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Walter John Sutton, age 65, of Moncton, Brantford, Hamilton and Toronto, died of pancreatic cancer on May 30, 2023 at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton.
Born in Calgary, Alberta on January 1, 1958, Walt was the first child of Joan Sutton Straus (nee Treble) and Walter John “Pete” Sutton.
Predeceased by his mother and his stepson Colin Buckley, he is survived and will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Lori (nee Buckley) of Moncton; his father Pete Sutton of Wilmington, North Carolina; his sister Deborah Sutton of Kingfield, Maine; his nephew Leon Sutton Straus Robie of Winslow, Maine; his loving and lifelong friend Livia Curti of Toronto; his friends Douglas Cogswell, Shelley Cogswell Lee, and Michael Roussel; his aunts and uncles and cousins; and his devoted dog Morag.
A hardworking man all his life, Walt grew up and attended schools in Toronto, later moving to Hamilton and then Brantford, before marrying Lori in 2017 and settling in Moncton NB, where he devoted himself to remodeling and updating their home and building a married life with her. A skilled carpenter and handyman, Walt could fix just about anything, and in his limited spare time, over the years, he built a wooden boat, fine furniture, and model ships, for which he patiently lathed tiny brass cannons and tied rigging by hand. He was a resolute champion of the working man and stood up against injustice whenever he encountered it. A plaque in a business in Dundas, Ontario commemorates the time that he risked his own life, while driving a truck whose brakes had failed, to avoid injuring or killing pedestrians.
A devotee of all things Celtic, Walt was an enthusiastic and ardent bagpiper, and a proud member of the RCMP J Division Pipes and Drums band, which in May 2023 received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal; the Brantford Pipes and Drums; and formerly a member of the Moncton District Pipe Band. One of his recent projects was to transcribe the Ukrainian national anthem into musical notation for the bagpipes. He was also knowledgable about history and current affairs and enjoyed a good political debate.
He cared deeply about his family, and despite the geographic distances among all members of his family of origin, he was always willing to travel to lend a helping hand. During his final days, Walt’s truly good soul shone bright and strong. His greatest worry was that he had not sufficiently shown his love and appreciation to the people he cared about. He talked about this at length and wanted to be sure that this would be known. So if his life touched yours, please know that he loved and valued you, even if he wasn’t able to tell you that himself. He was not ready to leave, he thought he would have more time, and he left this earth reluctantly. Despite that anguish, he was unfailingly polite and courteous to those around him, always answering “Yes, please” when offered a drink of water, and thanking the nurses and staff for their efforts on his behalf.
Walt’s wife and family would like to extend special thanks to the nursing team and staff in Section 3F of the Georges Dumont Hospital, whose kindness and attention to him was moving and much appreciated; also to the Rev. Canon Chris VanBuskirk, whose guidance was extraordinary, as well as Louise Boissonnault and Father Damien, all of whom helped Walt and his family accept and understand what was happening.
A graveside service, officiated by Father Chris VanBuskirk, will take place on Friday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Black River United Church Cemetery (1101 Route 825. Black River, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2S 1Y7), followed by a reception at Seaview Community Club (17 Bayview Rd., Black River, NB E2S 1Z8).
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Walt’s memory to the Community Outreach Program of St George’s Anglican Church (51 Church Street, Moncton NB E1C 4Z3 Canada. Telephone: 506-855-5209. Email: office@stgeorgesmoncton.ca).
The family invites you to sign a book of condolences at: www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca.
Arrangements under the professional care of Passage Funeral Cooperative and Cremation Center (625 Mountain Rd, Moncton, NB, E1C 2P1, 506-855-1145).
Always a smile. He will be missed by many.
It is with sadness that I read the obituary for my nephew Walter John Sutton. I regret not having the opportunity to know Walt better & possibly spending more time with him in his adult years. I remember him & his sister Deborah fondly as children. My thoughts are with Lori, Pete & Deborah at this difficult time.
I met Walt late in my life, thanks to his mother, so knew him not nearly long enough. He was a genuine, kind man and he will be missed sorely by all those who knew him.
Sending big hugs to Lori and other family on the loss of Walt. He did his best in his life, fought hard against cancer, and will be sadly missed. RIP Walt
Sending big hugs to Lori, Debbie and other family on the loss of Walt. He did his best in his life, put up a brave battle with cancer, and will be sadly missed. RIP Walt.
A very special friend, who showed nothing but kindness and respect to me. May he rest in peace and his family feel the love and prayers for his loss.
I remember meeting Walter when he was a newborn baby, He was cradled in his proud father’s arms, his sister Debbie and doting mother, Joan, watching and soaking up all the congratulatory compliments. Life separated us in so many ways, but the next time I met Walter was at a family reunion held at Cedar Grove Resort east of Huntsville around 2015 (possible error in date). Walter was a quiet-spoken but keen conversationalist who, like his Dad, enjoyed a friendly political debate or a discussion about the trades. I wish I hadn’t lived so far away from Walter as I believe we would have gotten along really well together. Debbie (my wife) and I wish Pete, Debbie (Walt’s sister), Lori and the rest of the family our heart-felt condolences for your loss of Walter.
