Walter Gibson CASSELS

After a long and full life, Walter Gibson Cassels died peacefully, at his family home in Toronto on August 13, 2024. Born in Toronto on November 16, 1926, Walter was raised along with his brother, Martin "Bun" by their mother Emily Marguerite Cassels, with involvement and support of their extended family. Summers at their family cottage at Eagle Lake nurtured a lifelong love of the outdoors, which he shared with his brother, their close circle of "hunt camp" friends, and later, his own family. Educated at UTS, University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall, Walter was an excellent student and an even better varsity wrestler, leading to national championship medals. Adventurous summer travel and employment were highlighted by summers in Banff and Lake Louise where he and his future wife Marion Mulloy worked, hiked and climbed together. Marion, who died in 2018, was herself an excellent student, talented athlete, adventurer, and ultimately a lifelong partner for Walter, and wonderful mother to their sons Robert, Jamie and David (2022). Following his graduation, Walter started a law firm with friends and fellow students which they grew into the successful and well-regarded firm of Montgomery, Cassels and Mitchell. He practiced law for the next 50 years and developed a reputation for effectiveness and integrity. Out of the office, he was a master of DIY and a collector of old nails, bolts and anything else that "might someday come in handy." Community minded, his dedication to public service included his years as a municipal councilor, service on the board of the Toronto Public Library where he steered the creation of the Toronto Public Reference Library, 34 years on the board of the Scott Mission, and multiple other community involvements. Family was fundamental. Walter and Marion led adventures with their sons on the lakes, in the bush, on ski hills, car camping across Canada both directions, and later gatherings at their beloved farm at Kimberly in the Beaver Valley. They remained close with their own siblings, Martin Cassels and Lois Fricker (Mulloy), and enriched the lives of their sons and wider family of nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Walter had a profound and positive influence on his family and his community and leaves the world a better place.