Hugh Wallace

With a heartfelt desire to help those around him in any way he could, Hugh Wallace was a shining example of what it means to live a life of service to the Lord he loved. He loved freely and without condition while offering respect and acceptance to others as well. A devoted husband and father, Hugh put his family first and foremost in his life including his extended family members, too. A blessing to his community, his church, his friends, and his family, he will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those too numerous to count. As the 1930s dawned in America we braced ourselves for what would be one of the most trying times in our nations history due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, which drove the unemployment rate to over 25 percent with little hope for relief on the horizon. There were glimmers of hope, however, such as the completion of both the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building in New York City as well as continued work on Mount Rushmore. It was on January 15, 1930, that a young couple from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy. Hugh Vigeant was the fourth of five children born to his parents, Howard and Genevieve (Vigeant) Wallace, and he was raised in the family home alongside his older siblings, Roderick, MaryJane, and Donna, and his younger brother, Thomas. In many ways Hugh experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. His father supported his family by working for the railroads while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Hugh established a strong work ethic during his formative years as he had a paper route. He came to embrace the incredible love shared among his loved ones as he looked forward to picnics with his family. Hugh attended Sault Ste. Marie schools, was in band, and played hockey for the police department. It was also during his younger years that Hugh began attending church. After graduating from high school in 1948, Hugh attended Lake Superior State College for a time. He then set his plans aside for a time and served in the United States Air Force during the days of the Korean Conflict. After being discharged, Hugh went on to attend Western Michigan University. Not to forgotten during his years as a young man was Hughs blossoming romance with the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Ardith Anne McDonald, and although they had met in junior high it wasnt until being reintroduced by Ardiths friend and her husband years later that the sparks flew. A relationship took root, and after dating for three years the couple was married on June 20, 1958. Together they raised two children, Steven, born in 1955 during a previous marriage, and Stephanie who was born in 1963. Always one to work hard, Hugh spent more than 30 years working for Sealed Power, which later became SPX Corporation. He always loved his work and retired as an assistant credit manager in 1989 after more than 30 years of dedicated work. Hugh and Ardith raised their children in Sault Ste. Marie for a time and later moved to Kalamazoo, Muskegon, St. Johns, and then back to Muskegon. As a father Hugh could be stern when needed, but it was always out of love for his children as he only wanted what was best for his children no matter the cost or sacrifice. The Wallace family enjoyed taking several trips over the Mackinaw Bridge to St. Ignace and to the Soo every Christmas to visit Hughs parents, in-laws, and siblings. Summers usually found the family on vacation at Uncle Rods cabin. At times they ventured a bit further from home to places such as Canada, Oregon, and Florida. Throughout his life Hugh was one to keep busy. He was a faith-filled man who was very active in his church, First Free Methodist Church, whether as the treasurer, teacher of the Bible, or all around handyman who was more than willing to put his skills to use in whatever way was needed. Hugh loved snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and boating, and for many years he was involved in Junior Achievement through his work. He had a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs, and he enjoyed the companionship of several dogs through the years including his Bassett Hound, Cleo that was his hunting dog, Kayla that came from Alaska, Shelby, a Cairn Terrier for 16 years, and his Westie, Eva. With an appreciation for the outdoors Hugh liked hunting and fishing for as long as he was able. In addition to being a faithful church member, Hugh was a member of the American Legion. When relaxing he enjoyed reading or watching the History Channel. As his friends and family can attest, Hugh also loved eating. After retiring, Hugh had even more time to spend doing the things he loved. He was thrilled to become a grandfather, and spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren became a priority. Hugh and his granddaughter, Cassie, frequently went on picnics in the field across the road from the house on Briar, and there were also plenty of trips to the beach as well as hours spent swimming in the neighbors pool. Hugh loved taking his grandson, Steven, snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula in 1999. It was a trip to remember, too, as Steven got lost for about three hours, which was the only time that Steven ever heard his grandfather swear! On one occasion Hugh let his grandson Nick borrow a book, which Nick ended up keeping for about a year-and-a half so he finally gave it back to Hugh at Christmas all wrapped up in Christmas paper! During his retirement years Hugh also traveled all around the Upper Peninsula with his brother, Rod. A stranger to none and a friend to all, Hugh Wallace was a joy to others in every way. He was generous, comforting, and willing to accept others out of a heart that beat to love all people. He was so funny with a quick wit and a laugh that was contagious to all who were near. Although Hugh will be deeply missed, his timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in love, compassion, and selfless sacrifice will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps. Hugh V. Wallace passed away surrounded by his loved one's on Sunday, June 15, 2014. Hughs family includes his wife, Ardith; son, Steven (Debra) Wallace of Muskegon; daughter, Stephanie (Richard) Boltze of Muskegon; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother, Roderick Wallace of Westland MI; sister, Donna (Robert) Fasulo of CA; sisters-in-law, Sally Wagner, Cleta (Donald) Boyer, Florence Tidwell; several nieces, nephews and friends. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents; 7 year old grandson, Weston Boltze; brother, Thomas Wallace; and sister, Mary Jane Boychuk. Services will be held on Friday, June 20, 2014, 1:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Carlos Ramos officiating. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.