Obituary of Walter Belsito

BELSITO, Walter J. 63, beloved husband of Lynda, quietly passed away on March 31, 2011 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with family by his side. Born in the Sault on August 29, 1947 to Anthony and Helen Belsito, he was one of four brothers. In his early years, he spent time at the family cottage on St. Joseph Island, which always held a special place in his heart. A natural at sports, he excelled in high jump and basketball. He attended Sir James Dunn where he developed an interest in the literary world and began his love of creative writing that continued throughout his life. He continued his education studying English Literature at Carleton University, where he also married his high school sweetheart Lynda (Day) and began a family. Always adventurous spirits, Walter and Lynda moved to Papua New Guinea with their young family to teach, learn and explore. Moving back to Canada, Walter received an education degree from Lakehead University. Eventually they settled on a beautiful piece of property in Laird Township, a place they considered their special retreat, filled with nature, quiet and beauty. Through his teaching, Walter touched the hearts and minds of many students and coworkers in the Sault, St. Joseph Island, Bruce Mines and Thessalon. He taught elementary students in both French and English, eventually becoming principal at Thessalon Public School. Outside of work, Walter loved to create. With Lynda, he painted, sketched, played guitar and sang, wrote stories, took photographs, imagined and dreamed, inspiring their three children Christopher, Tierney and Daniel. He was a doting papa to Andrew, Kayleigh, Cameron and Coralynn. He spent as much time as possible with family, taking them camping at Pancake Bay, where he would spend hours floating in Lake Superior's waves. Even after being diagnosed with ALS and struggling with the disease, his creative spirit never wavered. He used adaptive technology to create and write. Always political in nature, Walter published his first book, Harper's New Clothes, a collection of poetry analyzing and critiquing Canadian politics in 2007. He continued writing, completing a second collection of more personal and reflective poetry that will be published posthumously. Walter will be greatly missed by his wife Lynda; his children Christopher (Leslie), Tierney and Daniel (Kristen), his grandchildren Andrew, Kayleigh, Cameron and Coralynn; his brothers Larry (Tania), Tony (Rose), David, his special Uncle Walter Phillips (Lynn), other aunts, uncles and cousins; his sister-in-laws Karen (late Bruce) and Kristin (John), his nieces and nephews Valerie, Derik, Cheri, Crystal, Anthony Jr., Shannon, Robert, Jacqueline, Paul, Mark, Travis, Spencer, Leigh (Bug), Christina and Jennifer, friends and acquaintances alike. Walter was appreciative of the amazing caregivers at the F.J. Davey Home, Red Cross and Bayshore, all of whom he began to appreciate like family. Walter should be remembered for his quiet and caring nature, quirky humour, youthful embrace of life, intellect, love of nature, expansive imagination and his absolute dedication to his wife and family. He lived his life with strength, dignity and grace. Friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation & Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road 705-945-7758) on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 5 p.m. until time of memorial service in the Chapel at 7 p.m. Memorial donations to A.L.S. Ontario Equipment Pool or the Davey Home Walkway to Health would be appreciated by the