Search Results

WALLACE -- William Herbert, Jr. (Bill) passed away at Manzano Del Sol Health Care Center on December 29, 2008. Bill was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1918. He attended Michigan State University from 1937 to 1941. While in East Lansing he met fellow student Mary Ellen Bailey. They married in 1941. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, Bill began his 37-year career with the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1942, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as Captain, 288th Field Artillery, during World War II. Bill had four persistent passions in his life family, fine art photography, travel and public service. Bill and Mary Ellen started their family in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they had three sons Bill (William C.), Craig and Ralph. His passion for his family is well documented in thousands of photos. His passion for fine art photography is well documented in his photos of the world's most dramatic landscapes; many of these photos are now placed in celebrated art centers. Bill's love of natural beauty knew no borders. His photographic-travel destinations included Tibet, China, Russia, Indonesia, and Iceland. Back home, he explored all 50 states, often with his sons. Not an idle admirer, Bill also had passion for the greater good and health of his community, serving ten years on the board of education in Comstock, Michigan; 20 years on the board of the Kalamazoo Intermediate School District; and on the Comstock (Michigan) Zoning Board of Appeals as well as the Comstock Library board. In the early 1990s, Bill was recognized by a joint resolution of the Michigan State Legislature, signed by the Governor. On September 11, 1989, Bill's wife and one true love, Mary Ellen, passed away. In 1993 he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to join his sons and their families. He is survived by William C. Wallace and Mary Conrad; their sons Ryan and Matthias and daughter Rebecca; Craig S. Wallace and Trudy Wallace; and Ralph B. Wallace and Brenda Wallace; all of Albuquerque, New Mexico. A Memorial Service and reception will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Manzano Del Sol Chapel, 5201 Roma Avenue NE. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made in the name of William H. Wallace to the Roadrunner Food Bank or Manzano Del Sol.
        Published on: Sat January 03, 2009