EDMUND HOWARD WILLIAM "TED" WARBURTON

Edmund Howard William Warburton (Ted) was born in Orillia on January 5, 1940, and passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He lived a life shaped by music, loyalty, generosity, and deep personal connections. He was predeceased by his mother, Marjory; his father, Edmund; and his sister, Joan (Jakobi). He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (McRoberts); his two children, Sean (Jocelyn) and Angela (Edward); and is also lovingly remembered by extended family: Nadia, Candace (Michael), David, Moira (Rob), Lynne, Linda (Kenroy), John-Scott (Jackie), Michaela, Debbie (Joe), Kathy, Wendy, Kevin (Cheryl), Bridgette, Jeanine, Bill, Ryan (Zhenya), Lilah (Nigel), Andrew, Carla, Annelise, Amy, Aaron, Cameron, Jamaar, Daniel, Victoria, Leroy, and Nicole. Ted was a professional trumpet player who trained at the Oscar Peterson School of Music. Following his marriage, he and Betty moved to London, England, to further his music career. During his time there, he had the honour of playing with several legendary musicians, deepening his artistry while forming meaningful and lasting friendships that stayed with him throughout his life. During those years abroad, he and Betty, along with close friend Dave Gold, stood in line for hours to pay their respects at Sir Winston Churchill's visitation at Westminster Abbey - an experience they felt deeply honoured to witness and one they never forgot. His musical journey later brought him back to Toronto, where he continued to play with the National Spring Thaw Tour. He later produced two musical reviews: If I Would I Could at the Theatre at the Dell and You Better Believe It - After Hours at St. Lawrence Hall. Music remained a constant thread throughout his life, from his early training and love of live jazz concerts to countless evenings spent enjoying music with his wife, Betty. His career later changed direction when he was introduced to the life insurance industry (Manulife) by his brother-in-law, John (Jack) McRoberts. There, he built a successful insurance practice. In 1984, he formed First York Financial with business partner Edward (Ted) Polci and went on to serve as President of the Life Underwriters of Ontario. Ted was thrilled when his son Sean joined the firm in 1998. Family was central to Ted's world. Summers were joyfully spent in the Kawarthas at the family cottage with Betty, his parents, Sean, Angela, and niece Wendy, creating memories that became part of the family's foundation. Ted and Betty divided their time between Toronto and their treasured farm in Harwood, Ontario (Folgate Farm), a second home since 1987. There, surrounded by woods and nature, Ted found peace, relaxation, creative inspiration for his art, and a wonderful community of people. The farm was also a special gathering place for extended family celebrations and for his men's group, which met for over 40 years. He cherished travel, especially trips to Mexico, Florida, Japan, and throughout Europe and Canada. Among his most meaningful experiences was celebrating his 55th wedding anniversary in Como, Italy, in 2019 with Betty, Sean, Jocelyn, Angela, and Edward, and his 70th birthday in Chicago, experiencing local blues and jazz with the same motley crew. Ted was known for his sharp wit and quick comebacks - a quiet humour that revealed itself to those who knew him well. Though introverted by nature, he valued deep friendships and meaningful conversations. He was generous with his time, wisdom, and success, committed to helping make the lives of those he loved - and others - better. Along with a colleague, he was instrumental in bringing the Make-A-Wish chapter to Ontario and served on its board for several years, where he was deeply touched by the depth and impact of the work. He would often say, "Do good stuff and make the world a better place." There are so many fond memories of music shared on family trips, laughter, great culinary adventures from around the world, and cherished time together. Ted will be remembered for his intellect, generosity, quick wit, wry humour, artistic pursuits (music and painting), and the loyal, steadfast way he showed up for the people and causes he cared about most. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, their partners, and his many nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends. A private family funeral will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Information regarding Ted's celebration of life will be shared through the Mount Pleasant Group memorial page when details are confirmed.