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CRAIG PHILLIP WALLS
Born: Oct 04, 1948
Date of Passing: Mar 31, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCRAIG PHILLIP WALLS Sunday, March 31, 2013 was a day marked with great sadness and shock as 64 year old Craig Phillip Walls passed away suddenly and instantly from a heart attack while at home with his life partner Carol by his side. Craig, affectionately known as "Wally" to his friends and family was born in Saskatoon on October 4, 1948, to Mary and Alan Walls. He was the second of seven children and from the day he was born he was the family comedian and class clown. His early years were spent in rural Saskatchewan and then moved with his family to Manitoba where he attended John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg and finally took up residency at Teulon Collegiate where he was recalled for several encore performances in the unknown field of mathematics. After careful consideration the railway and the military did not appear to be good career choices. Given Craig's fondness for entertaining, acting, clowning and a natural talent as a quick witted poet or bard, happy to share a limerick or ditty which always got a laugh, he decided to get even with the world and become an educator. He enrolled in the University of Winnipeg where he graduated with a degree in Education and Arts and then went on to earn a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. Upon graduation he returned to Winnipeg and started his career as an educator first at Viscount Alexander Junior High followed by positions at both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg. Never one to take the easy or financially secure road, Craig decided to broaden his artistic experience and share his knowledge by immersing himself in both the emerging and more established theatre and arts scene. He began by serving as Theatre School Director for Manitoba Theatre For Young People followed in 1986 as Artistic Director of Winnipeg's Agassiz Theatre (directing Maureen Hunter's first three plays including the GG-nominated Footprints on the Moon). Craig then served as Executive Producer of MTC's Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival from 1992 until 1995, before becoming an Arts Development Consultant with the Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Craig later became Director of the Arts Branch in the same department, a position he held until his retirement in 2012 when he took early retirement due to his never ending battle with Lyme's Disease. Not one to give up or take the easy way out Craig's retirement life was as active and busy as ever. He became a volunteer and board member of the Red Road Lodge and Edge Urban Art Centre where he brought his numerous skills, talents and energy helping to renovate the aging facility and bring joy and hope to many of Winnipeg's Homeless Community by attending to their basic needs, teaching them carpentry skills and introducing them to potentially life changing arts and cultural activities. More often than not Craig bonded instantly with these folks by sharing a cigarette and a humorous tale centred on one of his many life changing experiences. Craig was a man driven by perfection and attention to detail, as a frustrated designer, carpenter and home renovator he often turned a simple house renovation into the most complicated and time consuming activity known to man and to the amazement of friends, family and his neighbours he created masterpieces that often set a new standard for urban renewal. Craig possessed a playful and irreverent outlook towards life despite coping with Lyme's disease. The last four years have been enriched by the love and support of his life partner Carol, who worked with him to help conquer his Lyme's Disease and together they made great progress. As Craig's health improved the two of them enjoyed outdoor adventures, taking trips on his gleaming BMW motorcycle or experiencing terror on their not so gleaming houseboat. More often than not, his Northern Harbour neighbours were always happy to see him leave harbour and terrified to see him return. Craig never used his illness as an excuse or crutch and always tried to live life to the fullest. Craig is survived by his partner Carol Hunt, mother Mary Walls, sisters Noreen (Glen Yablecki), Janice (Darcy Briggs), Norma (Vin Anania) and brothers Richard (Pat) Walls, Keith (Chris) Walls, Bruce (Karen) Walls, step-children Allie, Ben and Nick Lount and numerous nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by his father Alan. He is also survived by Carol's family; mother, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews A private funeral for family only, will take place at E.J. Coutu & Co. 680 Archibald Street. Craig, as someone who has left an indelible mark on the cultural life of our city and province and has touched many of our lives would want nothing more than for friends and family to use the occasion of his passing to celebrate his life and enjoy a drink and share a few tall tales and stories - please join us for a "Cast Party - A Celebration of Craig's Life" to be held on Friday, April 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in MTC Warehouse Theatre located in the Exchange District at the corner of Rupert and Lilly. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Red Road Lodge 631 Main Street or a charity of your choice. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2013
Condolences & Memories (21 entries)
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I heard of Craig's passing when I returned from the West Coast last week. Craig worked with my kids at Actors` Showcase, taught me Mime at UW and worked with me at Manitoba Culture. He was a wonderful teacher and colleague and I am saddened by his passing. My condolences to Carol and his family. Craig will be remembered with love and respect. - Posted by: Lou-Anne Buhr (Colleague) on: May 02, 2013
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My heartfelt condolences to Carol and family for the loss of a great man. Craig gave me my first break in the theatre biz, ca. 1988 when I composed music for The Queen of Queen Street - and later To Faraway Places. He directed with vision, clarity, creativity and humour, as he kept us all calm and carried on. He was a wonderful guy, a rebel with a cause who zoomed about town on his motorbike and a gracious, kind-hearted soul who touched so many lives. He will be missed. - Posted by: Holly Harris (Friend ) on: Apr 12, 2013
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Got to know Wally during his brief stint as T. D. At the U of M theatre department and I had the good fortune of being his neighbour at the same time. He made a beautiful cup of coffee. We had great chats and a tonne of laughs. Had a blast with him and admired him tremendously. Rest in peace, Wally. Love and condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Ari Cohen (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2013
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So sorry to hear of your loss Carol.. our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: vic and cheryl falk (carol's co-worker) on: Apr 09, 2013
