Walter Tilden

TILDEN, Walter Benedict CM., C.St.J., B.Comm., D.Sc.Mil. (Hon.) Died at home in Toronto on July 9, 2008 soon after his 80th Birthday. He is survived by his wife Jane (Brenchley); his children Bruce, David, Jill, Roger, Joanne, Robert and his wife Donna; his grandchildren Emma, Molly, Benjamin, and William; and his brother Robert. He was predeceased by his infant son Andrew, and by his brothers Sam and Ted. Walter was born in Montreal to Sam and Sylvia Tilden. He graduated from Westmount High School, Royal Canadian Naval College (Royal Roads) in Victoria, and McGill University (B.Comm. 1950). His entire working career was in the car rental business - first in Montreal, then Ottawa and Toronto. He served on many business and professional organizations. In 1993, he and his brother Ted were inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Walter's Community Service was constant and varied. For more than 45 years, he served Scouts Canada - eventually as National President and the first-ever Chairman Emeritus. For "Distinguished Service", he received Scouts Canada's highest honours: the Silver Acorn and the Silver Wolf. Other Honours include the Queen's Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals, an Honorary Degree from Royal Roads, and Membership in The Order of Canada. Always the sportsman and outdoorsman, Walter won letters at McGill in golfing, rugby, skiing, squash, and water polo. Fishing, hunting, hiking, and canoeing were life-long passions. He also became a keen and knowledgeable collector of Canadian landscape art. Walter's devotion to his family and country and a host of friends around the world speak of a life truly well lived. Cremation has taken place and interment of ashes will be in Dunany, Quebec where the Tilden family has spent so many happy summers. A Memorial Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Toronto on Monday, July 21, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Eglinton St. George's United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd followed by a reception. For those who so wish, memorial donations to Scouts Canada will be very much appreciated.