Obituary

Of Birmingham Lodge, Mount Forest, was born in Charlotte Township on May 7, 1927, and passed away in Mount Forest on October 6, 2023 at the age of 96. Generous, Brave, Loveable, Kind, Adventurous, Lover of Life, Larger than Life, AA Member since 1978, Follower of Jesus. Husband of the late Alma Brown. Fondly remembered by his daughters Debra Coe Kalb, Irene Jamieson (Stephen), Susan Struthers (Rae), and John Harmsworth. Much loved Grandpa to nine; Rebekah Jamieson, Stephen Jamieson (Colleen), David Jamieson, Bethany White (Andrew), Matthew Struthers (Julia), Geoffrey Struthers (Christine), Benjamin Coe (Emily), Jacob Harmsworth (Jennette), and Simon Harmsworth (Lindsey). Great-grandfather of 14, and great-great-grandfather of 1. Uncle to 16 nieces and nephews. He had an especially treasured link to his birth family through his niece, Janet Kazakevicius. Wally had the unusual experience of being embraced by both his birth parents, Robert and Rhetta Bannister and his adoptive parents, Earl and Irene Brown. Over his lifetime, he had the pleasure of coming to know and appreciate all of his siblings who have now predeceased him; Peter Brown (Patricia), David Brown (Ethel), Rosemary Farrell, Robert Bannister (Marge), John McGowan (Ines), and Murray Bannister. Wally grew through his childhood and adolescence in Brantford, Ontario. He showed an early gift for performance and developed an extraordinary baritone voice. Wally was regularly chosen as a primary soloist in multiple choirs and events over his lifetime. From his youth through his nineties, his voice did not falter nor fail. From age 15, Wally trained in the Reserve Army Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Armistice was declared on the day he turned 18 years old. Since he had anticipated enlisting on his birthday, Wally found himself very much at loose ends when war ended. So, with little money in his pocket, he started a new adventure making his way from Brantford to B.C. working alongside lumberjacks, harvesters, and miners. He ended his return journey in Northern Ontario with service on an Abitibi logging boat. Soon after returning to his hometown, he met, wooed and wed the lovely Nova Scotian newcomer, Alma Slade. They married on the day following his 21st birthday, May 8, 1948. Over the next eleven years, four daughters were added to their family. From the age 30, much of Wally’s working life was spent in Cambridge, Ontario, as a Supervisor in Appliance Manufacturing and as a Heating and Plumbing Contractor. He completed his career as an Inspector at Walker’s Manufacturing. In retirement, he resided in the Midland area in the home that he built alongside his wife and helpmate, Alma, who predeceased him on their 70th wedding anniversary, May 8, 2018. Predeceased as well by his youngest daughter, Patricia Holm, and son-in-law, Philip Kalb. A family memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Mount Forest on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Memorial donations to Louise Marshall Hospital, Mount Forest would be appreciated, and may be made through the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston. Online condolences may be left at www.hardyleefuneralhome.com. This is the length of Wallace’s life, 96 years. He breathed his last and died in good old age: an old man and full of years was gathered to his people (inspired by one of Wallace’s favourite biblical characters, Abraham).