It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad, Wallace Lee McCulloch, in his ninetieth year, on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Copper Ridge Place.
A New Year’s Baby, born January 1, 1930, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Wally was one of 13 children of parents Clarence and Nora McCulloch. Needless to say, life in the Dirty Thirties in rural Saskatchewan was hard, but the McCulloch clan survived through pure grit and resourcefulness.
With a penchant for motorcycles, Wally rode his to a dance in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1949 where he met the love of his life, Mary Rose Paul. The two married in October that year and their journey together as husband and wife began.
The newlyweds moved slowly northwest as they grew their family with Robert, born in Dawson Creek, BC in 1952; Sherilyn, born in Pouce Coupe, BC in 1955; Sterling, born in Ft. Nelson, BC in 1961; and Samantha, born in Watson Lake, Yukon in 1968.
When the family settled in Watson Lake in June 1967, Wally was a truck driver by trade, working for K&J Trucking and ultimately creating his own trucking company – McCulloch Trucking. He then sold his fleet and purchased Watson Lake Motors (in partnership in 1971 then sole proprietorship in 1979) where he worked Monday through Saturday, from 6am to 6pm each day until 1998 when he sold the business and retired.
He had many remarkable moments in his life. They include his and Mary’s reign as Mr. and Mrs. Yukon in 1989, and his accepting the Order of Canada, awarded to Mary posthumously in 1998, on her behalf.
Wally is predeceased by his wife, Mary and his eldest son Robert (Shannon). He is survived by his eldest daughter Sherilyn (Rob), youngest son Sterling (Diana) and youngest daughter Samantha (James). He also leaves behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
A lover of motorized transport, his community, animals, and most especially his family, Wally will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to doctors Tanis Secerbegovic and Patrick Von Wiegen in Watson Lake. In addition, we will be forever grateful to Genevieve Wesley and the amazing medical staff at Copper Ridge Place – you made Dad’s brief stay the best it could be and your level of compassion, care and attention to his every need gave us invaluable peace of mind.
Acting with extreme caution given current COVID-19 considerations, the family will be holding a simple, private service in Watson Lake in early September with interment at the Lucky Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request donations be made in Dad’s name to the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wallace Lee McCulloch January 1 1930 August 21 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Whitehorse, Province: Colombie britanique