March 20, 1926 – August 25, 2021
The family of Tom Wallace with great sadness announces the peaceful passing of our beloved husband and father on August 25, 2021. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 69 years, Doreen, who was at his bedside. His sons Alex (Kathy) of Vernon, Greg, better known as Spike in Kamloops, Todd (Susan) of Comox , and daughter Dale of Kamloops, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Tom was born and raised in Burnaby, the youngest of 6 siblings. He graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree in 1947 and took a position as a Range Agrologist in Kamloops in 1947. Tom became well respected in the ranching community in the Kamloops area as the Agrologist-in-Charge of the Kamloops Branch, until his retirement in June 1983. Tom received numerous awards and recognition for outstanding performance and achievement for furthering the science and art of range management. He was a Director and President of the Society of Range Management, served as President of the B.C Institute of Agrologists, and was a Councillor with the Agricultural Institute of Canada.
Tom was an active member in the community, serving as a Councillor in the Town of Valleyview for 12 years, and as a City of Kamloops Alderman for 2 years. Tom was the first Chairman of the Valleyview Community Association and served for many years. He was active in the Kamloops Lions Club, Toastmasters Club, Boy Scouts, and the Kamloops Wine Club.
In his retirement Tom and Doreen enjoyed traveling to Europe, the United Kingdom and the South Pacific. He was an avid supporter of the Kamloops Blazer’s and along with Doreen hosted annual welcoming and end of season events for the players and staff. As a result he had many long lasting friendships with many of the Blazers’ alumni. Tom enjoyed his time with family and his lovely backyard.
He was renowned for hosting annual BBQ’s for the BCFS community and friends. In 1954 Tom and Doreen built their family home Valleyview, that was ‘so far out of the city’ at that time, where they continue to reside. Tom was an accomplished mason and rock wall builder. The family made endless trips to the McLure area in search of the perfect rocks for his rock wall projects as he landscaped the yard. Tom was kind and caring and always ready and willing to help. He enjoyed most sports, curling until age 91, camping, fishing and being outdoors.
In keeping with Tom’s wishes there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at a later date.
In lieu of flowers those who wish can make a donation to the RIH Foundation, Cardiac Care Unit, or to the Cattlemen’s Martin Riedemann Society, #4-10145 Dallas Drive, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 6T4 or donate on CanadaHelps.org, in Tom’s memory, would be appreciated.
Offer Condolence for the family of TOM WALLACE 1926 – 2021
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of TOM WALLACE 1926 –..
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique