Book of Memories for Walter James Young

Condolence From Rob

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:55:57 EST

I have spent the past 15 years thinking about Walt, wondering where he was. I recorded an album in 2007 and I tried to find him then but couldn’t. I wish so bad that he could’ve heard it. Today I was thinking about him today and I found this. I’m in tears because everyone’s messages ring so true. Walt was a beautiful man. We had him over one year for a holiday dinner because that’s how much we loved him. Walt would always say to me “stay in the light” and we still say that in my family. I know he is in the light now.

Story shared: Walters Strut

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 14:26:41 EDT

Walter had a special kind of strut when walking proudly down the street or stage .One of the kindest men I have ever known. We would jam for hours until we fell a sleep in Whitby On. at my appartment . His walk was so strong you could recognize him a mile away with his glowing smile .I only found out about his passing a week ago .His strong faith in witch craft was very poetic to me and left me with a open mind all my life .His guitar playing in 1974 was a head of time. Rest in peace my friend with the band in the sky :) George Micheal McMillan

Story shared: Always missed, always loved

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:09:18 EST

Walter was a great friend, listener, and truly an amazing man. He will live on in my heart forever. He loved teaching his students about music and life. I was a good friend for many years and I am very saddened to hear about his passing. He was always there for everyone. I hope his friends were there for him. I always smile listening to, "Mustang Sally, and Brown Eyed Girl," and remember how he rocked every show he did. He told me I deserved the best and I believed him. Thank you for caring, sharing your soul, your passion for life and your music. Life's lessson, I thought you would always be there and now you aren't, how I will miss you and how I wish I just picked up the phone and called you. His spirit will live one forever and I will cherish the time we had and take the life lessons you have taught me the rest of my life. I love you.

Story shared: The Music Factory

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:15:13 EDT

My story begins many years ago at The Music Factory would be about 12 years of age. I am now 48.My first meeting with Walt would change my entire outlook on music had saved my allowance's and had been really hoping to learn the guitar this friendly long hair Rock dude shakes my hand and we proceed to this studio room, one of three i think or can recall? sits me down while he plugs this awesome Strati into a twin Fender amp. Walt gazed at me and smiled and said this well we don't have time to go over what ya don't know so lets start by showing me what ya do know With that we were on our way. I never looked back and have a few more lessons along the way. Walt was the spark, my motivation and the heart of learning new thing's will miss you Walt. Your friend always Rich.

Story shared: Walt

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:37:34 EDT

Our family is sorry to hear of Walt's passing - although I think we can still hear him playing! Loved how he taught our son for many years, loved his stories of "dinosaur bones in his tea," loved how his lesson ending words to our son were "love your Mom" and can still see his wave and his reminders to "be peaceful." Rest in peace Walt - you'll be missed. Karen

Story shared: Be Peaceful My Friend

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:24:44 EDT

Be Peaceful my friend .... words from Walt once a week for 8 years. He was the perfect guitar teacher. He shared his deep love and connection with music so honestly with his students and his friends. He had a knack for helping his students reach inside themselves and draw from a well of creativity and self expression. He made sure that my son knew all the fundamental basics and "rules" of music composition and then he encouraged him to take what he learned, relax with it and let the music flow. He taught Chris both bass guitar and then regular guitar, all the while, interjecting lessons about life and what he believed it took to be a well rounded, good person. Walt's face would light up when his students finally caught on to what he was attemting to lay down for them. He enjoyed playing along with them and if lessons overlapped he occasionally had a couple of students play together. I always enjoyed sitting in his various music rooms watching my sons lessons and listening to Walt recall his past experiences as a musician. He always had a nice word to say about someone and a story to share. We lost touch for the past couple of years and were very sad to learn of Walt's illness and subsequent passing. Now, Walt can finally join all the great musicians in heaven while watching over all his friends down here on earth. Be peaceful in your ever after my friend. Carolyn Wunderlich

Condolence From Vernon Avery

Tue, 10 May 2011 09:37:12 EDT

Walter in his life journey has been a friend and talented teacher to many. He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness and kind and caring manner and his ability to inspire each person that he taught. He will be remembered always through his legacy of music that he has left for us to enjoy! Vernon Avery

Photo shared: Smile

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:14:04 EDT

Photo shared: Wally cooking dinner

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:13:15 EDT

Photo shared: Wally

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:12:31 EDT

Story shared: Wonderful Inspiration

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:35:17 EDT

I didn't know a lot of about guitars before I met you but after the 2 years of teaching you gave me I came out with a lot. You were the nicest guy and really had love for the instrument. I really wish that after got into school and work I had still continued with lessons. You will forever be missed. A great guitar teacher, but more importantly a great inspiration and a great friend! Love you man.