Shocked and saddened by the news of Walter’s sudden departure.
Sending sincere condolences to all those he unwillingly leaves behind.
A good man and a good friend !
May perpetual light shine on you and through the mercy of God rest in peace
Walter
What a beautiful write-up! I knew Walter though the pipe band; he was such a devoted player. Often, he would show up to rehearsal, having just finished work, still in his work clothes, to play bagpipes for the last hour! He always had something to make me smile. He would offer suggestions on what we were playing or share the history behind a certain tune. He was very knowledgeable indeed and his mere presence was calming. A gracious and kind man. RIP Walter.
Time just went to quickly and I never had the time to say all the things I wanted to say to Walter. So now it’s time. Walter the day you risked your own life to save others I was so proud to call you my cousin. At that time I was working in a shipping office at a huge manufacturing company and every truck driver that came In was proud of you they all talked about “what a brave hero you were”. However that is not all you were. When we would meet in Fergus at the Highland Games and I would sit and watch you play the bagpipes with your friends I am not sure if I ever totally expressed what an amazing musician you were. It was always a fun day and you were truly happy on those occasions. I also have a confession I need to make. Walter when I was 17 and staying with your family in Cabbage Town my job was to make you dinner, your job was to do the dishes. The night I made you a salad and you found the bug ….you accused me of not washing the lettuce…I acted angry and lied to you, the truth is …I did not wash the lettuce. I am now 60 and I swear everyday since that day whenever I have made a salad I see your face and think of you. We had many phone conversations over the last year and I regret I did not have more wisdom or the ability to help you more. Your family has been in my thoughts everyday, and want them to know they have my sincere condolences. Walter will be missed but never forgotten by me.
You will be missed by your pipe band community.
Walter you will be missed by all the members of the RCMP J Division pipe band. We will remember your choice of tunes “Road to the Isles” and playing it for your mother at band practice. RIP my friend.
Walter Sutton, what can I say!
I only just met you in the last few months but saw very quickly a few things that made you special in my heart. Your love of Moraig, your beloved dog, showed clearly a gentle, kind hearted soul filled with compassion.
Your music, the passion and love of your life. Your eyes shone with such joy and light when you spoke of music that you loved and when you were playing your Pipes. You spoke with conviction about all that you believe to be important and just.
A man proud of his heritage, a craftsman, hardworking, genuine man.
I am grateful that Our Father called you home to him so quickly and you no longer suffer such pain. It is sad to see you go and you fought right to the end.
Walt, the time you spent on this earthly plain, you touched many people’s lives leaving them with wonderful memories you.
My sincerest condolences to his beautiful wife and, I am blessed to say, my dear friend Lori. To Walt’s family and friends, I am sadden for your loss. My prayers go out to all thar God may grant you peace in this time loss.
Walter Sutton husband, son, brother, friend.
Suzanne Kraft
I came to know Walt over the last six months of his life but it quickly became clear to me that he was a man of character and courage. He was a true gentleman to the end. My sincere condolences to Walt’s family. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Words cannot express how saddened I was to learn of Walter’s passing. My heartfelt sympathies to Lori, Debbie, Pete, and all the family. Wishing you all strength and peace during this difficult time.
You are so missed Walter a true gentleman I miss seeing you and Morag out for your many walks and always stopping by to talk to me it’s not the same without you my dear friend R I P Walter your friend and neighbour Rick next door
My deepest condolences to Walters family. He was devoted to the RCMP pipe band, and made time for practise when he wasn’t working. He will be missed in our Band community. Take care of yourself Lori, it was nice to catch up with you and Walt earlier this year at the Holy Whale for a great afternoon of piping. RIP Walter.
Very sorry for the families loss. I remember Walter from the Lorne Scots Pipe band. A gifted musician. RIP
Pete and Deb,
So very sorry. It isn’t easy for you Pete to lose a son and Deb to lose your brother. My heart goes out to you both.
Much love,
Mary
I am very sad that our Walter is gone. My thoughts are with Debbie, Pete and Lori. Sending you all hugs!
My deepest condolences to Lori, Debbie and Pete! May your memories of Walter forever make you smile.
So sorry to see this would let Tim know as he’s not on FB and am sure he would call Pete soon. Condolences go out to all the family.
Uncle Pete,Debbie and Lori
We are sad to hear of Johns passing.
We will always think of him when we hear the pipes!
This is such a beautiful tribute.
Deb, Peter and Lori, I hope that your happiest memories of Walt will bring you comfort in the difficult days ahead. I remember sailing with Walt & Deb as teenagers. Walt had a true passion and talent for it, and it was a pleasure to witness the joy that it brought him. The photo you chose of Walt is the happy sailor that I remember. RIP, Walt.
Dear Lori, Pete, Deborah and family,
I didn’t know Walt, being a cousin once removed, but through family I did know of him; pictures of him playing the bagpipes, and his craftsmanship in carpentry. It was heartwarming to read of his many loves and achievements.
May you all gain comfort from your memories of a son, brother, and husband.
Sincerely,
Helen (Sutton) Younder….. my father Harry, was the younger brother of Perc Sutton