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Wallace Lee McCulloch

January 1, 1930 ~ August 21, 2020

Wallace Lee McCulloch

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad, Wallace Lee McCulloch, in his ninetieth year, on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Copper Ridge Place.

A New Year’s Baby, born January 1, 1930, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Wally was one of 13 children of parents Clarence and Nora McCulloch. Needless to say, life in the Dirty Thirties in rural Saskatchewan was hard, but the McCulloch clan survived through pure grit and resourcefulness.

With a penchant for motorcycles, Wally rode his to a dance in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1949 where he met the love of his life, Mary Rose Paul. The two married in October that year and their journey together as husband and wife began.

The newlyweds moved slowly northwest as they grew their family with Robert, born in Dawson Creek, BC in 1952; Sherilyn, born in Pouce Coupe, BC in 1955; Sterling, born in Ft. Nelson, BC in 1961; and Samantha, born in Watson Lake, Yukon in 1968.

When the family settled in Watson Lake in June 1967, Wally was a truck driver by trade, working for K&J Trucking and ultimately creating his own trucking company – McCulloch Trucking. He then sold his fleet and purchased Watson Lake Motors (in partnership in 1971 then sole proprietorship in 1979) where he worked Monday through Saturday, from 6am to 6pm each day until 1998 when he sold the business and retired.

He had many remarkable moments in his life. They include his and Mary’s reign as Mr. and Mrs. Yukon in 1989, and his accepting the Order of Canada, awarded to Mary posthumously in 1998, on her behalf.

Wally is predeceased by his wife, Mary and his eldest son Robert (Shannon). He is survived by his eldest daughter Sherilyn (Rob), youngest son Sterling (Diana) and youngest daughter Samantha (James). He also leaves behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A lover of motorized transport, his community, animals, and most especially his family, Wally will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to doctors Tanis Secerbegovic and Patrick Von Wiegen in Watson Lake. In addition, we will be forever grateful to Genevieve Wesley and the amazing medical staff at Copper Ridge Place – you made Dad’s brief stay the best it could be and your level of compassion, care and attention to his every need gave us invaluable peace of mind.

Acting with extreme caution given current COVID-19 considerations, the family will be holding a simple, private service in Watson Lake in early September with interment at the Lucky Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request donations be made in Dad’s name to the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter.

Comments (16)
  • 26 August 2020

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Although we lived so far away and didn’t see each other often, I have many wonderful memories of your dad. It always broke my heart when they came for a visit and were leaving.
    He is home at last with your mom and Bob. Cherish the memories. Love to you all.
    Auntie Jane and Uncle Evan

  • 26 August 2020

    Positive thought the the family at this difficult time..

  • 26 August 2020

    I am so sorry for your loss. Sending condolences from Mike and Valerie Bernier

  • 26 August 2020

    Wally will be missed dearly….. always had a pleasant word for everyone…. condolences to the family

  • 26 August 2020

    Sorry to hear of Wally’s passing, I always enjoyed his quick wit and his ready smile.Sherilyn,Sterling and Sam you will miss him a lot. Hugs to you all.
    Colleen and Barry Komish

  • 27 August 2020

    My condolences to all of the family. He will be missed by all.
    Wally may have had a gruff side but he was a sweetheart to me. He always treated me kindly. I loved his sense of humour, the glint in his eye and the fact that he had nicknames for everybody. I’m not sure why, but he always called me Cactus. He will be fondly remembered by Doug and I.

  • 27 August 2020

    It was an honour to have known Wally. I especially enjoyed his dry sense of humour and his ability to deliver a punch line while keeping a completely straight face. Sincere condolences to the entire family.

  • 27 August 2020

    I have so many good memories of Wally. He was such a gentle, kind and humorous man. My condolences to Sherry, Sterling and Sam. He will be missed and forever remembered.

  • 27 August 2020

    My sincere condolences are going out to Sherry, Sterling, & Samantha & Shannon and families on the sad passing of uncle Wally. I remember him as a rugged but gentle teddy bear. He always called me Buttons. Now all we have are fond memories to share in our grief. You are all in our prayers. Your Cousins, Joanne, Joe, Tim, Carol, & Kate & all our Families.

  • 28 August 2020

    It’s sad to see our friends leave us .
    Hoping your memories of Wally are
    As special as ours .
    Condolences to the family
    Dave Mcilmoyle and Pauline Lund

  • 28 August 2020

    My depest condolences go out to you all. I remember Wally fondly as a nice man and a friend of my family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

  • 28 August 2020

    My sincerest condolences to you all. Wally was a long time friend of my family and it was an honour to have known him.

  • 29 August 2020

    Your mom and dad were wonderful people. I knew them in Dawson Creek in the 50’s. Wally taught me how to drive. I rode with him to Whitehorse a couple of time s when he drove for Loiselle Transport. Wally told me stories that at the time I believed but now believe they were just stories and Wally was having fun with me.
    Condolences to you and your families. Gayle Moffatt

  • 30 August 2020

    RIP Wally…. Played many fastball games against you….

  • 23 January 2021

    RIP Uncle Wallace.

  • 24 January 2021

    Well I am so glad that Randy stumbled upon this obituary I have been phoning Wallace and phoning Wallace because of course we loved him so and your mother and I love you all of you Sam and Sterline I never had the honour of meeting Sherry but it would still be nice to do that Wallace and your uncle Clarence cam look so much alike that one of my friends once called Wallace Cam While he was sitting in my backyard then she said to me hey Gayle how come cam is being so stuck up today I said because that’s not cam she was embarrassed but she got to meet your dad

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