Bernd Harold Walther

WALTHER – Bernd H., Milton
It is with great sadness that his family announce the passing of Bernd Walther, age 77, January 7, 2019 in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool after a courageous, year-long battle with cancer.
Born in Germany, to the late Karl and Erna Walther, Bernd emigrated to Toronto with his family in 1953.
At the age of 12, standing six feet tall, he was placed in a Grade One class to learn English. He graduated from Danforth Tech with records in swimming and track, working as a lifeguard at the Granite Club and in Northern Ontario. After becoming a draftsman, he went to Althouse College and became a technical teacher for the Toronto Board of Education. He taught many technical subjects at Brockton High and Bloor Collegiate before earning an B.A. at York University. He then developed a program for drop-outs at Brockton and Eastdale, where he taught academic and shop subjects. He later ran the Guidance Department at Eastdale. Bernd was a born teacher who loved his vocation and had a great rapport with his students and staff mates. He was also very creative, excelling in painting and woodworking projects. He looked forward to summers at his cabin in Nova Scotia which he spent with Sharon and his boys. After his retirement in 1998, he and Sharon built a home on the Mersey River in Milton where they made wonderful friends. He then fulfilled a life-long dream of building cedar canoes.
Bernd will be forever loved and missed by his partner of 42 years, Sharon McKenzie, his sons Jason (Rebecca) and their daughters Alia and Ainsley, Brendan (Kieng Tan) brother Lutz (Liz) and family and his faithful Dalmatian, Cali. He is also survived by the mother of his sons Elva Walther.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. Interment will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019 in Milton Community cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in Milton Christian Church. Reverend Russell Prime officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Queens General Hospital Foundation, Milton Christian Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com.Thanks to Dr. Gary Ernest and Dr. Lori Wood for their compassionate care and to our loyal friends for their kindness. “Life is not forever, Love is”