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





Chris, Susie, Lisa, Ric and Darren





a face Riley has inherited





Darren, Susie, Summer, Chris, Ric, Lisa





In the Army





Day before their wedding October 1976.





Mom & Dad Wedding 1976






Newlyweds in Germany





with me and Jake






at work





whole family circa 1988





White House 1994





Mom, Joan, Me, Dad, LHS grad 1998





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





at our wedding 2002






parents, Michael, Sylvia, Chris, me , Joan





Mom & Dad 2003






Parents & Sylvia






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





Jake's basic training grad





Men in Black





Inked Up w/ Wallace Clan crest





Poppy & Riley












Jake & Sara's wedding, Summer 2009





Jeep Jaunt 2009





Gavin's actual birthday





Watching Pinocchio w/ Riley, Christmas 2009





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





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