Harold Edwin Wallace Jr.

Today we celebrate the life of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, mentor and friend, Harold Edwin "Bud" Wallace. Bud passed away on May 27, 2012 at his home near Flathead Lake while getting his flower garden planted.
Bud was born March 9, 1932, in Honolulu, Territory Hawaii, to Harold Edwin Wallace, Sr. and Louise Lisette Tschantz-Hahn, spending his youth in Hawaii and Northern California where he earned his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts. Bud graduated from Vallejo High School and after completing his military service in the U.S. Army, attended the University of Montana.
Bud met Nancy Ann Jackson in high school after Bud winked at her in the hallway. With Nancy's return wink, their life began. On April 27, 1953, Bud married Nancy Ann in Reno, NV., and they moved to Missoula, MT to begin their 49 years of marriage. The Wallace family eventually grew to twelve children, 34 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Along the way, Bud and Nancy built warm and loving family homes in Missoula, Hamilton and Polson, MT and in Medford, OR.
Bud was an avid and successful athlete throughout his life. He was a champion swimmer and diver, played football, basketball and was an expert marksman. Bud transformed his passion for sports into his true professional interest in life revolving around teaching and coaching; particularly swimming and basketball. Bud's coaching efforts spanned many years across several states and included many successful teams in grade schools, high schools, the University of Montana, and the Phoenix (AZ) Country Club.
In addition, Bud worked in the sporting goods industry with Bob Ward and Sons Sporting Goods in Missoula, and later in his own sporting goods store in Hamilton, MT, The Elegant Elk. He was a certified Scuba Diving instructor and was instrumental in developing the dive program for Missoula County Search and Rescue. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, taking care of his home, and spending time with Nancy and his loving family.
Bud was conservative and very active in Republican politics at both the local and national levels, including a run for the United States Senate in 1970, where he earned the endorsement and respect of President Richard M. Nixon. He also served as a lobbyist for numerous conservative causes though out the years.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy Ann, and his son, Timothy Edwin Wallace. He is survived by the following children: Carol Warbelow (Caitlin, Rachel, Kylin, and Taija) of Fairbanks, AK; Tim's children, Jessica and Nate Dolan, Timothy Wallace, Jr. of Missoula, Michelle Lorentz of Minneapolis, MN, and Michael and Takako Grimm of Clarkston, WA; Sheri Wallace and friend Tom Crosetti of Mesa, AZ; Donald and Gloria Wallace (Chris and Candyce) of Salt Lake City, UT; Scott & Lana Wallace of Cathlamet, WA; Rick and Kelly Wallace (Zachariah, Katie, and Elijah) of Vancouver, WA; Brock and Denise Wallace (Lacie, Brock, Linzie, and Branson) of Monmouth, OR; Craig and Allison Wallace (CJ) of Riverton, UT; Heidi Wallace (Madelyn, Meredyth, Morganne, Cortlend and Magyn) of Lake Stevens, WA; Amy & Chris Hall (Taylir, Reed, Tristin, and Ren) of Medford, OR; Jenny Wallace and Kathee Brubaker (Kayla, McKenzie, Jared, Lexia, and Jacob) of Lake Stevens, WA; Julie & Kevin Coffman (Louise, Kayden, and Kyle) of Kent, WA, as well as several cousins and many friends.
Funeral service will be held Sat., June 2nd at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow the service at Lake View Cemetery. Dad, thanks for all you've given to us throughout your life. We will miss the passion of your beliefs, your unending love and commitment to the family, and your eternal faith in each and every one of us. We love you and miss you.
Read Harold Wallace Jr.'s Obituary and Guestbook.