David Burton Walden, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on April 25, 2024, in London, ON. David was born on March 29, 1932 in New Haven CT., son of David C. Walden and Fanny Grace (McFarland). Dearly loved husband of Carol Ann (Isherwood), and cherished father of David John Walden (Lisa) and Karen d’Ailly (Wouter). Loving Grampa to Alex and Riley Walden, Chantelle, Jotham and Justin d’Ailly. Much loved Uncle to John, Catherine, Susan, Sharon (2005), Jim and Frank. Predeceased by his parents, sister Doris (fondly remembered by Karen Vaslow) and sister-in-law Jane (Mickey).
Dave and Carol were married in Mt. Carmel in 1956 and they made an amazing team for 68 years. The move to London in 1961 was a monumental decision, only expected to last a few years. His commitment to family was phenomenal with 100’s of trips to New England (via car) and then later to Alberta. A dear father to John and Karen who have fond memories of Dave always being there for the 6am drives to the hockey arena, or to the barn, backyard rinks and picking strawberries (ugh). Always supportive and non-judgemental, his greatest joy in life was his family. A proud Grampa, he was known to give a wheelbarrow ride or two in the garden while giving a quick dissertation on Darwin. A loving father-in-law who was always there with a warm welcome and a big hug. A wonderful friend to many, and favourite graduate thesis supervisor, whose many students continued to visit DB for years. The camaraderie with the hiking group up to the Bruce Trail added to his love of the outdoors including his flower gardens and of course the corn fields! Dave’s greatest passion outside of his family and career were his gardens, especially his rhododendrons. He took such pride in them, always inviting people to come see them during the full bloom season!
Dave grew up in Mt. Carmel, CT, just outside of New Haven. After completing his undergraduate degree at Wesleyan University, David went on to complete his graduate degrees at Cornell University and a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Genetics at Indiana University. David was an esteemed and distinguished Research Professor at the University of Western Ontario for 36 years. His devotion to teaching and research included serving as the founding chair of the Honours Genetics Program. DB was honoured twice by Western, in 1982 he was awarded the University of Western Ontario Award of Excellence in Teaching, and in 1988 he was appointed to the Distinguished Research Professorship, at the time, the first of only three members of the faculty to ever receive both awards. DB’s specialty was maize genetics. He served two terms as President of the Biological Council of Canada, two terms as President of the Genetics Society of Canada and a five year term as President of the International Genetics Federation. He was the Secretary-General of the 16th International Congress of Genetics (1988). David presented lectures worldwide on his research, and supervised 20 graduate students’ theses. Although retired in 1997, David’s grant support was extended and he had an enviable 40 years of uninterrupted NRC/NSERC funding.
Dave’s legacy will continue to inspire, and his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Visitation on Friday, May 10th from 5-7pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, where a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 11am. Reception to follow. To attend the ceremony virtually, please email your request for a zoom link to: info@harrisfuneralhome.ca
Memorial contributions to the Bruce Trail Conservancy or Metropolitan United Church would be appreciated.