Recent Obituaries

Albert Jerome Wallace of Auburn, WA passed peacefully into paradise in the company of his devoted wife, Susy, and youngest daughter, Chelsea, on October 18, 2024 at the age of 85, leaving a long legacy of love, responsibility, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. Born October 8, 1939 in Seattle, WA to parents William James Wallace Jr and Clara Frances Wallace (née Carnahan), Al grew up in a bustling household as the ninth of ten children. He is preceded in death by his parents and eight of his brothers and sisters.

Al was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In 1994, Al married Susana Trevino, who brought laughter, loyalty, and deep enduring love to his life for almost thirty years. He had previously been married to Judy Barnes, of Vashon Island, WA and later to Peggy Armstrong, of Seattle, WA, each resulting in the expansion of a family built on love and respect. He is survived by his wife, Susana, six children, Sheryl (Dave) Shea of Richland, WA, Albert (Stasha) Wallace, Jr. of Galveston, TX, Chelsea Wallace of Auburn, WA, Mike (Thida) Ballard of Puyallup, WA, Julie (Michael) Friedland of Kent, WA, and Taja (Tony) Burke of Bonney Lake, WA, and twenty grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother Art and his wife Leona, of Apache Junction, AZ. Al provided an excellent upbringing for all of his children. They grew up knowing the importance of loving God and each other, the value of hard work, and the virtues of contributing and helping the community.

Al enlisted in the Navy in 1957 serving onboard the USS Cony until he was honorably discharged in February 1959, and later onboard the USS Whitehurst when he was recalled from the Navy Reserves due to the Berlin Wall crisis. He was honorably discharged for a second time in August 1962. His time in the Navy gave Al an opportunity to see parts of Asia as well as spending time in Hawaii. After leaving the Navy, Al had a long career as a Journeyman Painter with the City of Seattle, working for the Seattle Housing Authority. He was a proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Painters Local 300. His big heart led him to make many friends in this line of work and made him a favorite among his clients and coworkers. If anyone needed anything, Al was always there to provide it.

Al was active in several church and service organizations including the Lake City Bearded Vigilantes, a volunteer organization devoted to raising money for various local youth organizations by performing in parades and through other charitable events. He was also an avid outdoorsman camping and fishing with his family and even a motorcycle enthusiast for many years. There was almost nothing he couldn’t build, fix, or repair throughout his life. He was full of advice and knowledge for anyone who sat down next to him, even if for just a moment. Even multiple sclerosis and cancer could not dim his light or fervor for life. His wisdom was mixed with scripture, kindness, patience, and unabashed certainty. He had a huge heart for God whom he loved with his entire being. His greatest legacy is the example he set for his family, every one of whom he was immensely proud.

​Albert J. Wallace, Sr. will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on November 22, 2024 at 2PM, Family Life Community Church, 32275 32nd Ave S Federal Way, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boys & Girls Club of King County or to the Greater Northwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.