John Wallace
1933 - 2025
John Wallace passed away peacefully in Westlock Healthcare Centre, at 1:06 pm, on January 17, 2025, at the grand old age of 92.
He was born on January 12, 1933, in Gateshead, England, and lived in Woodside Cottage with his parents, John and Stella, and his brother and sister, David and Hazel.
As a young able-bodied man, John did his National Service in the British Army, where he was Sergeant of the Pay Corps at the R.A.P.C Training Center at Devizes in Wiltshire, England from 1953 to 1956. Then it was off to Bede College in Sunderland, where he excelled at his studies and was Captain of the Bede College Fencing Club. Soon after finishing college, John met Marian Pringle, whom he had gone to grammar school with for five years.
The couple were married on December 20, 1958, and moved to Norwich, Norfolk, where they took teaching jobs. This is where their first baby, Joanna was born in 1964.The family of three moved to Canada in 1965, and John and Marian began working for Northland School Division. Their second child, Patrick, was born in High Prairie in 1966.After moving several times, they settled in Westlock and made it their forever home, and John taught school at Clyde for many years.
“Put the kettle on” was John’s favorite expression. He loved a “proper” cup of tea and a good conversation. He also enjoyed an occasional game of golf and liked walking. When vacationing in England, he joined the Rambler’s Club and traversed many a mile over hill and dale. Stamp collecting and gardening were also pleasant pastimes. The Westlock Drama Society was a passion of his as well. He directed plays and portrayed many colorful and entertaining characters. John was also active in Freemasonry for 50 years. He was a Past Master of Strathcona Lodge No. 77 A.F. & A.M. and will be warmly remembered by his Brethren.
By his own request, he has been cremated and there will be no funeral or celebration of life. Anyone wishing to make a donation in remembrance of John may donate to the Canadian Cancer Society as he donated often in loving memory of his wife, Marian.
He will be forever loved and missed by his children, Joanna (Neil) and Patrick; granddaughters Caitlin (Kevin) and Megan (Jake); great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Clara and Harlan, along with many friends and extended family.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff of Smithfield Lodge for being so loving and kind to John and for looking after him so well and also to the doctors and healthcare staff at Westlock Healthcare Centre who took such good care of him at the time of his passing.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared at westlockfuneralhome.com.
Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium
780-349-3474
