April 27, 1944 to January 23, 2022
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the sudden death of our dear husband, father and grandfather, brother and brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend Walter Borthwick. His heart could no longer hold all the love and support that he constantly gave to his family, friends and community.
Walter was born in Brantford, where his dad Tom was a welder, and his mom Florence was a stay-at-home mom to him and his sister Nancy. His family began vacationing at Osborn’s Cottages in the 1950’s, and soon decided to build their own family cottage on Shore Lane. In 1954, his father required a career change, and they made the move to Wasaga and bought a small business that was the ANZAC store.
Grade school was attended both in Stayner and Wasaga Beach, and high school in Collingwood. CCI was where “quarterback met cheerleader,” and the union with Elaine began, followed by a family of three daughters. During this time of working in the family business and raising a family, a keen interest for politics began. An appointment to the Village of Wasaga Beach’s Planning Board in 1969 soon led to a successful run for Mayor in 1978. This position was held for 25 years! During those years Walter’s hard work was a key element in the successful development of our small town.
Time was made outside of work for Walter’s love of sports. He was a referee for 12 years with the OHA, played slo pitch, swung a golf club whenever possible and cheered on his Argo’s during his 40 years as a season ticket holder. He always had a desire to give back to his community. He was on the General and Marine Hospital Board for 12 years, and then an integral part of the Hospital Foundations Board of Directors. He was one of the original charter members of The Wasaga Beach Rotary Club, and was proud of the support that the club continually supplied to the town. Walter, like his father, was also very involved in the Northern Light Lodge; 50 years a Freemason.
Walter was also fortunate to be appointed by the Provincial government to OMERS and served as Board Chair. He also spent many years consulting for Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities which provided the opportunity to be part of their Board of Directors for six years. Both experiences he thoroughly enjoyed.
Throughout all these endeavours that Walter participated in, he always made time for family. This was made clear by his love and devotion to all his family, especially his wife Elaine. He had become one of her favourite and most reliable caregivers. Walter will be sadly missed by Elaine, their three daughters and their families: Shelley and Brian Crozier (Shawn, Tahne, Abby), Heather and Rob Ballarin (Rebecca, Nicholas) and Sue and Steve Weir (Maggie, Emma). Also grieving this loss are his sister Nancy (Keith) Thatcher and his sister-in-laws Jo-Ann (Lloyd) Preston and Marilynn Hutchison. It is quite certain that Walter is now on the heavenly fairways with Marilynn’s husband, Elaine’s brother, Doug. Many other family members, from his cousins to his nieces and nephews, and friends, from his high school days to his golf days, will miss his teasing and mischievous behaviour, which represented his compassion and care towards them.
At this time, Walter’s family will be having a small private service with the hopes of a larger celebration in the Spring. If you would care to make a donation in Walter’s memory, he was always a steadfast supporter of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation, and the Prince of Peace Anglican Church, here in Wasaga Beach. For further information and to sign Walter’s Book of Memories, please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com