Walter Arthur Collis (Poppa Wally) of Bracebridge, ON passed away on Friday, September 15, 2017 at the age of 84 with his family at his side. A long time survivor of prostate cancer since 2001, he succumbed to a long battle with bone cancer.
Walter was born on February 27, 1933 in Joliette to Donald and Cathleen Collis. Survived by his best friend and wife of 57 years, Thorna Lillian (nee Cliffe) of Montreal, PQ. They were inseparable to the end as he wished to remain in their home along the river that they had come to cherish. He was the father of three loving children, daughter Morna with Carol, son Donald with Laura, and youngest son Brian with Jodi. A loving grandfather and a big part of the lives to Jessica, Jacqueline, Julia and Todd. He is survived by his older brother James Dean with Louise of Wake Forest, NC.
He was a long-term employee with the Royal Bank of Canada and retired in 1989. He treated all those whose paths he crossed with kindness, curiosity and appreciation. He was an avid volunteer throughout his life; serving in each community that he lived in. As a resident of Bracebridge, he supported the efforts at Habitat for Humanity for a number of years. His life lesson to us all was to live for today and do not wait for the right moment to do something you love. Walter lived this by sharing his love for family and friends each and every day.
Our family extends the warmest thanks to family and friends from near and far who helped support us through this difficult journey. Also, many thanks to the PSWs from CarePartners & Nursing Care from Closing the Gap for supporting Dad's wishes to finish his days at home.
In keeping with his wishes, a private cremation and family mass occurred. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to any of Walter’s favourite charities; Covenant House www.covenanthousetoronto.ca, Multiple Sclerosis www.mssociety.ca, Prostate Cancer www.cancer.ca.
A celebration of life for Walter will be held in the future for close family and friends.
Messages of condolence can be left at www.peacefultranstion.ca
Brian TYLER
Posted on: Tuesday, September 19, 2017To the family of Walter Collis,
We extend our deepest sympathies at this sad time. May the exemplarily way Walter
lived inspire others.
Warmest regards,
Amity Packing Co, Inc.
Murray Glassford
Posted on: Tuesday, September 19, 2017It’s with great sadness that feel for your family on the passing of Poppa. From what I know he was an ok guy and will be missed. — Murray
Bernard and Diane Kowal
Posted on: Tuesday, September 19, 2017Walter was an outstanding gentlemen whose demeanor bore the qualities of decency, honesty, respect and high moral standards. Rest well, Wally and be comforted in the fact that your noble ethics are cemented in all of those with whom you were in contact. We had many happy memories together and you will be missed by everyone whose heart you touched.
With love and kind thoughts to all the family,
Bernie and Diane
Mark Dando
Posted on: Wednesday, September 20, 2017My deepest sympathies to everyone. Mr Collis was a father but also a friend to all that knew him. I always had the greatest respect for “Wally” as he made me call him, his smile generated warmth in all he touched
Heartfelt Regret
Mark, Evan, Griffin
Chris Cluett
Posted on: Wednesday, September 20, 2017Collis family,
I’m sure I didn’t know him as well or in the same way they you all did but he taught me a lot and encouraged my love of motorcycles and to ride as often as I could. He was an amazing man and a strong influence on myself and others. If any of you need anything please contact me. I’ll do anything I can.
All the best, Chris
Robert Nicolosi
Posted on: Wednesday, September 20, 2017We extend our deepest sympathies to the Collis family. We’ve been blessed and honored to know Mr. Collis through his son and family. His kindness, sincerity and love for life and family have shown through his children.
Our love and heartfelt condolences ,
The Nicolosi Family
Kathryn Temple
Posted on: Thursday, September 21, 2017Inevitably the memories come flooding back at these times. I so clearly remember “Mr Collis” greeting me with that big smile whenever I went out to visit Morna in Oakville. Always a hospitable and welcoming family, making anyone feel very much at home. Walt was always interested in where I had been, what I had been doing, and most importantly – what I thought about it all. So easy going and always quick with a joke. I can hear that laugh now, i hope I always do.
Love to all the family and friends that will miss him so much
Stephen Morgan
Posted on: Thursday, September 21, 2017It was always a pleasure to spend some time with Pappa Wally, a soft-spoken man of varied interests and intellectual depth. He was kind, inquiring and always engaged. You will be deeply missed by many in your extended family.
Paul Erb
Posted on: Thursday, September 21, 2017Dear Thorna
Sorry for your loss.My thoughts are with you.
Gordon and Arlie Freer
Posted on: Friday, September 22, 2017To Thorna and the family, we send our sincere sympathies. At the same time, we celebrate with you his life as a father, husband, grandfather and community participant. He will be fondly remembered.
Art & Marilyn Hogan
Posted on: Sunday, September 24, 2017Thorna and Family,
We were very sorry to learn of Wally’s passing and wish to pass on our deepest sympathies. Marilyn and I knew Walter both as a fellow Royal Bank employee and a very good acquaintance. He was a first class gentleman who was always trying to help people. Our prayers will now include Walter and all of the Collis family.
Art & Marilyn Hogan
Rynnetta McCrank & Bob McCrank
Posted on: Tuesday, September 26, 2017Thorna, we are so sorry to hear about Walter’s passing. God bless.
Bruce Boyes
Posted on: Thursday, September 28, 2017Thorna and Family:
We are very sorry to learn of Walter’s passing. He was a great guy! I always enjoyed his company and was glad he could ride his motorcycle with us all over Muskoka.
Thinking of you all..
Bruce and Julie Boyes
Bob Spencer
Posted on: Thursday, September 28, 2017In 1959 I went to work for Don Collis at Park Ave. station. Later Walter took Father Don for a motorcycle ride an Don broke his leg. I replaced Don and on his return I was promoted. When Don retired in 1965 I replaced him. In 1984 I was sent to Toronto. At church on Sunday my wife and I sat behind a
couple named Thorna and Walter Collis who I found out was the son Don. It shows you how lives intertwine.
Dean & Louise Collis
Posted on: Friday, October 6, 2017As Walter’s brother I remember our great times; the joys of growing up together, the hikes, the games, the bike rides, the time he sent me $20 when I was a penniless student – it was manna from heaven and so typical of his thoughtfulness then and always. We played hockey together and he was better than his older bro but always made me feel good just to be there with him. It was a gift to be part of his life, a wonderful brother and a true friend. Gone from my sight but never forgotten.
Our thoughts are with you. Dean & Louise
Shirley and George Samuelson
Posted on: Tuesday, December 19, 2017Our deepest condolences and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We have many warm memories of our times on Vincennes.