Died Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 peacefully at home through the night. Howard was born September 25th 1932 on a farm just south of Palgrave, currently the Caledon Woods Golf Course and always lived within 10 km of his birth home. His first job was working in the summers on a farm of family friends and recounted many fond stories of this experience. Howard began working at the Woodbridge Advertiser newspaper at the age of 17 in 1947 as a Compositor and through his strong work ethic and dedication moved onto Publisher and later owner. Howard was remembered as seldom missing a day of work. If he wasn’t feeling well, he would go home and take a nap and later return to work as “someone” had to get the newspaper out. Howard sold the newspaper in 1982. Married June 22, 1956 – 64 years of a strong and loving marriage to Laura Alice Walton (Ray). Laura’s care, love, and dedication to Howard shone through in his last years of his life as they were both inseparable. Howard will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Valerie L. Walton (Andrew Palidwor) and Deborah J. Walton along with his only grandchild Alexander Howard Simpson – the shining star in Grandpa’s heart. Predeceased by parents Emerson and Ethel Walton of Palgrave and sister, Doris Graham of Tottenham. Howard enjoyed hockey as a youth as well as baseball and was known and referred to by a newspaper reporter as “patrolled the outfield with his magnet like glove”. He learned to play golf following his retirement as a pastime with friends. Howard loved animals – particularly dogs, cats, and horses. He significantly enjoyed horse shows with his daughter and grandson. Howard was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who would put others before himself and would always see the good in everyone.
The family would like to thank Dr. Weicker and her team for their care as well as special note to Community Health nurse Jennifer Huehn.
Although Howard passed away at home – the family would like any donations to be directed to Bethell Hospice Foundation, Box 75, Inglewood L7C 3L6 or Helping Hands at the Davis Centre, 80 Allan Drive, Bolton L7E 1P7.
Cremation has taken place and a private family interment is planned for the spring.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Kerri Grech (Dr. Weicker's office)
It is with a fond heart that I will remember Howard. He was a lovely man and always had a little story to share so he could make you smile. I will miss him. So sorry for your loss Laura. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dijana Kladnjakovic
Dear Valerie, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
Philip King
I’m so sorry to hear of this. A proud Palgrave man. A generous one, too, and my sympathies to the whole family . I’ll tell you one anecdote — when I was a teen, he gave me a fabulous tour of the Woodbridge Advertiser building at Pine and Highway 50. I was really impressed by the whole ‘newspaper’ thing, and pursued it. I’ve been in the newspaper gig 39 years now. I doubt he had any idea what a great impression he made on me. My best regards, Philip King
Mary Goral
Having been a co-worker with Valerie for many year (at Humber College), I feel like I knew quite a lot about Howard and the caring man that he was. Valerie shared many stories about her dad with me and I am certain her was a very good father. I knew of Howard’s deteriorating health, especially in the past few months, and sensed he was getting weaker. While we know the end is inevitable, it never takes away the pain and sorrow we feel when it actually happens. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Howard. My prayers and thoughts are will all of you at this difficult time.
Patricia Thompson
It is with deep sadness to hear about Uncle Howard passing. In his later years we were not very close, but I do remember him fondly. No matter how much time passed he always knew who I was whenever we met. Please except my deepest condolences on your loss.
Melodie Atanowski
Valerie is one of my dearest friends and her Dad was always there with a kind word. He will be missed. May kindness and prayer surround you.
Tracey Murray
I am so very happy to have had the pleasure of knowing Howard. I played many a game of euchre with him and heard many a good story. I will miss him asking me and sharing about golf. He has always been so kind and bring a smile to ones face. He will be missed! His lovely wife Laura has always been by his side – I am sorry for your loss Laura – my condolences to you and the family
Jack McKay
Sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. I have many fond memories of time spent with Howard that seems so long ago.
My deepest sympathy to Laura & Family
Jane Chapman
I was sorry to hear of Howard’s passing.
Laura you were a strong women taking care of him for so many years.
Enjoyed him at the Caledon Seniors Centre playing cards.
