Canadian Equestrian Community Loses Canadian Olympian Walter Pady

The Canadian equestrian community is saddened to learn of the loss of 1952 Helsinki Olympian and former Chair of the Canadian Equestrian Team, Walter Pady, of Rosemont, ON, following a tragic car accident.

When he was still a student, Walter was identified as a talented equestrian during the 1952 pre-Olympic Three-Day Trials and chosen as one of the five riders who would be sent from Canada to Helsinki, Finland as members of Canada’s first Olympic Three-day Event Team, along with Tommy Gayford, Larry McGuinness, Stewart Treviranus and John Rumble, where Walter was an alternate rider for the team.

When his interests switched to international show jumping, Walter was also named to Canada’s first European Show Jumping Tour in 1954. With his horse Slow Motion, Walter placed among the top riders during stops in England, Ireland, Holland and Belgium with Canadians James Elder, L. T. McGuinness and Shirley Prosser (Thomas).

Walter’s contributions to show jumping continued after his competitive career had ended. He was the chairman of the Jumping Team for the Canadian Equestrian Team (CET) and in the 1980s, he volunteered as the chair of the CET.

“Walter was one of the founding leaders of Canadian equestrianism, and one of the great figures of our sport. Our hearts go out to Jane and to his family,” said Equine Canada CEO, Akaash Maharaj. “Although we will miss him terribly, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through his formative influence on the Canadian Equestrian Team and Canadian equestrian culture itself.”

“Walter was such a great friend to the broad equestrian community. Among other things, his interests included show jumping, eventing and fox hunting,” said Terrance ‘Torchy’ Millar, chef d’équipe of the Canadian Show Jumping Team. “He was a great leader for our jumping team for many years. Those of us who had the privilege to know him will miss him greatly.”

Walter leaves behind his wife Jane and his children, Michelle, Angus, Ian and Bryan (Heather); his stepsons, Jacques (Sue) and Palmer (Melissa); his siblings Eleanor, Jack (Audrey) and David (Sandra); his grandchildren, Dennis, Marsha, Devon, Alex and Owen; and his step-grandchildren, Corson and Carly.

A celebration of Walter’s life will take place in September. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Dufferin and condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.dodsandmcnair.com/.