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.