May your fond memories help you through this difficult time.
Thinking of you.
Jane Chapman
Mary Goral
Having been a co-worker with Valerie for many years (at Humber College), l feel like l got to know quite a lot about Howard and the caring man that he was. Valerie shared many stories about her dad with me and l am certain he was a very good father. I knew Howard’s health was greatly deteriorating in the past few months and while we know the end of a life is inevitable, it never takes away the pain and sorrow we feel when it happens. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Howard. My thoughts and prayers are with you all through this difficult time.
Don Norris
He was such a lovely man. With our regrets, Carolyn and Don Norris.
Lorraine S.
Debbie and Family, please accept my condolences on the passing of Howard. Debbie, it’s been wonderful to learn a bit about your Dad through stories you’ve shared of him and I hope you find some comfort in the wonderful memories during this difficult time.
PETER STEWART
Mrs. Walton
Sorry to hear of Howard’s passing
My sincere condolences
Peter Stewart
Jessica
Dear Valarie,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Kristin Filiatreault
My deepest condolences to the whole family. I met Mr. Walton through his daughter Deborah. I have heard many stories throughout the years and know how dear he was to them. Debbie and Alexander sending you much love.
Marta Correia-Simas
My heartfelt condolences go to the Walton Family, especially Debbie and Alexander. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr and Mrs Walton years ago when Alexander was a little guy at the Brampton Y. I admired how loving and supportive Mr Walton was with his grandson. May the memories of your husband, father and Grandpa bring joy and laughter during this difficult time.
Marge Hamill
I was so sorry to read that Howard had passed away. He was a kind and thoughtful friend to Jim before he passed away , he always looked forward to chatting on the phone to Howard and they shared many a story and a few laughs as well. Our thoughts are with you Laura and girls.
Sincerely Marge Hamill
Cameron Dolson
Our sympathies go out to Laura and family at this time. I always considered Howard a true gentleman . I met Howard
in the ’50’s sometime; at the ballpark or different functions around Palgrave. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
Take care of yourself Laura, and memories of times you and Howard spent together will help you face the future.
Sincerely, Cameron and Donna Dolson.
Kathy Baker
Dear Valerie, our deepest condolences to you, your mother Laura, and your family for the recent loss of your father Howard. May our prayers for strength help get you through the coming months, and may it help to always remember that when a loved one is gone from our sight, we forever carry them with us in our hearts. With sincere sympathy,
Your friends always,
Kathy and Richard Baker.
Najeeb Ahmed
Dear Valerie, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Caroline Doyle
Thinking of you in such difficult times, I was so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing.He was such a lovely man, my heart goes out to you all. Lots of love.
Ruby Doan
Valerie and family.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. May memories of him bring you comfort.
Sue Berkley
Dear Valerie, so sorry for the passing of your father. Please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family.
Heather Tom and Noah
Dear Debbie and Alex So sorry for your lose. I’m sure you both were a blessing for your father and you were lucky to have had him in your life. I know from the stories you’ve shared about him how important he was to both of you. I hope the memories you have are a blessing .
Mark and Dale Blaire
Laura, Valerie, Debra and Alexander
I’m sorry for the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather, Howard.
Whenever I saw or spoke to Howard on the phone he always had time to talk about you all. I know that you all meant so much to him. He was so proud of your achievements.
Laura you were always there by Howard’s side, no matter what the situation was. A truly devoted wife.
Howard was one of Palgrave community pillars and will be truly missed and never forgotten. A true gentleman.
Our deepest condolences
Mark and Dale Blaire (nee Mason)
Ruth & Cy Wallace
Gods Blessings at this time to your family members. To me, Cy, I spent quite some time with Howard at the Davis Centre. But back in the early days, Fond Memories. Love Ruth & Cy Wallace.
Kathy (Doherty) Knapp
My sincere condolences in the passing of Howard. I meet Howard as a child when my mother worked at folding the Woodbridge Enterprise . He was a very kind person and had gentle way about him.
