Thursday, December 3rd, 1942 – Thursday, October 15th, 2026
William Alan Wallace
December 3, 1942 – October 15, 2026
William Alan Wallace, Al, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026 at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood, Ontario, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 83.
Al leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Joan Wallace (née New); his children, Christopher William Wallace (wife Tracy Dawn Wallace), Tracy Kathleen Wallace (husband Chris Huycke), and Scott MacDonald Wallace; and his cherished grandchildren, Ben, Ned, Daphne, Samantha, Ryland, Graydon, and Rebecca.
He was a cherished brother to Keith Wallace (wife Carol) and was predeceased by his dear sister, Jane Penfield (and husband John). Al will be missed by their loving families.
Born in Toronto on December 3, 1942, Al spent his early years in Stratford and London, Ontario, moving to Toronto and Montreal for his high school years.
He attended McGill University, where he was an active member of the Phi Kappa Pi fraternity, transferring to Carleton University to complete his BSc. He also participated in the University Naval Training Division program, training on naval ships in the Great Lakes and the Pacific coast. Al graduated from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry in 1971 and went on to establish a dental practice in Oakville, where he cared for generations of patients and built many lasting relationships within the community.
Al had a lifelong love of sports, especially tennis, hockey and skiing, which he enjoyed throughout his life. An avid sailor, he spent many happy summer days aboard Northstar X, sharing his love of the water with Barbara, family, and friends. He and Barbara enjoyed travelling overseas and at home.
Music also held a special place in Al’s life. He discovered a passion for the bagpipes and joined the Halton Regional Police Department Pipe Band in Oakville, later becoming an active member of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders Pipe Band in Collingwood. Al also enjoyed being part of his community, including through the Probus Club and as President of the Collingwood Cinema Club.
Above all, Al will be remembered for the person he was: remarkably intelligent, genuine, and kind. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome with his calm, easygoing nature and wonderful sense of humour. Al especially treasured being a grandfather. He took a genuine interest in his grandchildren’s lives, celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their interests, and enjoying time with them – even holding the harness as each learned to snowplow down Alpine’s ‘baby hill.’ His love for his family was constant, and the example he set will live on through them.
In September, Al and Barbara celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family, a special opportunity to honour the life and love they had built together over six decades.
Al will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His was a life well lived, filled with family, friendship, adventure, music, learning, and love. His curiosity, humour, and quiet strength will remain with those who knew and loved him, always.
A very special thank you goes to Al’s cherished Beinn Gorm Highlanders Pipe Band, whose members played outside his window on several occasions during his final days. Their thoughtful gesture brought him tremendous joy and was a beautiful reminder of the music and friendships that meant so much to him.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at Campbell House Hospice, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, for the exceptional care they provided Al. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honour Al’s memory to consider a donation to the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation
A private family service will be held. A celebration of Al’s life will be announced at a later date.