WALLACE RITCHIE

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WALLACE RITCHIE McAMMOND 1914 - 2003 After a long and full life, it is with sadness we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Wallace Ritchie McAmmond on July 6, 2003 at age 88 years at the Stonewall District Health Centre following a brief but determined battle with cancer. To cherish his memory are his children, Marilyn Atkinson (Austin) of Winnipeg; Vicki Klimpke (Brian) of Stonewall, MB; and son Grant of Campbellford, ON; grandchildren, Wade Klimpke (Shannon) and great-grandson Tanner of Calgary, AB, Evan and Ashley Klimpke of Stonewall. Also surviving is his brother Tom of Bradenton, FL; and sisters, Beatrice Wlosek (Joe) and Evelyn Copper (Ernie) of Winnipeg; sisters-in-law, Betty McAmmond of Winnipeg and Mae Sampel of London, ON. Dad was predeceased by his wife Irene (nee Millar) in February 1998; father John Wallace McAmmond; mother Marion Fleming McAmmond (nee Ritchie) as well as brothers, James and Austin. Dad was born and raised in Winnipeg, married Irene in 1936 and eventually settled in Stonewall in 1962. His passion for trains led him to a 35 year career with Canadian Pacific Railway as an Express Messenger and later in the freight accounts office, until retiring in November 1977. Never one to sit still for long he quickly began a second career working at numerous jobs in the Stonewall area right up to the time of his illness. He is fondly remembered by many of his coworkers at the Stonewall United Church, The Stonewall Town Hall and offices of Grantham Law Offices. Wallace was actively involved in Freemasonry joining Windsor Lodge in 1959 and later Stonewall Lodge No. 12 in 1965, becoming Worshipful Master in 1973 and was Lodge Secretary for 19 years. One of his favourite pastimes was to take a drive to visit with family and friends at several cottages in the Whiteshell and Kenora areas, where he loved to catch a few fish and pick blueberries. Always known among friends and family for his dry wit and quiet sense of humour, he could make anyone laugh with his soft spoken ad-libs and background comments in a room of lively conversation. Our sincerest thanks to the staff at the Stonewall District Health Centre for their kindness, care and compassion during his illness. A celebration of Dads life will take place at a memorial service at the Stonewall United Church, 369 First Ave. North on July 10 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Stonewall Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stonewall Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital, 589 Third Ave. South, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0. A special Masonic service, open to the public, will be held on Wednesday evening, 7:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home in Stonewall. "Dad" Dad, even though our hearts are aching We had to let you go. What you meant to both of us, No one could ever know. A gentle hug, an encouraging word, You always knew just what to say. Your humour and spirit lives on in us Each and every day. We knew with each bedside visit, The end was coming fast. And every breath you fought for Could have been your last. Though it pains us so to lose you Dad, We know Gods plan is best, Your suffering is over now, And in Gods arms you rest. We cared for you and loved you, But this day is truly sad. Weve lost more than just a father, But a loving, wonderful "Dad". MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2003