LCol. Walter Wallace

LCol. Walter Wallace

Walter Wallace’s life-time was a testament to a person who embraced community-mindedness and humanitarian efforts.

Whether it was in the military, as a 30-year educator or his involvement with youth or community enrichment, he achieved results and was a mentor to others along the way.

Walter was born in Sault Ste. Marie and grew up in Wawa.

He later attended Lakeshore Teachers’ College in Toronto and upon graduating, in 1965, he returned to the Sault Ste. Marie Public School Board as a teacher.

Over the years he taught junior and intermediate grades before becoming a principal of William Merrifield V.C. Public School, from where he retired in 1998. His long standing involvement with the military started as an Air Cadet while attending high school in Wawa.

He joined the 49th Sault Ste. Marie Field Regiment in 1969.

He was promoted to Major in 1976 and appointed Battery Commander followed by various District Headquarter staff positions and eventually appointed Deputy Commander of the 49th Field Regiment, RCA.

In 1984, Walter was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer of the 49th.

After completing his tour of Command, in 1989 he was transferred to directing staff, Militia Officers Staff course conducted in Toronto and at the Military Staff College in Kingston.

In 1995, LCol. Wallace was then posted to Northern Military District as Senior Staff Officer, then appointed District Commander overseeing the transition from Militia Districts to Brigades.

With the close out of Northern District Headquarters he became Deputy Commander of 33 Brigade until compulsory retirement age in 1998.

Upon his retirement he was appointed a member of the 49th Field Regimental State.

LCol Wallace was also involved with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25.

He served three terms as their president plus chaired several committees include Zone H-4 Youth Education Committee, Portraits of Valour project and Sacrifices of Service.

His love of history saw him become involved with the Historical Society and Museum boards, and he played a significant role in two local projects - to ensure memories of WWII veterans were recorded.

It seems appropriate that his Walk of Fame leaf is placed in close proximity to the Memorial Tower, a historical landmark he played a great role in preserving.

His humanitarian efforts also saw him involved with Sault Hockey Club board of directors, Sault Athletics Track and Field Club, Canadian Diabetes Association, St. John Ambulance and Crime Stoppers.

Walter is being recognized in the 2011 Walk of Fame for his community-mindedness and humanitarian efforts. This is a posthumous award as Walter passed away earlier this year (2011).