Walter Douglas Gosling was born Aug. 23, 1934 in St. John’s, NL. One of eight children, his family lived in several communities given his father’s career in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. At age 15, perhaps with few prospects at home, he took a one-way trip to Toronto where his older brother Larry was living. Needing a job to earn his keep, Walt was hired at Peter Austin --- a well-known toy company at the time. His work effort was recognized early on and he would spend his lifetime at the company, progressing through its ranks until retirement.
In Toronto, he met and married Freda Gallant, who also came from down east and they would raise two children, Diana and Garry. Devoted to family, their great gift was their time and support for their activities --- whether that was baseball, hockey, modelling or motorbike racing. It didn’t hurt either that dad worked for a toy company --- both kids looked forward to what he would bring home after a business trip. As for Walt, those trips away often meant a new pet had found its way into the household!
Their commitment of time carried on with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Hockey rinks, soccer fields, horse shows or school concerts --- Poppy and Nanny were fixtures at every event, and drove to countless venues across Ontario and beyond.
Ingenuity and invention were Walt’s domain. A born problem solver, he took it upon himself to create gadgets to fix what ailed you before you knew it was an issue. A creative and curious mind, Walt loved to be busy doing something --- building, painting, gardening, cooking --- anything to help his family or friends of the family. An avid reader, history and biographies were constant companions and he held dear his roots in Newfoundland.
He will be missed by children Diana (Jim), Garry (Alana), grandchildren Dustin (Martha), Laina (Tyler), Brock (Cat), Alison (Anthony), Lauren and great grandchildren Mary, Charlotte, Franc, Chloe and Hunter.
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