Wallace George Dollimount

On a cold morning on February 6th, 1945, in the beautiful community of Cape La Hune, Newfoundland, a premature baby was born to Minnie and Sam Dollimount. Only 1.5 lbs, he was not expected to live. His Great Aunt Flora placed him in a shoe box in the bread warmer of the wood stove to keep him warm. He was a survivor from the very beginning.

His family then moved to Francois, NFLD and at 5 years old, to Louisbourg, NS where he grew up. Wally made his forever home with his family in Sydney in 1985. On July 4th, 2026, eighty-one years later, Wallace George Dollimount, “Wally” to most, said his final goodbye to all who loved him.

“What’s your father’s name?” If you’ve met Wally, you’ve most likely heard this question. Wally loved making connections with people through conversation and regaling us with stories of days gone by. Boy, did he LOVE to talk! A kinder, more attentive listener, you’d be hard pressed to find. He remained the happy, funny, kind, “gentle giant” we all knew and loved up until the very end.

Wally’s education was extensive & his work ethic strong. He graduated from Louisbourg High School in 1963. Summers were spent fishing with his father, working at the fish plant and as a crew member of The Keltic fishing boat. The Royal Canadian Navy called his name at the age of 19 where he excelled as a Fire Controlman, CET. On leaving the navy, he studied at NSCC to become a heavy-duty mechanic. The Department of Transportation was lucky to have had him work for them as a heavy-duty mechanic and shop foreman for 35 years. He was presented with the Long Service Award from the Government of NS in 1992. But that was not the end of his career. Wally went on to earn a teaching degree from NSCC in 2006 & taught heavy duty mechanics at NSCC in Sydney for 10 years before he retired.

Wally’s wonderful attributes are many, best of all were husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. Cathy and Wally were attached at the hip for 58 years of marriage. You never saw one without the other. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic minister, an honorary member of the Howie Center Legion and a volunteer at numerous Cursillos. It was at these Cursillos, that he forged the long-lasting friendships with Vince, Lloyd and Pat. Wally grew up playing hockey & leading his team to victory as the pitcher on several fastball teams over the years. His summers were enjoyed swimming with his childhood friend Colin at the pond on Havenside Rd. in Louisbourg. A fuller life one could never ask for.

Wallace was predeceased by his father Sam Dollimount, his mother Minnie (Barter) Dollimount, brother Donnie and sister Minnie Doreen.

He is survived by his wife Catherine (Pottie) Dollimount, daughter Doreen (Keith) MacNeil, son John (Colleen), grandsons Jacob, Benjamin, Gabriel & Brandon as well as his sister Gladys (James) Miles.

Visitation to take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St. Sydney, NS B1P 1L4 On Thursday, July 9th, 2026, from 2-4pm & 7-9pm

Funeral Mass to take place at Our Lady of Fatima, 1452 Kings Rd. Sydney River NS B1S 1E6 On Friday, July 10th, 2026 at 11:00am

Burial to be announced at a later date.

A special thank you goes out to all staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital especially those on 4A and 4E of the palliative care unit, who went above and beyond to make Wally’s last days comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the heart and stroke foundation.