Story shared: You choose your eternity wisely "Walt"

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:21:58 EDT

I wonder, yet I know. Bro. Walt is smiling in the arms of God right now. God knew what he was doing when he pulled Walt to his son Jesus Christ and Walter responding by joining our spiritual family at Erie Street Gospel Centre. I will miss how the Lord use him to minister to us with his guitar. He played with great passion for God, he showed love and was loved, but now he is smiling down upon us. Walter Young you now realized that there is much more to life than what is on this earth, you are in eternity living forever. YOU ARE MISSED HERE!!! But your absence here is due to your presence with your Father. Bro Gerald Williams

Condolence From Shara Weales-Fancey

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:56:52 EDT

I met Walt about twenty five years ago when he played with his band in my neighbors basement. Every time I hear the song "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix, I think of him. We remained friends for several years before we lost touch. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends. Sleep well Wolf.

Condolence From Casey Robertson

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:16:29 EDT

I would just like express my condolences for Walt Young's passing. I was a student of Walt's about a decade ago throughout my teenage years, and he was the most passionate person about music that I have ever met. He was a truly gifted guitarist, with a dedication and knowledge that all musicians strive to achieve. Although we lost contact as our paths parted, I've always remembered the fond memories of our lessons together, and today I attempt to carry on that enthusiasm and passion towards music that I learned from Walt through my own teaching of the guitar.

Photo shared: walter young

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:11:55 EDT

Condolence From Shane Keoghan

Sun, 08 May 2011 22:46:18 EDT

I was a student of walters for 10 years, he was a great man, I considered him a friend he not only taught a lot about music but he gave me alot of lessons in life. I remember him being very energetic , and he had alot of great stories to tell, and he was really funny. I always will think of him when i drive past olive and albert st. I will remember him forever. I remember this quote walter had on his fridge and it go goes like this " I will be strong i will live on, i am a warrior." I will listen to your music and remember you forever I am going to miss you buddy love shane

Story shared: Reflections

Sat, 07 May 2011 02:29:43 EDT

I wish I could have shared you with the world..you are so special to me. I want everyone to know who you were and the lessons you taught. You were a wonderful story teller too..I was always captivated by your tales, I hope other people share their stories and the knowledge they gained from you too. When I was about 16 I remember you telling me about an interview you read between Hendrix and a reporter..how he believed that tall the celestial bodies in the universe vibrated in the key of Eb and you told me that there are things in our universe that have been proven to have specific harmonies. It was also around that time that I decided I wanted to be a chemist, I think you had a great impact on my career choice. You gave me the self-confidence I needed to believe that I could pursue whatever I wanted. I'm still looking that up even to this day...you always said how analytical I was. I drove you crazy ..refusing to read the music off the paper instead having memorized it by ear...you said you were jealous but I think you were just proud ;). I could never forget all the times we'd stop in the middle of a lesson..which was more often than not, to just talk. Honestly in this past year I think we did more talking than playing guitar..but I was okay with that. Sometimes Muggy would come in and say hello and you would tell me about all the jewellery he used to steal (husshh :)). We would laugh as you would recall to me the "good old days" with your numerous bands..playing in bars falling off the stage a bit tipsy. Of course my most vivid memories involve you playing your guitar and singing..the best and arguably the most realistic < and truthful> memory was you playing Stone Free..singing it like nobody’s business! But that's who you were, you were your own person, stone free to do what you pleased. I could go on for hours and hours, the six years that I had you were the most important years of my life, and you have most definitely contributed to the person I am today. I have you to thank for so many things, and like I said above I wish I could share you with the world, you were an amazing teacher, an outstanding friend, a mentor who I looked up to, a loved part of the family. There will always be a place in my heart for you Wally, and even though you are now physically departed you will live on through all of our memories, and your music. I am going to finish up our project this summer and put it up for the world to see...so that maybe they can love you as I did :)

