JOHN COULTER WALTON

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JOHN COULTER WALTON
September 19, 1946 - July 3, 2019

John passed away suddenly on July 3. Mourning his loss are Lorraine Walton and their children, Jenn (Kevin Swan), Michael (Tara), Ann (James Peters) and Chris; his brother Mark (Pam) and their children, Katie (Dan Barber and their daughter Val) and Greg. He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Vance ("Peggy and Bud") Walton and his nephew Jeff Walton.
Dad grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. Though he only ever reached a towering 5'7", he was a keen athlete in swimming, boxing, basketball and football. He also loved theatre, appearing in Shakespeare productions in high school and at St. Mary's University in Halifax. It was in Halifax that he met and fell in love with Lorraine, who he followed back to Winnipeg.
In 1969, he started as House Manager of the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall. Ten months later, the General Manager left, leaving a 23-year-old John to take the reins. Eventually promoted to Executive Director, John spent the next 32 years as a passionate leader in Winnipeg's arts community, advocating on behalf of the sector to funders, singing Winnipeg's praises to promoters, and radiating pride at the world-class performances on the hall's stage.
Dad had a strong connection to nature, from talking to the birds through the car window to weeks-long canoe trips in the Whiteshell. When paddling wasn't an option anymore, he still spent hours outside enjoying the animals, the water and the sky.
Dad's greatest joy by far was his four children and our partners. And while he could always be counted on to be crying in the crowd at our opening nights, our finish lines, our graduations, the thing that made him happiest was our love for one another. He was so grateful that he had us, and that we have each other. (We are too, Dad.)
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, August 23 at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Norbert Arts Centre, 100 Rue des Ruines du Monastere. As a tribute to Dad, come as you are; dress comfortably. Gifts in his memory can be made to Cathedral High School - Jeff Walton Bursary, (905) 522-3581, or to Fort Whyte Alive, (204) 989-8355. Special thanks to Amber Meadows for their friendship and care.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2019