but donations can be made to the Collingwood hospital, or Hospice Georgian Triangle or the charity of your choice.