Walter Windsor did not want a funeral.  So, there were no activities at the funeral home.

Those of you who knew him well will not be at all surprised to learn that our father issued very specific written instructions about what was to be done when he died.  :-)  The main message he delivered routinely over the last 15 years as he updated his wishes was that we not mourn his death but have a celebration of his life.

Reverend Donna Conley, a friend of Walter's for 40 years, conducted the graveside service.  Long-time friend, Jim Robinson, gave a eulogy at the graveside.

Walter was brought to Glen Haven in a beautiful white hearse, followed by Bill Windsor, Wendy Windsor Harper, Nicholas Harper, Ryan Windsor, Yuriko Kawaguchi and Kailey Kawaguchi.  The ride in the hearse had special meaning as Walter's mother was taken to the hospital in a hearse in 1918, so Walter's first ride and last ride were in hearses - 90 years apart.

Walter was buried next to his wife, Mary Garnett Johnson Windsor.

 

In keeping with Dad's wishes, his family arranged to have a "Celebration of the Life of Walter M. Windsor" at the Orlando Repertory Theatre.  Daughter Marty came up with the theatre location, and it was very fitting as Dad acted in several plays there; he was President of the theatre center and on the board for a number of years; and Dad was named after the Windsor Theatre.  It seemed only fitting that the Celebration of His Life be at a theatre!  There were speeches, funny stories, jokes, laughter, music, singing, a 90-year slide show, paparazzi, camera crews, and Dad's favorite dessert (the world famous Charlie's Gourmet Pastries' Strawberry Cheesecake).

 

Please do not send flowers.  It was Dad's wish that anyone wishing to send something at his death send a donation to the American Cancer Society in the name of Mary Johnson Windsor: https://www.cancer.org/docroot/DON/DON_1_Donate_Online_Now_Auto_Custom.asp?don_promo=WebMem