GBA Update Summer 2024

TRIBUTE

By Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director

Georgian Bay Has Lost One of Its Greatest Friends – Wally King

R ecently, we reported the sad but peaceful passing of Wally King on March 25 at the age of 90. Wally was a faithful and loyal friend to the preservation of the Bay and a tireless advocate for protecting our precious ecosystem along the eastern coast of Georgian Bay. As a long-time director and president of the Sans Souci & Copperhead Association (SSCA) and Georgian Bay Association (GBA), Wally inspired countless people to go the extra mile to do what they could for the Bay. One of his most remarkable accomplishments was his

Passion for Georgian Bay . 1

Wally was born on June 4, 1933, in London, England—the proud and loving son of Air Commodore Charles Ley King, MC, DFC, AFC, RAF Rtd., and Mary Susan King. He was married to Marilyn June King for 64 years, and they had three children, Martha, Elizabeth (Eric Armour), and Graham (Virginia

Gayford), who in turn had seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren between them. Despite his busy life and many responsibilities, Wally always found time to devote to his wonderful family. Wally's days at Upper Canada College (UCC) and living as a boarder in Seaton's House were among the happiest and most influential of his life. He made many lifelong friends, was proudly active in the Cadet Corps, was very well cared for, and learned a lot. This was a welcome change to the challenges of primary schooling and life (including evacuations) as a boy during the war years in England.

During a 2017 strategy session at the Toronto Club, Wally was presented with a wood carving of a loon created by John McMullen as a thank-you gift from GBA.

contribution to the revival of the GBA, which had ceased operations in the 1970s. He played a crucial role in rebuilding the GBA and led the formation of the Township of the Archipelago (ToA) and Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT), which have continued to thrive over the years. In his many travels throughout the east and north shores of the Bay, he met with and influenced so many of us. It was always a treat to hear Wally tell stories, many of which are memorialized in the book

He served on UCC’s board of governors for nine years and was a trustee for the UCC Foundation. Wally loved his profession and looked forward to going to work every day. He began his career as a trust officer at Royal Trust and ultimately established his investment counsel and portfolio management firm in Toronto, Hughes, King & Company Limited. Wally exemplified the highest standards of his profession, was a trusted adviser to the firm's clients, and a mentor to many colleagues. He also contributed generously outside his firm as a director of many charitable and business organizations and through his philanthropic endeavours.

www.georgianbay.ca

GBA UPDATE Summer 2024

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