WALLACE GERALD TOLTON -

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WALLACE GERALD TOLTON 1923 - 2008 Following a lengthy illness, Wallace Gerald Tolton, beloved husband of Freida Tolton of Swan River and formerly of Minitonas, Manitoba, passed away at the Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River at the age of 84 years. He is also survived by his daughter Sandra Lawrence (Rob); granddaughters, Cathy Jo Utsunomiya (Kevin) and Lora Lee Garlick (Jim); great-grandson Liam; brother Hayden (Joan); sisters-in-law, Phyllis Tolton, Mary Aslin, Gertrude Friesen (Frank); brothers-in-law, Milton Ginter (Carol), Sef Ginther (Joyce), John Ginter (Dawn), Harold Ginter (Alice), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Wallace was born and raised in Otterburne, Manitoba. In 1943 he joined the R.C.A.F. and served as an Aero Engine Mechanic stationed in Eastern Canada until his discharge in September 1945. On December 27, 1947 he married Freida Ginter and they farmed at Otterburne West where their daughter Sandra was born. In 1959 they moved to Minitonas where he farmed and drove school bus for 23 years, retiring in June 1990. In 1998 Wallace and Freida moved to Aspen Courts in Swan River. He was active in the church and community all his life. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, serving in many different offices. He belonged to the Masonic Order attaining the office of District Deputy Grand Master; Royal Arch Masons where he became a Right Excellent Companion; O.E.S. served as Worthy Patron many times. Wallace had many hobbies. He became a glider pilot, he obtained his ham radio operators certificate, and enjoyed golfing, curling, reading and playing cards. He and Freida travelled extensively and on December 23, 2007 took all his family on a Caribbean Cruise to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially at holiday seasons. Following cremation a memorial service was held at the Minitonas Town Hall in Minitonas, Manitoba on Friday, May 2, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Kathy Highmoor officiating. Inurnment followed in the Veterans Section of the Birchwood Cemetery in Swan River, Manitoba. The Urnbearer was Wallace's grandson-in-law, Jim Garlick. Everyone in attendance at the service were considered Honorary Pallbearers. Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Wallace's memory may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1P6 or to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, Box 177, Minitonas, Manitoba R0L 1G0. Arrangements were entrusted to Jim Webster of Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd., 363 Kelsey Trail (Hwy. 10 North), Swan River, Manitoba. 204-734-5775

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2008