June 23, 1922 – November 29, 2013
Surrounded by family in Montreal, Wally passed away peacefully after living a very rich and full life. He is profoundly missed by his loving wife of 66 years Maureen (Knights) and children Lorraine (Dale), Bruce (Anne), Peter (Louise) and Nancy. Bumpa was especially cherished by grandchildren Aaron, Kelly and Matthew Kenney, Lindsay and Greg Thompson, Stephanie and Kirsten Charron, Tim and Hillary Charron, Nicole and Carly Emmett and great grandchildren Lola and Dax Kenney and Cole Thompson.
The three loves of his life were his family, Canada and the Navy.
Proudly Canadian, Wally served with distinction in World War II in the Royal Canadian Navy. In recent years hundreds of students of all ages hung on his every word as he shared his war time experiences. He was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
An active and distinguished community leader, Wally spent his entire life in St. Lambert. He was a driving force for many community initiatives and was honoured for his contributions in the St. Lambert Sports Hall of Fame. He also played, coached and refereed football in the Montreal area and was proud to have been a member of the Grey Cup winning team in 1944.
Wally was active in the St. Lambert United Church where he filled many roles from Trustee to Sunday School teacher – and even delighted many children as Santa at several Christmas parties! At the St. Lambert Legion he was President, an active supporter and is recognized on its Wall of Fame.
An avid curler, he served as President of the St.Lambert and Royal Caledonia Curling Clubs as well as the Governor General’s Curling Club.
Wally’s warmth and generosity touched more lives than he will ever know. His sense of humour, wisdom and zest for life were legendary and left a mark on the hearts of so many family, extended family and friends.
Above all, Wally believed that God-given talents and treasures should be used for the benefit of community and country.
The family is so grateful for the compassionate care by the devoted ICU team at the Jewish General Hospital led by Doctors Washawsky, Dial and DeMarchie, with a heartfelt thank you to nurse Katrina for her extra special care at the very end.
The family will welcome you at Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Home, 307 Riverside Drive, St. Lambert on Monday, December 16 from 2 –5 and 7–9 p.m.. A Celebration of Wally’s life will take place at St. Lambert United Church, Desaulniers Boulevard, St. Lambert on Tuesday, December 17 at 1 p.m.
In keeping with Wally’s philanthropic spirit, donations to charities of choice will be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
One of Wally’s favourite expressions was “Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe”………and he just did!
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