T. Gary Waller

On Friday, September 12, 2025, after a very brief illness, Gary left us with many memories, the value of his wisdom and the warmth of his unconditional love. Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to W.T. Waller, Jr. and Ruth Gary, he married Jacquelyn May Scott (1940-2018) on March 21,1962 and together they moved to Waterloo ON, in 1968. Gary and Jackie welcomed into their family James Scott (1973) and Amy Elisabeth (1976). Gary’s professional history spans over 40 years at the University of Waterloo. He was appointed to the position of Assistant Professor in the department of Psychology in 1968, the department that he later chaired twice before being appointed to the position of Associate Provost, Academic and Student Affairs and then to that of Director of the Centre for Advancement of Cooperative education. While Gary “officially” retired in 2005, he was engaged, contractually, with the Provost, in a number of professional activities. Gary also enjoyed a rich and rewarding personal life with Jackie sharing their love of art, music and travel over many years. They were blessed to see their children prosper and thrive, sometimes in the face of adversity, but always with their support. They were immensely proud of Jim and Amy and fortunate to see them happily married: Jim to Jocelyne Roberts and Amy to Robbie Prince. As grandchildren graced the family, Gary loved being “Grandpa” to Abigail and Adeline, the Princes’ 2 daughters. Jackie’s death from cancer left Gary at sea until he re-connected with a former colleague of 30 years from the University of Waterloo. He and Lorraine Beattie married in 2019 and have been blessed to have had 6 wonderful years together, treasuring every moment and looking forward always to the next day together. They so enjoyed family and friends as well as theatre, music, occasional travel and their textured life in Doon. Gary often said that he had led a charmed life and was most fortunate to have loved and been loved by 2 wonderful women. Someone who met him recently described him to me as “a great man with a good heart.” He was that and so much more. His unexpected death broke the hearts of all who loved him including his brother, Bob Waller (Mila), sister in-law, Gail Waller (Ken), former brother-in-law and dear friend Gilbert Scott (Martha) and brother-in-law, Paul Beattie (Rosa). He will be missed by dear friends, both near and afar. He leaves us with exquisite memories and takes with him a part of all who loved him. Gary’s final hours were eased by the invaluable assistance of our dear neighbour, Beverly Brown. We thank the several first responders who did all they could for us, highly capable and sensitive in every way. Cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements will be under the care of Stricklin-King Funeral Home http://www.stricklin-king.com/obituary.php in Yazoo City. Gary will be interred in a family plot, cemetery at the rural historic Fletcher’s Chapel United Methodist Church near Yazoo City. An informal celebration of Gary’s rich life will take place in Kitchener-Waterloo at a yet-to-be determined date. Details will be published in the Record. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, or to the University of Waterloo Scholarship Fund. Local arrangements entrusted to Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, Kitchener, (519-743-8900).