Walter Patrick Francis Shanly died on September 28th, at his home in Sunnybrook Park. He was born in Toronto, on July 6, 1959.
In 1979, at the age 20, Shanly followed his passion and founded Sunnybrook Stables Ltd, which would grow to become the largest public riding facility in Canada.
An avid equestrian, Shanly established the Loblaws Classic, a spectacular show jumping competitions Sunnybrook Park which set the standard for innovative equestrian competitors in North America. He was Chairman of Dressage Canada and instrumental in the management of the Canadian Dressage Team during the period before and at the Atlanta Olympics. He was also a longstanding supporter patron of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
A devoted philanthropist, Shanly was always the first to step up to help when help was needed. He cared deeply about Youth at Risk, and organized programs with the Toronto Mounted Unit at The Riding Academy at the Horse Palace, founded in 2003.
He was deeply passionate about the Canadian military, many of whom have sustained life-changing visible and hidden injuries in the service of our nation. As was his style, he took action, engaged others and established a PTSD therapeutic riding program that has been in place for almost a decade.
The generosity of his spirit was equally evident in the many events, special occasions and celebrations hosted for family, friends and colleagues. His passion for enjoying life and his “joie de vivre” have enriched the lives of so many on countless special occasions. His friends are numerous and many have been cherished close companions throughout most of his life.
Walter will be missed by his in-laws, Jack Hinks, Helen Hinks, Jay Lannin, Linda-Marie Lannin, Cathy Hinks, Walter Roper, Kyleigh Fraser and Arielle Fraser, Jacquelyn and their son Muredach will sadly miss their husband, father, leader, teacher and best friend.
A celebration of Walter’s life will be announced at a later date.
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