In Memory of Walter Eldridge

This is Walter Elderidge. On September 8th, Walter suddenly passed away due to a heart attack. He was an incredibly beautiful soul and a wonderful addition to the community. Walter has always been the best man he could be, bringing happiness and joy to everyone in his life. He always stepped up to help others with almost anything, sacrificing his time just to be there for his loved ones. He knew how to make people feel important and loved. His presence has been and will be missed by many.

Walter loved the outdoors, he loved camping & canoeing, anything that involved being outside and present with nature. He had a way with animals. I grew up with a cockatiel bird named Bell. She was always very shy and timid. A few years ago my family gave her to Walter and since then she has flourished. Walter would always talk about how much she had come out of her shell and how much her personality grew. He had so much love for her and any other animals in his life.

I personally knew him through my father, the two were best friends who met through work. When my dad would visit me in Niagara region during work runs, Walter was usually with him. The two would always take me out for food and just hangout and keep me company. One time I was going through a rough patch and Walter came to see me with my dad. It’s something that stuck with me and I’ll always be grateful for his support during my highs and lows. Walter has been a support in my life and in others lives for so long. Being kind and good to others was all he knew and I’m incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege to know him.

Last time I saw Walter was over the summer, he selflessly passed up work to give me and my finance a ride to go visit my family. Walter has a family of his own, his wife, Tammy, and his son Daniel who I met in elementary school when we were about 12-13. Their souls are just as beautiful as Walter’s. Unfortunately and as expected, his family are going through a lot with this sudden loss. It’s been very overwhelming for them and they can use our support. Thus, me and others are working to fundraise to cover a celebration of life for Walter and give extra support to his family, it’s the least we can do for someone who was always willing to do anything for his community. In this overwhelming time, anything helps. A share or even $5 goes a long way.