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).
Livre de visiteurs
Kate Kelly
Joan Charbonneau and Ray Jourdain
Our hearts are very sad for your incredible loss Julie and Geoff and family. We knew your Dad as a smiling, chatty guy who filled the room with joy wherever he was. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Darlene Baxter
Jenn,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your tribute to your dad is beautiful and although I never met him, I have a clear understanding of the man he was and the example he provided, not only his family but anybody that was lucky enough to have known him.
Michelle Smith
My sincerest condolences Jenn, Matt, Tyson and family. I’m thinking of you all and sending love in this difficult time. Wish I was there. Xo
Bryan & Maureen Olson
We are so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing.
He was an exceptional human being & will be missed!
Eileen Madden
To Janet and the entire family my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband David. His obituary paints such an incredible and deserving picture of this amazing man. I know it will take time to process and grieve this difficult loss. You have such beautiful memories of him and I trust you will keep him in your heart forever.
I didn’t know Dave very well but my sister, Barb and husband Keith always spoke highly of him. May he rest in piece.
John & June Abbenda
To the Wallace Family,
My wife and I extend heartfelt condolences for your loss. I had the opportunity to work with Dave for many years and his love for his family and untiring community involvement was inspiring. I hope the many wonderful memories you hold dear will provide a source of comfort during this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.
Cathy Webb
What a lovely tribute to Dave. Our paths crossed at Bank of Montreal in Germany in the mid 80's/early 90's. I had the pleasure of being his unofficial tour guide when he was in Germany. Did we have fun on our outings! On one of our trips to Switzerland for the day Dave forgot his passport. Leaving Germany wasn't an issue. Not to be deterred we carried on. Upon returning to Germany I showed my passport, implied to customs that "Dad" had forgotten his and Dave just flashed that wonderful smile and we were waived through. What he really wanted to do was make up some wicked story and have customs call the bank manager (at 11pm) to come vouch for him. I like to think the Canada license plates on the car were the winning ticket but Dave thought is was his charm. We laughed all the way back to Lahr. On another trip to Switzerland we stopped at a scenic look out. There were US service folks (not in uniform but their license plate identified them) enjoying the same view. We got chatting and Dave dreamt up some story about who we were that clearly left these people with very puzzled looks on their faces. We drove away in bursts of laughter. I can only imagine how he must have entertained you all. Dave was such a positive, happy man who clearly loved his family. I'm so sorry for your loss but may your memories of him provide you comfort now and lovely smiles in the future.
Pratibha and Dhirendra Malavia
Everyone is grieving along with you in your loss. Dave was an inspiration to us all, and the memory of his courage, kind words, and constant compassion will always be treasured among those who knew him. Our condolences to your beautiful family on the loss of such an amazing person.
Brenda Rothwell
David, was tireless community leader. His Algonquin College leadership involved being instrumental in working with President Gillett to establish Algonquin College’s first Foundation. I called David a few months ago for sage advice and of course he brilliantly guided me. Thank you for sharing David with us . Hugs and RIP David -Brenda?
My thoughts are with all of you. It's hard to lose anyone, but even harder with someone who was clearly loved so so much.