Here’s a hard truth: most people don’t make real decisions. They wait. They hesitate. They let others choose. Or they avoid, delay, distract—until life chooses
The most loving father, he will be forever and deeply missed by Catherine (Steve), Kimberly (Jeff) and Matthew. Much loved grandfather of Chris, Cole, Stella, Nikki, and Madison. Survived by the mother of his children, Margaret. Lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews, Wally was the best big brother to his surviving sibling, “Bullit” Bob. After a distinguished career in Law as Senior Partner at McLean & Kerr, Wally is greatly missed by his many respected colleagues and dear friends.
Wally was loved by all who knew him. Born in St. Catharines and raised in Port Dalhousie, he maintained a lifelong love of the water and often took his kids back to see his childhood home and his humble beginnings. He loved the Henley Regatta, and served as Co-Commodore of the Mississauga Canoe Club in the 1990s. Wally loved his backyard swimming pools, relaxing poolside at his condo in Fort Myers, family RV trips to Myrtle Beach and then visiting Goderich at his trailer on Lake Huron in his final years.
A gentle, kind and loving man, Wally instilled strong values in his children. A proud grandfather, Wally adored spending time with his grandchildren and “watching them unfold like blossoms”.
Each of his children was immensely proud of their Dad and his career. A memorable highlight was the endowment of the Walter R. Stevenson student bursary at U of T Law School by businessman and philanthropist Gallant Ho. The award is granted to a law student demonstrating significant “perseverance and determination”, qualities which Wally personified throughout his life.
He had a strength of character and tenacity of will true to his Scottish roots. Like the solitary bagpiper, he managed his pain with quiet strength and grace until it became too much to bear.
