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Walter Sherwin Gilman COTTINGHAM

1928 - 2020

BORN

1928

DIED

2020

Walter COTTINGHAM Obituary

WALTER SHERWIN GILMAN COTTINGHAM Walter Sherwin Gilman Cottingham, died April 1, 2020 peacefully at home in Toronto. Born in Montreal in 1928, Walter attended Selwyn House School and McGill University. At McGill, he met Virginia (Ginny) Clare, the love of his life to whom he was married for 67 years. His family Ginny, his five children, Diana, Bill, David, Andrew and Tey, and eleven grandchildren James, Emma; Walter, Kerry, Charlie; Edward, Jono, Wyatt, David; Alexander and Nico were the centre of his life. Walter's strong values are instilled in each of his children and grandchildren. Robert, Tina, Kathy, Caroline, Greg and Sally; his daughters and sons in law enriched his life. His grandchildren fondly remember cold chair lift rides with math and history trivia; sitting on his lap riding the tractor and climbing Mt. Mansfield. In his 90's, despite all his health issues, he still persisted in rowing his ancient wooden rowboat across the bay at the cottage. While at McGill, Walter was an active member of the Alpha Psi chapter of the Zeta Psi fraternity. After graduation, he worked in Montreal for Armstrong Corporation, Pepsi-Cola, Cargill and then went on to co-found Formula Growth which continues today. Walter moved to England where he successfully ran Eagle Investments for many years. Walter had a dry sense of humour, insatiable curiosity and a passion for history. He valued friendships, honesty, hard work and set high expectations for his family. Once a friend, you were his friend for life. He was our family poet and never failed to write a thoughtful birthday poem for all of us. We are grateful to his dedicated and innovative team of doctors who worked hard to extend his life. Dr. Chaim Shustik, Dr. Steven Treon, Dr. Sabrina Stables, Dr. Anca Prica provided him with unparalleled care. We appreciated the compassionate nursing support at the Oncology clinic at Mt. Sinai. Memorial donations may be made to: The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at www.thepmcf.ca or 416-946-6560 or 1-866-224-6560 (option 1), directed to the Lymphoma Research Fund. Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation of Canada, 905-337-2450 www.wmfc.ca Please consider donating blood to the Canadian Blood Services www.blood.ca

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Apr. 4 to Apr. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter COTTINGHAM

5 Entries

Barbara Stevebs

May 4, 2020

Such a nice man, will miss is always friendly smile.

Sandra

April 9, 2020

It was such a such pleasure getting to know Walter, even though that time was brief. He was always so pleasant, patient, and witty. The 12 North team will miss him very much. My deepest condolences to the entire family.

April 5, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Cottingham clan. Of course who could forget the days of Eagle Mountain Harbour and the positivity he and his family brought to the property and to all those within.
Rest in Peace Brother Cottingham

Eric Stevenson

April 4, 2020

Dear Cottinghams, I am so sorry for your loss.
I remember Walter's smile and warmth and his way of engaging with everyone. My family's thoughts are with you in this particularly difficult time.

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Christopher Shannon

April 4, 2020

Deep condolences to the whole Cottingham family! I have strong memories of Walter when I was a boy. I was constantly playing hockey and visiting with David and Andrew. Those were busy days for the father of five - and he always had a smile and a good idea to keep his boys active and engaged. He also had a sports car which our peer group thought was so cool. As his children grew older, Walter was famous for clipping interesting newspaper articles and sharing them by mail. He insisted that his children pay attention to big issues - and that helped develop a strong sense of social awareness and responsibility that has been passed on to the next generation. Thinking of you all during this difficult time - and hoping you will find strength from each other.

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for Walter COTTINGHAM

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