Obituary of Ambrose Augustine Gerard Walton

An audio version of Ambrose's obituary can be listened to here

March 2, 1990 – Calgary, Alberta

January 23, 2024 – Millstream, Australia 

It is with a deep sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Ambrose Walton, of Calgary, AB. He passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Millstream, Australia, at the age of 33 years.

He will be greatly missed by his parents, William and Susanna Walton; his seven siblings, Edward, Lisa (Jeff), Moyra (Carlos), Emily (Jonathan), Matthew, Mercedes (Andres), and George; as well as his nieces and nephews, Trinity, Tanner, Ethan, Jackson, Isabella, Sophia, Zenaya, Scarlett, and Hunter.

God and family were Ambrose’s top two priorities in life and were welcomed deeply into his heart. His profound deep love for God and his family often inspired others to seek the heart of God and to rekindle and soften their own sentiment for others. The love and compassion Ambrose expressed during his time on earth was beyond anything many of us have experienced and was the closest thing to a love we can only experience from God.

Alongside this love, Ambrose had an adventurous spirit, grabbing life by the reins, never once holding on for dear life; instead, boldly and fearlessly went where many only dream of going. Ambrose travelled to several places including the Dominican Republic for deep water fishing, Ireland to visit the Guinness Brewery, Brazil to visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Detroit to watch his favourite hockey team, the Red Wings, Thailand to bathe the elephants, Arizona to hike the Antelope Canyon, Bali to visit majestic waterfalls, Singapore to celebrate his 30th birthday, Costa Rica to hike volcanoes and play with monkeys, and of course the entire continent of Australia, the biggest adventure of them all. It was in Australia where Ambrose truly flowered; he abundantly grew as an individual in his faith, as a son, as a brother, and as a friend, selflessly laying himself down to provide and protect for others, especially those he called family.

This ache in our hearts will never pass for the love we carry for you, Ambrose, is great. You were a light in the darkness, a light that was taken far too soon from us. May God have you wrapped in his arms as you embark on your final adventure; Heaven.

“Hope I inspire a family member, a friend, or even a stranger to go out and do something exciting or challenging just as some people have inspired me. Grab your own glass and fill it, don't let your fear destroy you!” ~ Ambrose Walton

“Your deep trust in God, and your strong, exciting personality led you to a level of success and personal fulfillment that kept you striving for more ways to, not only experience but to share your life with everyone you met. Your true generosity, sincere love, and warm kindness deeply touched all of us and we know and have felt already you are continuing this toward us; and will continue always to inspire me and our family to grow closer in love, faith, and kindness. You have always been in our prayers and ask now for your prayers for me and for our family until we are together again in heaven with Our Lord and His mother;” - I love you and miss you so much, Dad.

“You are my heart. You fought hard, stood up for your faith, and never gave up. I will miss your kindness, your smile, and mostly your laugh. I will carry you with me all the days of my life.” - I love you way more, Mom.

“Ambrose was an amazing brother who had a zest for life and followed his dreams. He was a huge inspiration to his niece Trinity and we both always looked up to him and loved watching him live life to the fullest” - your big brother, Edward.

“I will always think of Ambrose when I watch The Lion King; as a toddler, he wouldn't eat without it playing on the TV. He had an infectious laugh that could brighten your darkest days. I will miss your smile, your hugs, and the way you could captivate a room of people with your storytelling. Your courage and your willingness to face your fears was inspiring to us all. I am so proud to be your big sister and I will miss you.” - your big sister, Lisa.

“Ambrose always took life by the horns, never thinking about the consequences or the delay. That is what I admired most about my brother. He lived for the moment and always found a way to make the best out of the time he shared with you. He was the joy and laughter that we didn't know we needed. He was the rock that held us together when we were scared of crumbling. Ambrose always tried to be the support we needed when we lost our way. And although he was always down for a joke or a sarcastic comeback, he still tried to be our voice of reason. Life hasn't been easy, but Ambrose always gave it his all to be the best brother he could be. And to me, he will always be my Big Brother.” - your little sister, Moyra.

“Ambrose you were truly and utterly my best friend and the greatest man I have ever known. I often think about your selflessness regardless of how little or how much you had, how boldly you lived your faith, and how fearless you were; When I grow up Ambrose, I want to be just like you. I love you and miss you more than I could ever put into words” - your little sister, Emily.

“If there were only two words to describe my brother Ambrose, they would be "risk taker". He showed me that life was worth living and to make the most of it while you can. He was the most stubborn, thoughtful, and personable guy I knew. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am today and I know a lot of people can say the same. Whether he was in your life for a short period or for your whole life like mine, he made an impression that you wouldn't forget. Even though I'll forever miss him, I feel I have a protector looking down guiding me through life.” - your little brother, Matthew.

“Ambrose was and always will be my best friend. No matter where he was going, he’d always find a way to bring me along. Whether that was up a mountain, on a road trip, to a pub, or, when he was away, in his pocket always ready to FaceTime. Ambrose’s heart was filled with the life and joy of the Lord. He always knew when to give a listening ear when someone was down or to give a silly joke and cause a laugh to bring us out of a rut. He was there for you, no matter how far away. In any situation, he would find a way to offer help or give advice to inspire you to overcome any obstacles you may face. His memory will live on in every adventure and every fear overcome. Cheers to the best brother and friend anyone could hope for.” - your little sister, Mercedes.

“Ambrose was more than a brother, which I loved him most as, but he was also a mentor and a guide. He taught me how to be a better and stronger man and drove me to stand up for myself and want the best out of the life I've been given by Our Lord.” - your little brother, George.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5) on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery (243208 Garden Rd, Calgary, AB, T1X 1G2). Reception to follow in St. Anthony’s Hall in the Church. 

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ambrose's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ambrose’s family here.

In living memory of Ambrose Walton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click to Sign Video Guest Book and Watch Ambrose's Funeral Mass