Surrounded by family, Walter passed away peacefully at home on October 9, 2012 in his 89th year. Born in Toronto in 1923, parents William and Sadie Hadden (both deceased), brother of late Eugene, Lorna, and Albert. Survived by his loving wife, Evelyn (Williams, Galbraith), and three children, James, Susan (James), and Carolyn (Colin) all of Windsor. Step-father to the late David Williams (Carol), Robert (Sherry), Jeffrey (Rhonda), Stuart, Alice (Bryan) and daughter-in-law Jennifer. Grampa to seven wonderful grand children, Corey (Alicia), Kurtis, Kristin (Jeff), Sarah (Ryan), Emily, Joshua and Kira. Adopted “Dad” of Shari Cunningham and Dave Langstone. Following overseas service in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WW II, Walter entered the automotive parts industry as a sales trainee with Champion Spark Plug Company of Canada in 1947. He moved from Toronto to Winnipeg in 1954, then to Windsor where in 1973 he was appointed president and CEO of the company, retiring in 1985. During his successful business career, he gave back to the industry by serving in various leadership roles with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, becoming its elected president. He involved himself in several community organizations including the Windsor Family YMCA, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Willistead Manor Board. He was a 55-year member of the Rotary Club of Windsor, and an active member of Temple Baptist / Banwell Community Church serving in various capacities over many years. Walter co-founded DIRECTION 2000, a group of local retired CEO’s committed to improvement of community quality-of-life. He originated the idea of a civic beautification program sponsored and promoted by the Windsor Star. Following cremation, remains will be moved to the Algonquin Park region where in “God’s Country” Walter enjoyed so many happy times with family and friends. A special thankyou to Walter’s awesome caregivers Francine, Abe, Lacey and Steve. Flowers gratefully declined but memorials may be given to Banwell Community Church Memorial Fund, Salvation Army – Windsor Division or the Rotary Club (1918) of Windsor.
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