Parcourez la nécrologie de Walter Keyser Friday March 1st 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
Walter Alan Keyser
August 1, 1936 – March 1, 2024
It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Alan Keyser. Beloved and cherished husband of Helen Notzl; kind, caring and wise dad of Adam Notzl-Keyser (Katie) and Lyn and Lorrie Keyser (deceased), and grandfather of Chris Keyser (Jolene).
Walter leaves behind a huge hole in the lives of all who knew him – his song still echoing in our hearts.
Walter was a man of many smiles – the beaming proud smile, the loving and kind smile, the smile of pure joy, the impish cheeky smile.
He loved adventure and with only a little encouragement, would be up for anything. Traversing Europe on family vacations, navigating the winding mountain roads of the Alps, the narrow streets in the towns and villages of the South of France. Exploring the cities, sun and sand of Mexico, first in Cabo San Lucas, and then Ixtapa, Acapulco, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Later in life, inspired (as always) by Helen, he discovered a love of horses, riding trails around their home in Caledon and as far as the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. He was always the first off the dock every summer at the family cottage on their private island in Georgian Bay. He was a passable euchre partner, but his ping pong abilities were second to none.
All of this was made possible by an incredible career that started very early. Fresh out of university and owing the Army five years of service, his education having been paid for by the ROTP, Walter was approached by the Bank of Canada because according to them, they just had to have him. Jim Coyne, the Governor of the Bank of Canada, arranged to have his obligations to the Army rescinded and offered him a job he couldn’t refuse. He didn’t.
Walter had a brilliant mind and keen understanding of finance, revolutionizing the way retail real estate was financed early in his career. Later, he developed a new way for Canadians to buy homes that had never been possible before, circumventing the banks’ monopoly and creating a more affordable way for first-time buyers to become homeowners.
He started his own company – W.A. Keyser & Associates – and became a lion of Bay Street. He was a guest speaker at a multitude of conferences and functions and joined many boards, including the Pauline McGibbon Cultural Centre, where he met the love of his life, Helen Notzl, the centre’s founder and president.
Most recently, he’s proven how tough, resilient and tenacious he is. Diagnosed first with prostate cancer decades ago, followed by a devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, then colon cancer, then a half hip replacement, he took every challenge in stride, rising to meet them and surprising us all with how he was able to beat them.
A special thank you to Ralph Philips, a PSW who became Walter’s devoted caregiver and dear friend in the last years of his life, bringing laughter, dancing and dapper haircuts.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Elliott Community in Guelph would be greatly appreciated. The caring staff at this special place helped make Walter’s last few months happy and comfortable.
Visitation will be held at the Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 21 First St., Orangeville on Saturday, March 16th, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre 21 First St Orangeville on Sunday, March 17th, 2024 at 2:00 pm. with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations to would be appreciated by the family.
A tree will be planted in memory of Walter in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. 22nd Annual Dedication Service will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com
Friday March 1st 2024
Décès pour la Ville:Orangeville, Province: Ontario
avis deces Walter Keyser Friday March 1st 2024
nécrologie Walter Keyser Friday March 1st 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Walter Keyser Friday March 1st 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.