Very sad news received today (Sunday 13th December) that Scarborough’s Steve Walton died of Covid 19 this morning in York Hospital. Steve was the dolphin trainer at Don Robinson’s Marineland in Scarborough. Although soccer was his first sporting love, he had a trial for Leeds United, he developed an interest in wrestling whilst working at Marineland in the company of wrestlers Klondyke Bill and Toma Hansom, and promoter Robinson. Steve was a part time wrestler on 1970s independent shows, mainly working for Don Robinson. He went on to become head trainer of dolphins at Windsor Safari Park and yet this was only the start of his incredible story. In recent years he was acknowledged as the world’s foremost authority on dolphin training, travelling the world as an adviser on animal care, welfare and training. Wherever he travelled Steve always returned home to Scarborough where he remained in touch with, and supported, Toma Hansom (until his death), Don Robinson, and the other north east lads. Until the outbreak of Covid 19 earlier this year he was still travelling the world sharing his internationally acclaimed knowledge of marine wildlife.
Steve Walton died 13th December, 2020, aged 66.
Thanks Les. More on Steve in this weekends newsletter.
Yes that's correct Hack,he organised and addressed the eulogy for Toma's funeral.And chartered the pleasure boat the Coronia to scatter Toma's ashes in the sea off Scarborough,when one of the guests on the boat was boxer Richard Dunn who had been a good friend of Toma's.
It is Ron. I was shocked when Les Phoned tonight after Sean McNeil had phoned to tell him the news. Steve was a very "young" 66 year old. I didn't know him as well as the other North East lads but he seemed a very modest man. Caring too. I think I'm right in saying he organised Toma Hansom's funeral, and he has taken care of Don Robinson as Don's health has deteriorated.
That's so sad. RIP Steve