WALLACE LINTON

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WALLACE LINTON

After a brief illness, and with deep regret, we announce the death of Wallace (Wally) Linton on Monday, March 25, 2024. He died at Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, at the age of 88 years.

Leaving behind to mourn him are his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara Linton; his son Owen Linton; his daughter Elizabeth Jane Linton; and grandsons, Matthew Klippenstein, William Klippenstein, Michael Klippenstein (Caylin), and seven week old great-grandson Arthur Klippenstein. Also mourning him are his brothers, Bill (Lenore), John (Karen), Jim (Sandy), sister Kathy (Alain), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wally was predeceased by his mother, Jean Wallace, very early in life, and much later by his father Bill Sr and stepmother Margaret, who raised him as her own, and was very dear to him.

Wally was born on April 12, 1935, the second son of Bill and Jean. He grew up on Clifton Street in St. James, graduating from Gordon Bell High School, and then attending the University of Manitoba where he trained as a teacher. Dad taught in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, and took night courses to further his education, eventually becoming a school administrator for the bulk of his career. An avid swimmer, Dad coached water polo for a number of years. He was Vice-Principal at a few schools, and Principal at Columbus, Deer Lodge, Golden Gate, St. James, and eventually Silver Heights, from where he retired. Dad’s time at St. James Collegiate was particularly special to him, and he loved the community. It was during his appointment there that Dad was honoured as Coach of the Year for his work with the Water Polo team.

Both Dad and Mom loved horses, and they spent much time together riding their horses, Banner and Prince. While owning horses wasn’t practical through their married and family life, the passion always remained, and Dad took great delight and interest in the horses, eventually owned by his daughter Jane.

Dad and Mom enjoyed many hobbies together, including golf, curling, going to Assiniboia Downs and playing Bridge with friends and family. Extended family camping trips were a summer tradition. Dad would take pictures and eventually we would have a slide show on the projector in the living room, where we would recount funny stories and experiences with ourselves or whomever we were sharing the pictures with.

Dad loved the outdoors. He went on an annual canoe trip down the Manigatogan over the May long weekend for many years. He also enjoyed downhill skiing with his brother Jim and his wife. After retirement, Dad enjoyed spending time in his garden, taking Mom to Assiniboia Downs, golfing, and taking trips to Las Vegas with family and friends.

Dad was a loving, supportive and committed father and grandfather. He enjoyed his children’s activities, attending many special events for both of them. He particularly enjoyed taking his grandsons swimming, attending their piano performances at the Winnipeg Music Festival, and watching their dance recitals. He was a very proud Father and Grandpa!

Health challenges over the last decade of his life slowed Dad down but never stopped him. He was always stoic and faced the obstacles of the day with determination, commitment, and a positive attitude. He dearly loved and supported his wife Barbara, and was devoted to her throughout, with his last messages focusing on her well-being and making sure she would be protected and cared for.

A private family Celebration of Life has already taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dad, you will be ever in our hearts.

Love never dies.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2024, Apr 06, 2024