Obituary of Walter James Dearden

DEARDEN – Walter James

March 18, 1931 - October 31, 2021

Passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Saviour, with family at his side. Loving husband of Jane Dearden (née Culp). Beloved father of Jim (Alice), Paul, Jon (Deb), and Peter (Faithia). Cherished grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of four. Mourned by his sister, Marilyn Dearden.

Born in Toronto, Walt was the only son of Walter and Edith May (Bayley) Dearden. His childhood summers included time at the family cottage on the Bay of Quinte. Later, as an adult, Walt ensured that his children also had wonderful Muskoka cottage summers to enjoy. He and Jane were always fixing and improving both the cottage and their home, where their door was always open, offering warm hospitality to all.

Walt’s career was at Etobicoke Hydro. After early retirement, he kept busy painting and renovating churches, enjoying cruises with Jane, and helping his sons with their home improvement projects. Spending time with his grandchildren gave him great joy, although his instructions for the gift-stealing game at Christmas incited annual family rivalry and laughter! He was fond of playing family games, singing (tenor) in church choirs, and the buffet at Mandarin. Walt was “chief cook and bottle washer” for Jane’s wonderful Christmas dinners, always cheerfully pitching in to help with the clean-up afterwards.

A quiet but very deep faith in his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, motivated Walt to live a life of service. Whenever the need arose, he willingly served His Lord using the gifts and skills God had given him. He was a gentle giant, whose loss leaves an immense hole in our lives.

Friends will be received at the McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road N. Brantford on Monday November 8, 2021 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm. Funeral service will follow in the chapel at 1:30 pm. Interment, Mount Hope Cemetery. In keeping with Covid-19 protocol, face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. For those wishing to attend please RSVP to the funeral home, between the hours of 9-5 pm as space is limited. Donations in Walt’s memory to Central Baptist Church, Brantford, or the charity of one’s choice, are gratefully received.

“I am the resurrection and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Funeral Service will be LIVE STREAMED just prior to service starting at 1:30 Monday at www.twitch.tv/mccleisterfh