William James Wallace

It is with heavy and full hearts that we announce the passing of William (Bill), "Mr. Wonderful" - husband, dad, papa, grandpa, and great grandpa.
Bill is predeceased by Dorothy, his wife of 69 years. He is survived by his children Craig (Jill) and Susan (Randy), grandchildren Shannon (Josh), Graeme (Tash), Iain (Janelle) and Scot (Laryn), and his cherished great grandchildren, Wyatt, Audrey, Lillyanna, Mackenzie, Arabella (Little Miss Wonderful) and baby boy Wallace expected to arrive in 2026.



Bill, an only child, was born in Vancouver to Lester and Alice. He came from a pioneer family that arrived in Vancouver (Granville) in 1885. Bill grew up in East Vancouver and attended Hastings Elementary and Vancouver Tech. He developed a love for the outdoors at a young age and spent time fishing and hunting with his parents and exploring the North Shore mountains with his friends. He made many lifelong friends and created many fond memories as a boy growing up on Adanac Street.

Bill met fellow 'East Van-er' Dorothy (Hourston) in his childhood neighbourhood and they were married in 1952. Bill and Dorothy built their family home in Burnaby where they raised their family and made strong connections in their neighbourhood and community.
Bill loved sports. He was a skier, runner, tennis player, curler, swimmer and water skier. He remained active throughout his life, still enjoying regular walks in the neighbourhood in his 99th year.

In his early 20's Bill, #70, played junior football with the Vancouver Blue Bombers. The team went on to win the 1947 Dominion Junior Football championship, an achievement that had previously eluded BC teams and was not to be repeated for the next 35 years. Bill was extremely proud when his team was inducted into the BC Football Hall of Fame in 2011 for this accomplishment.

Bill's hard work and unwavering dedication didn't end on the football field. His admirable work ethic started early. From a young age, he delivered newspapers and prescriptions. After leaving school, he worked in the Vancouver shipyards before beginning his long and distinguished career in the field of dental technology. Bill was the first employee of Fine Arts Dental Laboratory in 1950. Over the next 40 years, he went on to own the company and when he retired in 1988, Fine Arts was recognized as one of the most advanced and progressive dental laboratories in Western Canada with branch offices throughout the province.

Bill worked tirelessly towards the advancement of dental technology throughout his career and he was extremely proud to receive many distinguished awards recognizing his leadership and commitment to his profession. He was also honoured to serve as an executive member of the Dental Laboratory Association of BC where he was fundamental in establishing the first training facility for dental technicians in the province. He was later appointed by the Provincial Government to first serve on the governing board of dental technicians, and then, as the chair of the College of Dental Technicians.

Following his retirement, Bill and Dorothy moved to South Surrey where they enjoyed their golden years. They had many wonderful vacations, and spent considerable time at their summer home in Birch Bay where Bill was happiest gardening, digging for clams or chasing the elusive crabs.

With all his accomplishments and experiences, Bill's family, the 'Wallace Clan', came first and foremost in his life. Clan vacations and celebrations were highlights in Bill's life and his happiest days were spent surrounded by family whom he often commented "continued to make him proud". He was involved and supportive in the many activities of his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

Next to family, Bill placed a great deal of importance on friendship. Bill's sense of humour, positivity, loyalty, and genuine interest in others drew people to him. Once you were in the friend circle, you were in it for life. The family deeply appreciates the care and companionship of Jane Boutilier, his recently declared "favourite friend", who supported both Bill and Dorothy the past number of years.

Bill loved a good laugh ("Never take yourself too seriously!"), the BC Lions, sunshine, growing things, exercise and a 'wee dram'. Bill was a strong, kind, positive, warm, hard working and genuine human who lived a beautiful and full life. Bill's motto, "it's all about family", is his legacy. He taught us what it meant to be loved and cherished and we will proudly share his story into the future.

As requested by Mr. Wonderful, the family is planning an "informal and upbeat" celebration of his life.

Y.C.T.M.U.P.