Obituary of Sylvan Edward Walton

Sylvan Edward Walton, aged 29, of Cambridge, MA, left us on Saturday, February 11, 2012 as a result of a snowboarding accident in Jay Peak, Vermont. Sylvan, lovingly called “Sly Dawg,” “Slutty” and “Sylvie” by his friends and family, was much loved and is now achingly missed. He is the son of William Walton of Warren, ME and of Linda and Michael Bowe of Belfast, ME, and brother to Morgan J. Walton of New York, NY, Kyle W. Walton of Boston, MA and Emma E. Bowe of Belfast, ME. Sylvan is the grandson of Doris Walton, Frieda Hyland and Virginia Bowe and the nephew of Deborah Hamshar, Susan and Michael Klaveness, Karen and Brian Betten, Glenn Leahey, Rick Bowe and Meg VanDeWeghe, and Peter Bowe and Barbara Stewart. He also leaves several cousins and many extended family members. Sylvan also leaves behind a large cohort of close and longstanding friendships. Some began in his early years, many of which were forged into lifelong bonds during long trips for swim meets, outdoor adventures and ski trips. Others were formed during college and his adult life in Maine, San Diego and in the Boston area. Sylvan's friends were an integral part of his life and who he was, and their mutual commitment formed bonds which will last far beyond his years. Sylvan's early education at the Ashwood Waldorf School was formative and a key to his spirit. He went on to attend the public schools of Belfast, ME, graduating from Belfast Area High School as a member of the class of 2001. As an undergraduate at the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, DC, he studied computer technology and business, graduating in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and Software Design. Sylvan began his career with Wayfair (formerly CSN Stores) of Boston, and grew with the company, eventually becoming a key staff member in developing their subsidiary, Joss & Main. He most recently served as a Senior Merchandiser. Sylvan led a rich and rewarding life among his family and many friends. At Belfast High School, Sylvan was a valued member of the soccer and championship swim teams; he was also a Peer Leader, helping tutor local elementary school students. He was cherished by his teachers and fellow students. He had taken up surfing in the past several years, braving seas of all seasons. Sylvan also loved to snowboard and was game for just about any other sport or fun activity. In Boston, he acted on his commitment to public service as a member of the community service organization, One Brick Boston, and with the public speaking organization, Boston Toastmasters. His loss will be deeply felt by all. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 16th at the Riposta Funeral Home at 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a time for personal sharing at 7:00p.m. A celebration of Sylvan's life will be held on Saturday, February 18th at the First Church in Belfast, 104 Church Street, at 10a.m., with a reception following at the nearby Unitarian Universalist Church, 37 Miller St., Belfast. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sylvan Edward Walton Scholarship Fund, c/o RSU #20, P.O. Box 363, Belfast, ME 04915. Online condolences can be made at www.ripostafh.com.