Paul Wallace
Posted Jan 26, 2023 | 12:02 PM by CookSFC
Paul Wallace
1954 – 2023
Paul’s passing was quiet and peaceful, fitting for a kind and thoughtful brother, who lived with dignity and resolve.
Like most people, Paul’s life had many chapters. The final concluded on January 21, 2023 in Medicine Hat. His beginning was more raucous, being the sixth of ten children, when he was born in New Glasgow, NS on November 30, 1954.
Paul’s early years were east coast certified. He loved all sports and being the middle of ten children, he had just the right amount of feistiness to bring onto the field, or ice surface. Like many of his vintage, Paul was a vested Pictou County Rugby player. These were skills he carried onto the StFX University rugby team. His hockey career peaked with the New Glasgow Bombers, when they won the 1972-73 Maritime Junior B Hockey Championship. Always easy going and affable, Paul was student union president of New Glasgow High School and went on to StFX University and graduated from the business program.
Like many youth of his era, Paul’s career took him west. He first worked in Calgary in the oil and gas industry and then moved to Toronto where he worked for McDonnell Douglas. He came back home to work in Halifax for nine years, before moving to Medicine Hat in 2006. He had strong friendships in Alberta, many of which originated while at X.
It was in his early thirties that Paul’s struggles with mental illness first surfaced. At times the illness had the upper hand, but he never complained, even as it shifted him from a more traditional path. Kindness and a quiet strength of character were always his calling card.
Paul was a profuse reader and could converse on any subject – name the sport, no matter how obscure, politics, world events and family memories, with the dates to back it up. And like a true Maritimer, he had a quick wit and loved to laugh.
During his away years, Paul made annual summer pilgrimages home. He especially enjoyed family gatherings at Chance Harbour and Kings Head. Paul was always keen for a swim to the raft, Scrabble with Mom, a round of the all-inclusive Italian card game and of course, Sam’s pizza was de rigueur.
Paul, our brother, we are proud of you. You have fought the good fight and earned your rest.
Paul was predeceased, and dearly loved, by his father and mother, Neil & Mary (Feron) Wallace and two brothers, Tom and Peter.
He is survived by his siblings David (Joan) Wallace of New Glasgow, Janet Wallace of New Glasgow, Coleen (Ian) Ross of Deep Cove, BC, Michael (Arlene) Wallace of New Glasgow, Carol (Paul) Connor of Halifax, Chris (Paulette) Wallace of Moncton, NB, Margot (Kevin) Cameron of Halifax, as well as 15 nieces and nephews and nine grandnieces and grandnephews.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 am at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, New Glasgow with a reception to follow in the church hall. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455
- Date : 2023-01-21
- Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta