Obituaries

WALLACE, Wally

WALLACE, Wally (Charles Ewan) on Feb. 9, 2010, after an inspirational 14-year journey with prostate cancer.

Wally was born on March 19, 1933 in Carberry, Manitoba and grew up in Castlegar, BC. In 1954, he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force and went on to a distinguished 26-year career that took him across Europe, North Africa, and much of Canada. He was especially proud to have served on the very first United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to the Suez Canal in 1956.

In 1955, Wally married his Trail sweetheart, Joy Groslin, and together they raised their three children.

Wally was an electrician by trade and well known and respected for his work ethic and attention to detail. Once, during a driving rainstorm, he spotted a fuel leak on an airplane that could have crashed but for his keen eye. For that, he was awarded a rare Commendation for Excellence.

In 1979, Wally brought his many skills and sense of humour to the electrical department at the copper mine in Princeton.

After 13 years there, Wally and Joy embarked on an epic retirement.
They traveled thousands of miles in their RV; golfed, cross-country skied, and curled; made and drank wine; tinkered with all manner of appliances, fixtures, hot tubs, and fish ponds; gave countless volunteer hours to the Church, the Legion, and most especially the Princeton Golf Club (and not just in the clubhouse!); and enjoyed the love and hospitality of family and friends from coast to coast. One of Wally's fondest memories was carrying the Olympic torch in 1988, and he beamed as he watched Joy carry it on his behalf in 2010.

Wally is survived by Joy, his wife of 54 years; his 100-year-old mother Mary Wallace; his children Don of Abbotsford, Kris (Andy Ali) of Kelowna, Scott (Tracy) of Coquitlam; four cherished granddaughters Crystal Bigelow (Trevor), Piper Ali, Miranda & Mackenzie Wallace; and one adored great-grandson Mason Bigelow.

Also left to cherish his memory are his 95-year-old Mother-in-Law Alice McDonald; his sisters Dorothy McMillan, Mima Quigley (Sam); his brother Don (Marlene); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and very dear friends. He was predeceased by his father Don Wallace and his big sister Ellen O'Leary.

In a life filled with adventures, Wally left no stone unturned; no words unspoken; no heart untouched. At ease, soldier.

A celebration of Wally's life will be held on February 19, at 12:00, at the Legion hall in Princeton.

In lieu of flowers, Wally asked that you consider a donation to Prostate Cancer Canada. www.prostatecancer.ca. 1.888.255.0333.

Condolences can be sent to [email protected].

Condolence Messages

May 14, 2021
This is from Emma Bigelow, Wally's great granddaughter! Mason Bigelow is my older brother and Joy Wallace is my great grandma! I am not on this article because it was released after I was born. (October 15 2010)
Mar 10, 2010
To the Wallace family,

So sorry for your loss. He was a special man.

Colleen Schwab
Feb 24, 2010
Joy and Family,

I am so sorry to have missed the actual day of celebration of Wally's life, but we feel we celebrate his life everyday as we think of how great he was at everything he did and how much he always made us laugh. Our hearts are with all of you as you go through this transition to a new Chapter of life.

God Bless You, you are in our Prayers.

Love, Pia and Charles
Feb 17, 2010
Very well done guys! We are thinking of your family and wish we could be at the Celebration of Wally's life. Hang in there Joy! Sending you the love from our family.

Love, the Ligtenberg family
Feb 15, 2010
Kris, Andy & family,

I'm so sorry to hear about Wally's passing. Keeping you all in my prayers!

Love, Joey Gatchell
Feb 14, 2010
My thoughts are with you Joy and family.

Shirley Pare, Kelowna