With deep sadness, we want to share that David Douglas Wallace passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023, surrounded by his girls who loved him very much.
Living life with passion and a huge smile, he was dedicated to our family, which started when he met our mother, Janet Charbonneau. That meeting led to a devoted 52-year marriage...a loving connection that lasted until the day he died. Everyone who knew them could see that they were each other’s world.
He was an incredible father, who was immensely proud of us all. Family was the most important thing to Dad and he loved nothing more than spending time with us. He raised us as strong and independent individuals, like him, unafraid to voice our opinions. It was commonplace to see Mom and Dad cheering on their grandchildren at anything they took interest in. On Friday nights, with noisy debates and love and laughter and Mom and Dad at the helm, it was our family ritual to be dining out at the Newport. We are broken hearted that he needed to leave us all so early: Julie (Geoff Stewart) Michelle (Dave Coville) and Jennifer (Matthew Hennessey) and grandchildren whom he loved intensely Kaela, Connor and Tyson. Included are those who will sorely miss him are his siblings, Dorothy Wallace, John Wallace (Marsha), Susie Wallace (Rob Mantini), and Richard Wallace (Marielle), and cousins, nieces and nephews. Mom’s sister, Andree MacIntosh and her family share our intense grief.
Dad was very passionate about all sports. He played, coached, and refereed multiple sports throughout his life. He was an avid golfer and belonged to the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club for many years.
In his 42-year career with the Bank of Montreal, the five of us enjoyed our moves across the country, making friends in multiple places in the general Toronto area, Ottawa, and as far away as St. John’s Newfoundland.
Dad credited his mother for inspiring him in business. Raising five kids, keeping everyone heading in the right direction and looking after a full house required business skill “as good as any,” he said.
His career began in 1966 when he joined the Rideau Street branch as a teller. He progressed through many management positions and retired as the Regional Vice President and Managing Director of Eastern & Northern Ontario for Private Client Services. He was an important contributor to the private bank since its early days in 1999 and had a significant impact on its growth and success. He not only showed great leadership in development of the core business but also acted as an ambassador to the Ottawa political and business community. His level of community involvement was inspiring. He thrived on contributing to the Ottawa community through fundraising efforts and charitable work, which included the Snowsuit Fund, Peace Camp Canada which brought Israeli and Palestinian youths together, Annual Viennese Winter Ball, the Children’s Aid Society, Heart Institute, and many more. He was well known in the business community and made some of his best friends through these contributions...people who became like our extended family.
We’re proud of the many awards he was given for his philanthropy, among them the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, Governor General’s 125th commemorative medal, and both the silver and gold medals of merit from the Republic of Austria.
Dad always openly shared his life and business knowledge, successes and mistakes, and honest thoughts about our decisions, reminding us to keep the human side in mind and not to hold grudges. He exemplified courage and grace even in the midst of all of his life and health challenges.
Dad, we will miss you terribly. We will always love you and cherish every second we had together. Thank you for being such an amazing role model.
Your loving wife Janet, and devoted daughters Julie, Michelle and Jennifer xo
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 1, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, located at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa.
In lieu of flowers, we please ask that you donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (Bloodcancers.ca).
Digital Guestbook
Barbara and Len Farber
Bob and Carolyn Halliday
Bob and I send our heartfelt condolences to you, Janet and the girls on Dave's passing. We fondly remember sharing many happy evenings on the "stoop" with our kids playing in the cul-de-sac, and the wonderful dinners we shared with you and Dave and Barb and Keith!
Richard Bosman
Dave was a very special individual. i knew him in my youth as my hockey coach as a Pinecrest Hockley League All star in my teens, he was a great coach and inspiration! Later in life i came to reconnect that friendship through my father and Dave's group of friends from Trattoria Café Italia. always a positive force and i always listened to his advice and comments with interest. A memorable individual and his commitment and love of his family were always foremost. Dave will be missed by many
Jenny and Scott Demark
What a beautiful tribute. He has obviously had such tremendous impact on so many lives. We are thinking of you all. xo
Keith and Barbara Smith, St. John’s, NL
Janet, Julie, Michelle, Jennifer and family,
We are thinking about you at this difficult time. The beautiful tribute to Dave said it all. It is never easy to let go of a loved one especially your husband , dad and granddad. Dave dearly loved his family and so enjoyed all the time you spent together. We are heartbroken.
We were neighbours in St. John’s, NL in the mid 80s and our friendship then developed into a lifetime of very close friends. Our many visits , travels , weddings and FaceTime kept us connected at all times. We cherished our time with Dave, Janet and family. Whenever we got together life and laughter was the order of the day and Dave made sure of it. Larger than life but always so very welcoming. We shall miss him dearly.
May the many fond and loving memories of Dave give you strength in the days and years ahead. Dave will always be with you in spirit and is now resting in peace.
Raiya
Julie,
As I was sitting outside the news of your Dads passing was related to me. My deepest condolences to You, Kaela, Connor, Geoff, Michelle, Jennifer and your beautiful Mom.
I hope his beautiful soul may now rest in eternal peace. Our family is so sorry.
Raiya, Kerrigan, Sierra, Blade
Debbie Fauchon
Julie, sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jose Elks
Michelle and family.
I am very sorry for your loss. Reading your father's story I could tel rather was a wonderful man who dedicated his life to hi family.
Good bless.
Deep and Sonia Singh (Palfrey Neighbours)
To the Wallace Family,
We were saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. We have fond memories of the conversations we have had with Dave throughout the time we were neighbours on Palfrey. We surely will miss our chats and seeing Dave’s wonderful smile. Our sincerest condolences to Janet and the entire family.
Dear Janet and family, What a huge loss to you and to the entire community! Dave was a "one of a kind" kind of guy who never said no and always facilitated the impossible! My grandfather Harry Leikin, knew him as a young teller at the Shoppers City Branch and we continued the friendship for many years to come. Please accept our sincerest condolences-Rest in peace Dave! You have definitely earned that!