Albert “Ab” Walmsley passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Monday, January 16, 2023, at the Campbell House in Collingwood, ON. He was in his 90th year. Beloved husband of 55 years of Gladys May Wilson, who predeceased him in 2009. Loving father of Karen (Roger) Galipeau, Patricia (Brian) Houlton and the late Sandra (Andreas) Buschbeck. Cherished grandfather of Ryan Hammond (Heidi), Sam Buschbeck (Christena) and Matthew Buschbeck (Leslie). Brand new great-grandfather of Scarlett Marie Buschbeck, born December 22, 2022.
Albert Walmsley was born on May 1, 1933, in Collingwood, to parents George Walmsley and Norma Morrill. His ancestors included well-known local sportsmen. His Morrill grandfather and great-grandfather were well known around the Great Lakes as builders of wooden fishing tugs and lumber barges. Perhaps these two things destined Albert to become a skilled athlete himself and influenced his choice of career.
Albert grew up playing hockey on the outdoor rinks of Collingwood and played both Juvenile and Junior C hockey. He was one of only two men who played on all four winning Junior C championship teams, the Collingwood Greenshirts, between 1949 and 1953. Albert also played baseball on local teams and was the junior school track and field champion during his high school days. He was inducted into the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, joining his brother, Barney Walmsley, his uncle, Bobby Morrill and his cousins, Allan Morrill and Albert Kirby.
Albert enjoyed other sports besides hockey and baseball. He curled, golfed and in retirement, he tried his hand at lawn bowling. Albert also enjoyed hunting and fishing and belonged to the Collingwood Rod and Gun Club. He and his wife, Gladys, participated in the town bowling leagues for many years.
Albert worked in the drafting office of the Collingwood Shipyards from 1951 until the yard closed in 1986. He then formed Walmsley Engineering Services and did contract drafting in Port Weller, ON and Ottawa, ON.
A warm and congenial man, Albert had many friends and was well-liked by all who met him. He was humorous throughout his life and loved to tell a good story, He was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Albert was an active participant in both the Masonic lodge and the Rameses Shrine club. He served as Master of Manito Lodge No. 90 from 1987 to 1988.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the Royal Canadian Legion, 400 Ontario Street, Collingwood. Please join the family for remembrances at 1 p.m. followed by a reception. Interment at Trinity United Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice Georgian Triangle - Campbell House would be appreciated by the family. Friends may visit Ab’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com