Tribute

In the early evening hours of Saturday, February 14, 2015, Kevin Wade Wallace passed away peacefully at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital at the young age of 46 years. Kevin had bravely battled a non curative form of cancer for four and half months. Even through his pain he always had a beautiful smile for all who knew and loved him. He was born on October 23, 1968 in Calgary, Alberta to Ron and Sharon Wallace.

Kevin was not only larger than life in his height and size, but also in his personality. He could be sweet, sarcastic, condescending and conscientious all at the same time. He was open and honest and you could always count on Kevin to tell you how he really felt. But, first and foremost he was a man with a great sense of humour. Kevin and his wife Audra came to Cranbrook from Calgary in 2007 jobless in a mini van with their kids, pets, and hopes and dreams. Out of necessity a niche was filled in 2008 when they opened the Red Neck Café. Their regular customers and friends know how he loved to give people a hard time. Cranbrook definitely had found its own Soup Nazi (“No soup for you!”) in Kevin. It was impossible to fill his shoes once he was admitted to the hospital. Kevin had a very strong work ethic even though he suffered from a lot of pain over the years. He might have been limited in his activities, but he loved to swim, camp and golf. Being a true Calgarian, born and raised, he loved the Calgary Flames and the Stampeders; he was a life time fan, not a band wagon jumper. He had an on-going rivalry with some of the most loyal Canucks and B.C. Lions fans and he loved to talk sports. However, the most important things in his life were his children. He would have gladly laid down his life for them. Kevin will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege and honour of knowing him.

Kevin leaves so many memories behind with his friends and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Audra and his three children; Maddie, Ryley and Hayley. He also leaves behind his mother Sharon Wallace, his sister Dana and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Ron Wallace in January 2013 and his grandmother Astrid (Ozzie) Campbell in 2010.

We would like to give a very special and loving thank you to Dr. Solkova and the wonderful nursing staff on the palliative care floor at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. You gave Kevin everything that he wanted and needed throughout his stay there. Kevin was blessed to have all of you. Thank you for making him as comfortable as possible; we are eternally grateful.

A Celebration of Kevin’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Mark Memorial Funeral Home, 2024 Industrial Road No. 2, Cranbrook, at 1:30 pm with a lunch to follow. Memorial donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to the SPCA, 3339 Hwy 3/95, PO Box 2, Cranbrook, BC V1C 4H6.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com.