Phyllis Wilson
Dear Laura and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing.
You took great care of him.
Love Phyllis Wilson
Lois Barton
My deepest sympathy to Laura and family on your loss. Howard and his reminiscents of the early Walton days will be truly missed.
Lois Barton
Joy Croft
We were sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. We had many fun games of cards at the Senior Centre, Howard had a great sense of humor and always some story to tell. I had many chats with him at the Davis Centre. Take care Laura.
Gord and Joy Croft
Cheryl Salkey
Dear Valerie,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Knowing you from Humber College Library, I learned about your father’s newspaper career, his work in the community and lately, his friendly card games at the senior centre and then his failing health. I sensed that he was a caring and supportive Dad who set a good example to follow.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
John Milligan
Dear Laura,
We are so sorry to hear of Howards passing. He was such a gentleman, always kind and considerate.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely
Nancy Stewart and John Milligan
Nancy Stewart and John Milligan
Murray Stewart
Marnie and I extend our condolences to you Laura and your family . I have valuable and fond memories of Howard working in the type-setting chair assembling the weekly version of the Woodbridge Advertiser. He would always find a little spot for a local news item ,especially at times when we would be doing fund raising for projects like the new lights in the Ted Houston Park. Howard played a significant role in the evolution of communication in our community. Well done ,”Good and Faithful Servant “
Loretta Didzbalis
Laura and family my sincere condolences in the passing of Howard. I enjoyed playing euchre with him over the years.
Take care of yourself and stay safe.
Loretta Didzbalis
My sincere condolences in the passing of Howard to you Laura and your family. I enjoyed playing euchre with him over the years.
Take care of yourself and stay safe.
Sandy Goodyear
My deepest sympathies Laura and family. Enjoyed a lot of euchre games in Bolton with you and Howard. He always made me laugh with his stories.
Mary Ray
Very sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. He was a good neighbour as well a wonderful father and husband. My thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.
Don Learmont
Howard was a true gentleman. Always enjoyed talking to him. Sorry for your loss.
Lynne Steenkamp
Valerie, again, I am so sorry for your loss. I met your father once, decades ago, and he was as lovely a person as you had always portrayed him to be. I still treasure the printer’s tray you and he, gifted me after the general store in Palgrave was sold. I’m here for you. Any time.
Janet Hollingsworth
Valerie, I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. He sounds like a lovely man. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Alexandra Ross
Dear Valerie,
Please accept my sympathies on the passing of your father. He was clearly an accomplished and dedicated man. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Alexandra Ross
Barry & Nancy Barton
Laura and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. To me “Brownie” was the epitome of Palgrave. I will always be proud of knowing him. Very sorry for our loss.
Marti Cross
I was saddened to see that Howard had passed away. I will always remember his charming presence every day he attended the Adult Day Program at the Davis Centre . His quick wit, kind nature and keen Euchre skills made his visits memorable for both other clients and the staff. He will be missed. My condolences to you all. Marti Cross, the ADS Nurse.
Joseph C
I am sorry to hear about your father’s passing Valerie. Grief is difficult and complicated, especially at a time like this. I hope you and your family are able to find the time and space for everything you are feeling now and wish you all well.
E Wilkinson
Howard will be missed for his kindness, his wry sense of humour and, his very entertaining stories. When we talk of Howard, the conversation always begins with a smile. That’s what he did for us. He made us smile.
Thank you Howard, God Bless.
My sincere condolences Laura, to you and your family.
Edith
Victor Horan
Laura and family, so sorry to hear about Howards passing as he was a real gentleman,I still have memories of helping Howard one night a week lifting heavy plates for the press.Howard((Brownie )will be missed.
Dixie Jones
Dear Laura , Valerie, Deborah & Alexander,
My deepest condolences in the loss of a wonderful husband, father & grandfather.
From my youngest days, I remember Howard (Brownie as my dad called him) as a very kind & hard working family man & a pillar of the Palgrave community. He always smiled & waved hello to me when he was outside as I passed by the Woodbridge Advertiser.