Sunday, January 10, 2010

Love You, Poppy!

This is officially the hardest post I've ever made.
After making progress toward getting better, my Dad passed away late Thursday.
There's not really much else to say.
We've all suffered a loss, but what saddens me the most is that my Mom has lost her best friend and that Riley has lost one of his.

I can't think of much to write so I'm just going to go pic heavy.

LAFAYETTE - Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 11, 2010 in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for William Christopher “Chris” Wallace, 53, who passed away on January 7, 2010 at Heart Hospital of Lafayette, surrounded by family and friends.

Reverend Steve Horn, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, will conduct the services.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will continue on Monday from 8 a.m. until time of services. Musical selections will be provided by longtime family friend, Scotty Walker.

Chris was a native of Lafayette and, at Lafayette High, met the love of his life, Ellen Hebert. He followed his father’s footsteps into the Army and the helicopter aviation industry. For nearly 30 years, he worked for IHTI/PHI, keeping helicopters safely in the air. Chris was the proud father of three sons, and was always there in any way needed, whether as a baseball coach, a band booster, an auto mechanic, or a general handy-man. He was a talented woodworker and mechanic and lived by the philosophy of “why buy what you can build yourself?”

In the last two years, Chris found a whole new type of love in the eyes of his grandsons, Riley and Gavin. He was their “Poppy” and their hero. Just before entering the hospital, he told his best friend that by having his family nearby and a new generation to celebrate, he was the happiest he had ever been. His family members are fortunate enough to be able to say the same, thanks to the man that he was.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 33 years, Ellen, and sons, Brandon and wife Joan (parents of grandson, Riley), Jake and wife Sara (parents of grandson, Gavin), and Eli and future daughter-in-law Amanda Hill, all of Lafayette. He also leaves behind his mother, Lois “Gerry” Wallace, two brothers, Richard “Ric” Wallace (wife, Jackie) of Lafayette, and Darren Wallace (wife, Sangee) of New Hartford, Connecticut; two sisters, Susan Wallace of Jackson, Mississippi, and Summer Stone (husband, Shelton) of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, along with dozens of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Odell Wallace; and sister, Lisa Gene Wallace Smith.

Pallbearers will be his sons, brothers, and brother in law, Shelton Stone.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Heart Hospital for their expertise, care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Lung Association, 2325 Severn, Suite 8, Metairie, La 70001, or louisianalung.org in the name of Chris Wallace and AJRF, sponsors of the annual Jeep Jaunt, an event which he truly loved.


with big brother Ric

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Chris, Susie, Lisa, Ric and Darren

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a face Riley has inherited

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Darren, Susie, Summer, Chris, Ric, Lisa

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In the Army

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Day before their wedding October 1976.

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Mom & Dad Wedding 1976

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Newlyweds in Germany

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with me and Jake

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at work

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whole family circa 1988

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White House 1994

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Mom, Joan, Me, Dad, LHS grad 1998

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Ric, Chris, Susie, Darren, and Summer, 1999

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at our wedding 2002

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parents, Michael, Sylvia, Chris, me , Joan

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Mom & Dad 2003

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Parents & Sylvia

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Eli, Parents, Darren, Sangee, Hailee, New York '04-ish

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Jake's basic training grad

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Men in Black

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Inked Up w/ Wallace Clan crest

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Poppy & Riley

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Easter 2009 019
Week 55 150
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Ellen 176
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Jake & Sara's wedding, Summer 2009

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Jeep Jaunt 2009

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Gavin's actual birthday

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Watching Pinocchio w/ Riley, Christmas 2009

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with his grandsons, on top of the world, Christmas 2009

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Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers over the last couple of weeks.
They have been truly felt.

9 comments:

frannie77 said...

Well, this is officially the hardest one to read. Words can't describe the sadness I feel to see such a beautiful family lose one of their own. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

Becky said...

Frannie couldn't have said it better. Brandon, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful tribute! So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

~*Lyndsay*~ said...

I'm so sorry for yall's loss. Yall will be in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Lana

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Brandon! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers! I am so so sorry for your loss yet so glad to have been blessed w/ visits here and there from good ol Mr. Chris when visiting my mom! What a good man he was and what good men he has raised! Kelly Brown-LaMaison

Jackie said...

So sorry for y'all's loss. We have recently been through this and it is just awful. Our prayers are with you.

On the plus side, that's the first time I've seen your wedding pictures!

Jackie (Joan's friend from Loyola)

Bubbie's Babe said...

Brandon,
Obviously I do not know you or your family, but have enjoyed reading your blog since your son was born. I have always admired how involved both sets of Riley's grandparents are in his life. Your words for your father were so beautiful, honest, and touching, even to a perfect stranger. We lost my step mother two weeks before Christmas and can somewhat understand the pain you feel for a child losing a grandparent way too soon (my son is 4) This blog is a priceless gift for Riley. I have been praying and will continue to pray for your family.

cuzn Candy said...

Hey Brandon and Joan, this is cuzn Candy... I want to say how awfully sorry i am to here of Joan's grandpa passing away. We may be off to a really rough start of the new year, but surely it will get better. Although we are many miles away... we too feel only a small part of the pain you guys are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are constantly with the family...
Love and respect,

Candy, Mark and Grant