BX March 30, 1916

Presentation to Principal – Captain Walter Joyce Honored by Staff and Pupils – Janitor Remembered 

Last Friday afternoon was a happy occasion for the pupils of Central School, when they assembled in the kindergarten room and presented their principal – now Capt. Joyce of the 215th Battalion – with a pair of spurs and a riding crop. He was entirely surprised, as he had been told that the occasion was to do honor to Mr. William Griffiths Walker, the janitor, also now with the 215th, who was given a wrist watch.

Both Principal Joyce and Mr. Walker express their genuine appreciation and before dismissing the pupils sang “God Save the King,” and “God Save our Splendid Men.” 

Mr. Joyce’s own class had given him a sweater coat a few days before, while at an informal social hour the staff presented him with a handsome military watch, which they told him stood for two words, “pride” and “regret.” Both Capt. Joyce and Pte. Walker assumes their military duties April 1.

BX May 11, 1916

Four Principals Are Now in Khaki – Two More Offered Services but Were Rejected on Physical Grounds

Brantford public school principals have made a record in this Great War that few cities can compare favorably with.  Out of the seven public schools in the city four of the principals are now in khaki and are training with their respective battalions. Two others offered their services but were rejected.  As the principal of the other school is a lady, it can be truly said that a full percentage of the male principals in Brantford have offered to do their bit.

Captain Walter Joyce of Central School is now with the 215th Battalion, in training here; Captain Thomas Bingle of the King George School is with the 125th also in training here; Lieutenant Frank Dickson of the King Edward School is with the 36th Battalion now overseas, and Sergeant John Aubrey Holdsworth, who succeeded Mr. Dickson and was only at the head of King Edward School for a short time when the path of duty was opened to him, is with the 215th Battalion.  Mr. Rowe of Dufferin school who holds a lieutenant’s certificate and Mr. White assistant principal of Dufferin, who possesses a captain’s certificate both offered their services but failed to pass the doctor’s test.

BX April 23, 1955

Educationist, Military Man, Lieutenant Colonel Walter Joyce Dies

Lt.-Col. Walter Joyce, VD, 37 Lincoln Avenue, prominent in educational, military, religious and fraternal circles here for many years died in the Brantford General Hospital Friday evening.  He was 83 years old.

Col. Joyce retired in 1942 after 11 years as inspector for Brant and Norfolk.

He was for 11 years principal of Mount Pleasant School, and was principal of Central School here for more than 20 years, before becoming inspector.

He was active in Central Presbyterian Church, serving at one time as superintendent of the Sunday school, as an elder, and on the board of management.

Military Career

His military career started with a corps of cadet instructors and continued through the Dufferin Rifles of Canada, of which he became commander.  He went overseas with the rank of major in the 215th Battalion, and transferred to the British Corps headquarters, serving in France until the end of the war.

Few men were better known fraternally.  He was a past master of Brant Lodge, AF and AM, and some time ago was presented with his 50 year Jewel.  He was a past principal of Mount Horeb Chapter, a past superintendent of Wilson District, RAM, a past preceptor of Odo de St. Amand Preceptory, KT, and a member of Mocha Temple Shrine.

Col. Joyce was a member of the Brant Curling Club, the Brantford Golf and Country Club and the Brantford Shrine Club.

Born at Burlington, he received his early education at Bronte and Oakville.  After graduating from normal school, he took his first teaching position in Halton County in 1891, and two years later came to Brantford.

One of his three sons, Clifford, followed in his father’s footsteps in war and peace.  After service in the 215th Battalion, he too returned to teaching in Canada and became principal of a school in Hamilton.  He resides at Ancaster.

Surviving also are his widow, Reva; two other sons, Leonard, Brantford, and Lavelle, Hartford, Conn; one sister, Mrs. A Bumby, Bronte, five grandsons and one granddaughter.

Col. Joyce was twice married.  His first wife, Mary Elizabeth, died in 1942.

He is resting at the Beckett Funeral Home, where service will be conducted at 3.30 p.m. Monday.  Interment will be in the family plot in Farringdon Burial Ground.

BX April 27, 1955

Lt.-Col. Walter Joyce

The funeral of Lt.-Col. Walter Joyce was conducted Monday afternoon at the Beckett funeral Home.  Rev. G. Deane Johnston of Central Presbyterian Church officiated. Mr. Johnston paid personal tribute to Col. Joyce, covering his fraternal, school, military and church activities. The service was attended by representatives of the Brantford garrison; school teachers, Board of Education inspectors, representatives of the Shriners Club and Brant Lodge, AF and AM.  The pallbearers were George Leeming, Dr. W.S. Turner, C.C. Slemin, QC, E.L. Gothard, A. Thorburn and Russell Reid.  Interment was in the family plot in Farringdon Burial Ground.  Officer of the 56th Regiment RCA, provided a guard of honor at the funeral home and at the cemetery.