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I am deeply saddened to learn of Caig's passing. Though I didn't know him well, I always appreciated Craig's straight ahead sensibility and wisdom in most every aspect of my dealings with him. I will always remember him most fondly and extend my deepest condolences to his wife Carol, family, friends and associates. - Posted by: Dan Donahue (arts colleague ) on: Apr 08, 2013
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A beautiful guy. we sailed around the world together in at the Gas Station Theatre...To Far Away Places Craig. Will miss you. Ron - Posted by: Ron Jenkins (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2013
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Carol I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Joan Blight - Posted by: Joan Blight (Second cousin of Carol Hunt's) on: Apr 08, 2013
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I was so sorry to hear about Craig's death. I have many great memories of Craig including my first (and last) canoe trip and lively times at U. of W. My heart goes out to his family and large circle of close friends. - Posted by: Angela Wright (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2013
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I always remembered Craig as being a great and dynamic guy. My condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Marnie Grona ((colleague from the MTC/Fringe days)) on: Apr 08, 2013
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My sincere condolences to Craig's family and friends. Craig was working at the U of W when I stumbled; into theatre. IIRC we shared the stage a couple of times and Craig was very involved in set construction classes and during production. I recall his broad smile and hearty laughter. Later on I worked with Craig at MTYP and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Craig was always encouraging and in no way elitist. He did a lot to help me along the way in theatre and I know my experiences with Craig were brief compared to the many others that had their lives enriched by his presence. May you rest in peace Craig. - Posted by: David Langdon () on: Apr 07, 2013
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Sincere condolences to Craig's family and loved ones. He was a truly unique and gifted man. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. - Posted by: Ross Upshur () on: Apr 07, 2013
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The Quinton family will miss you Uncle Wally. Craig was building the set for the 1970 production of Skene's Commedia Children's show "The Magic Shield" at the U of W. As an actress in the show, I soon learned that this young carpenter guy was a Jack of all trades and I spent hours after rehearsals or in Tony's cafe listening to his stories about his family, the farm, high school mishaps, army life, etc. Soon after, I married Jeff Quinton and we all became friends and hung out together. The highlight of the summer would be our camping trip led by Queen Scout David Hewlett canoeing down rivers into pristine lakes and finding an island to set up camp for the long weekend and to enjoy a wilderness adventure. Craig's mouth organ accompanied the camp fire songs, jokes and stories. As the years passed and children were born, they joined the circle around Uncle Wally to enjoy his card tricks, jokes, and the plethora of stories (some true, some not so true). He loved the kids and was sincerely interested in their lives and appreciated their company. We will all miss you Craig. You were one unique character. - Posted by: Susan Quinton (friend) on: Apr 07, 2013
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I am so sorry to hear of Craigs' passing ... I have great memories of Craig and his siblings, going back to Pike Lake Saskatchewan !!! He was an easy guy to be friends with no matter how often I saw him ... my most sincere condolences to all of Craigs' family - Posted by: |Gail Duncanson (childhood friend) on: Apr 07, 2013
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My sincere condolences to you all, Craig's family. Junior high was many, many years ago, but he was one of those slightly irreverent, subtly anti-establishment iconoclasts that a young adult could do nothing else but admire. After all, he had made it to adulthood (more or less), but he never gave in and played The Game. It gave us hope that we too could become slightly irreverent, subtly anti-establishment iconoclasts. I'm very sorry for your loss, and hope you take some comfort in how many people he helped along the way. - Posted by: Margerit Roger (Student at Viscount Alexander) on: Apr 06, 2013
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Craig was my first year acting teacher at the University of Winnipeg. He later hired me to be in The Queen Of Queen Street by Maureen Hunter for Agassiz Theatre. We were invited to Montreal to do a reading of this play at the Montreal Playwrights...it is where I obtained my Equity card. So, Craig was there at the beginning of my venture into this crazy lovely heartbreaking biz. Always supportive. So inspiring. Great memories. Much gratitude to you Craig. Thank you for "getting me". xo - Posted by: Bonnie Hay () on: Apr 06, 2013
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Please accept my sincere sympathis on the loss of a wonderful man. I enjoyed working with Craig - he possessed a unique approach to life in general. I appreciated his wit and creative thinking. He will be missed...please take care. - Posted by: Gisele Timmerman (Co-worker from Recreation and Regional Services) on: Apr 06, 2013
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Craig was so much part of our life in our University of Winnipeg years and beyond, in the theatre, at the farm, driving around in the 1940s Ford pick up, hanging out. Always great laughs, great stories, good times - we loved you, Craig - you will always be a legend to us. - Posted by: Lesley and Ken Neufeld (Good old friends) on: Apr 06, 2013
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one of the good guys - Posted by: Kevin Longfield (friend) on: Apr 06, 2013
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I will always remember the long hours we spent in rehearsals for our Theatre projects at the University of Winnipeg. Hard to believe it was over 40 years ago. Craig's friendship is something I will treasure. I was so happy to reconnect with Craig for dinner with mutual friends on a trip to Winnipeg several years ago,and to introduce him to my husband. While we did not communicate much, he was in my thoughts. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. Diane Walton, Alberta Beach, AB - Posted by: Diane Walton (Former classmate and long-time friend) on: Apr 06, 2013
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Craig will be missed by all who had the good fortune to be in his company. May you rest in peace,my friend. - Posted by: Jack Williams (Friend) on: Apr 06, 2013
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I'd only known Craig for a few years and only a met a few times through Carol and her friends and family. He was always quick to give a smile when he met you and he and Carol were a good fit. So sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and Carol and her friends and family in this time of reflection and sorrow of his sudden passing. xo - Posted by: Bruce Cooper (Friend of Craig and Carol) on: Apr 06, 2013