It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter “Buster” John Etherton, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton, at the age of 97. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Betty, and children Chuck (Jude) of New Zealand, Liz (Alex Ilchuk) of Whitehorse, YK, Stephanie Wells (Allan Waechter) of Walkerton, Peter of Whitehorse, YK, Sally (Gord) Kroeplin of Formosa, Jenny (Tom) Chesney of Cargill, Nonnie (John) Wilson of Listowel, Jack (Tami) of Paisley, Jason (Tara) of Walkerton, and Kate (Mark) Cartwright of Listowel. Buster known as “Grandpa E” and “Poppa” by his cherished grand children Cary (Holly-Jane), Ken (Amber), Becky (Tim), Josh (Alyssa), Jenine, Marc (Lauren), Jacob (Elizabeth), Julie (Caden), Wade (Khaty), Whitney (Kyle), Amanda (Chris), Darryl (Ashley), Josh, Mia, Caleb, and 19 great grandchildren. He will be missed by brother-in-law Harry (Penny) Von Hatten, and sister-in-law Dorothy Wyatt, special niece Carol Henkel, and many nieces and nephews.
Walter John was born in Laura, Sask. on April 26, 1928, son of Tom and Alice Etherton. Apparently, he was quite a size baby, and the doctor told Tom he had a “Buster of a Baby”, thus the name that followed him for the rest of his life.
His family moved east and settled in Walkerton when he was very young, and this is where he lived his entire life. When Buster was 12-13 years old, he had rheumatic fever which left in bed for the better part of a year and had to use crutches for a year and half, not knowing if he would ever walk again, but he persevered.
Buster quit high school as soon as he could, and had many jobs from being a baker, working at the dairy farm, delivering milk, and working at Spool and Bobbin for a few years before going back to school to get his ‘commercial’ diploma.
In 1947 during the snow/flood Buster rowed his boat downtown Walkerton. So began ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’.
Buster married the love of his life Betty in 1951. He had a job bookkeeping for Weston’s Bread Depot at the time and they wouldn’t give him time off for his honeymoon to California, so he quit! It wasn’t long until he found more employment bookkeeping for Jagelewski Plumbing. Later he worked as a purchasing agent for Bogdon and Gross for 19 years, then had an opportunity to work at Ontario Hydro (The Point) as a clerk until he retired in 1992.
He was involved in the Boy Scouts throughout his life, being “Akela” – leader for the Cubs.
Buster was instrumental in organizing Walkerton Minor Sports, servings on several committees over the years in hockey and baseball, while also serving as a coach and referee. He is probably most remembered for his sports column in the Walkerton Herald Times – “Hockey Lines” – by Buster. Where he would bring the stats sheet to life from each hockey game, doing his best to make every player feel special. He enjoyed doing this and did it for 30 years.
He was an avid bowler with his highest score being 410. He also helped and coached the kids for this too.
A proud member of the Knights of Columbus in Walkerton where he served many years in various positions within the organization on the Board of Directors, and as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator.
Buster was a faith filled man. He was baptized to the Catholic faith in 1948 and was devout. He belonged to the senior choir for many years, was a Eucharistic Minister to the hospital, and volunteered with the elevator lift.
In retirement he took up woodworking and made several pieces for his kids over the years, delivered Meals on Wheels, and drove the Disability Van until it got to be too much for him.
Right to the end he had his mind and quick wit. He was a true family man. He loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and of course his beloved Betty – “Mom” as he called her.
We are truly blessed with this incredible man. He was our quiet leader, kind, humble, with a great sense of humour, and patience!
Thank you to all of Buster’s caregivers over the past few months. You brought him comfort, and he looked forward to seeing you. To London Health Sciences Centre (vascular) – thank you for your care and kindness during his stay. To SBGHC, Walkerton – thank you for your care and kindness during his final days. It will always be remembered.
Some of his final words of wisdom to the family just before he passed were:
“I lived a beautiful life. Be kind to one another and make sure to talk to everyone, even if you don’t know them. I Love You”
Predeceased by his daughter Jill Edwards, son-in-law Paul Wells, niece Barb Trushinksi, and parents Tom and Alice (nee Brown) Etherton.
Friends and relatives were invited to visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Cameron’s in Walkerton. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, at Sacred Heart Church, Walkerton. Fr. Leszek Szczygiel presiding. A recording of the service is available through “Watch Webcast” on Buster’s memorial page.
Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Walkerton.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Canadian Food for Children, Walkerton Food Bank, or Walkerton and District Hospital Foundation, or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com