Condolence From Bob Stevens

Sat, 07 May 2011 01:31:23 EDT

I still remember our first day of school together. It was Port Whitby's only school and was appropriately called Brock Street. It was grade one. Walter and I were two young anxious and scared little boys. We were all alone in the class room sitting in those old fashion desks with the ink wells. We waited for the day to start and the other children to arrive. We didn't know what to expect on that first day but I also remember it was the day Walter and I became close friends. We were both only children with no friends and we were drawn together on that first day. For many years afterward we played together. Walt was the brother I never had. Many a day I spend at Walt's place. In fact, that was when Walt and I first taught ourselves how to play guitar. He became so good. Walt was ahead of his time. He had long hair when it wasn't cool. Over the years we drifted apart. On occasion, I would look him up and we would talk about the old days and how much fun we had as boys together. Those years I remember with warmth. I've had a very fortunate life and I know that Walt was not so lucky. My last visit with him in his apartment over Vince's barbershop was about two years ago. After that visit I felt that Walt was very happy. He was very much into the Lord and I could tell that his life had changed as a result. It was with sadness tonight that I was told of his passing and I regret that I was not aware of his struggle. I would have liked to have been there for him at the end. God bless you Walter.

Story shared: You will be missed

Fri, 06 May 2011 21:07:18 EDT

I was a student of walt's for two and a half years. he was my teacher, my mentor, my inspiration and my best friend. i had moved from B.C. 6 months before i started taking lessons from Walt and the privilege of being able to meet Walt alone was worth the move. I am grateful for my opportunities with Walt and he will never be forgotten. It truly was a privilege meeting him. Rest in peace Walt.

Story shared: friends

Fri, 06 May 2011 14:11:59 EDT

Walt was a teacher, friend, and inspiration to our family. He passed his love of music on to my son, and I know we will remember his words of wisdom for the rest of our lives. Have a peaceful evening Walt.

Story shared: awesome music teacher

Thu, 05 May 2011 22:00:11 EDT

Walt had a passion for music and he loved sharing it with others. He taught our two boys guitar and bass for three years and he was an awesome role model for them not only teaching them music but also teaching honesty, compassion and hard work. Walt has given my boys a great love and understanding for music. Your music will live on in our hearts, rest in peace Walt. Ruddell Family

Story shared: touched many lives

Thu, 05 May 2011 13:01:53 EDT

I'd just like to share with everyone what a special person and friend Walt was. Walt had a way of making everyone welcome and made his students feel special. My son went to Walt for lessons about 6 years ago, so I had no idea Walt was sick. We have shared Walts number with many friend....Walt never needed to advertise, word of mouth was all he needed! Isn't that the highest complement of all! Walt seemed to live his life the way he wanted, not conforming to societies pressures, that says a lot about his character. We will miss your spirit Walt and your kind heart. In your memory today I will be playing 'Jimmy Hendrix'. Rest in Peace friend. The DeWit family.

Condolence From Michaela Phillips

Wed, 04 May 2011 01:48:04 EDT

May whoever read this agree what a unique and wonderful person Walter was. These are a few of the things I have thought of in light of his passing; From the time we first met and each day forward you have influenced me to do so many things, believe in myself and my abilities, to look to others for personal growth and to never doubt others..to "be kind and gentle to everyone you meet" as you would always call out to me when I left after a lesson :). You were more than a teacher to me and so was I more than a student to you, you made sure that I knew that. What we shared transcended both of our ages; a mutual love and respect that could only be understood by others who also shared this type of bond with someone. I know you knew I felt this way, I only wish I could have said it this well before. You are so greatly missed, thank you so much for being everything you were to me, being there for myself and my family in our times of despair, calling me on my birthday every year...I kept every card you gave. Everything you gave I still have and will always have. I always considered you family (but you knew that already! :) ). You touched the hearts and minds of so many people and left an impression that there ARE genuinely good, loving people still in this world. I can only hope that the others you met in your life have been as captivated by your messages as I have been. I love you, please rest peacefully. My condolences to all who share in the grief of his passing, may he live on in our memories and we pass on his teachings in his name, so that someday the world may be a better place.

Condolence From Mertie

Tue, 03 May 2011 22:33:19 EDT

With heaviness of heart we say goodbye to Walt,he left us way too soon.He was a kind giving man with a teachers heart.With warmth ,Please remember the gifts he shared. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,and this mortal shall have put on immortality,then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,O death where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?But thanks be to God,which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.We have all been so blessed to have known Walter..In Walt's words"everthing will be o.k."see you later my friend...I pray strength & peace to all who knew him.

Photo shared: Walter J Young

Tue, 03 May 2011 21:01:09 EDT

Walter ready for work..