Mr. Walter John de Gruchy of Chateauguay, Quebec passed away on the 19th of February, 2023 at the age of 85. Oldest son of the late John Walter de Gruchy and Jeanne Durocher, he is survived by his siblings, June (McBride) and Brian (Jody), and predeceased by Marie. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Eunice Grace (Kelly), his daughter Dr. Katherine Phillips (Robin), and his son, Dr. John Walter (Kanako). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Walter was a teacher and a guidance counsellor, and even after his retirement twenty-four years ago, he remained our teacher until the end. He was passionate about rock and roll music, especially blues piano, and he loved a good scotch. He would ride around the neighbourhood on his bike every day, almost until the first snow. He loved also to travel, and he and Eunice would make an annual trip to a Caribbean island to enjoy sunshine and relaxation. One year they visited Jersey in the Channel Islands, from where the de Gruchy family had come. There they learned the family has a long, noble history. It even had a coat of arms, and on it is written, Fais Ce Que Tu Dois Advienne Que Pourra, “do what you must, come what may.” Walter lived up to those words; a responsible, loyal and supportive husband, father and friend. We are deeply thankful to him. He is dearly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
The family would like to thank Dr. Yilin Zhao for her outstanding care of both Walter and Eunice over the past few years; and Melanie Forde, palliative care nurse, who assisted us greatly in our time of need.
A celebration of Walter’s life will be held at the Avoca Community Centre on July 29th, 2023, in Avoca, Quebec.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tree Canada (treecanada.ca). Plant a tree in Walter’s name as an affirmation of life.
