Obituary of Wallace Legge

Wallace Davey Legge (April 23, 1925 - April 1, 2016) Our dear father and grandfather has passed away, just weeks from his 91st birthday. We all will miss his goodness, love and generosity. Born in Toronto and living in Leaside most of his life, Wally retired as Retail Merchandising Manager of The Toronto Star newspaper after 41 happy and productive years of dedicated service. He was a co-founder of the Retail Advertising and Marketing Club of Toronto and was their honorary vice-chairman, contributing from his wealth of experience. Considered an advertising guru by many, he created "Retail Street", a monthly newsletter valued throughout North America. His high moral principles and strong work ethic were admired by all who knew him, and were perhaps developed in his early years as a handsome R.C.M.P. officer who rode in the famous Musical Ride and played trumpet in the band. Wally often recalled his RCMP training days in Regina and service in Ottawa, as well as the lifelong friendships made. Wally's loyalty to The Star was exceeded only by his devotion to his family: the love of his life, his beautiful and faithful wife, Mae (deceased in 2008), as well as his loving daughters, Bonnie Mae Webb and Deborah Yorke (Samuel Maurice), who were raised in the family home in Leaside. Wally never missed a recital, performance or golf tournament for his girls, as long as he wasn't off exploring the Scottish Highlands on one of the many British trips with Mae, photographing the stunning scenery. Wally's younger sister, June Townsend, and brother, Robert Murray Legge, predeceased him. He fondly remembered childhood summers visiting his grandparents in St. John's, Newfoundland. Hillcrest Christian Church (Toronto) benefitted from his four decades of service in many capacities, most recently as Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Elders. Wally's dearest friends from Hillcrest, Joe Ong and Dr. Jose Sotto, as well as Peter Kruka from RAC, and his niece Isobel Charpentier (Guy), grieve his passing. His jolly, outgoing spirit will be recalled by many Volunteers at North York General Hospital where he served on the Board and numerous committees. We are forever grateful to the angelic Dr. Hanna Zuckerman for her outstanding devotion to him, and to Gemma, his kind caregiver. The excellent staff at St. Michael's Hospital did their best. So Wally proved Shakespeare wrong: the good he did is NOT interred with his bones, but lives on in those he loved and taught, none more so than his beloved grandsons, Jordan and Tyler Evan Webb, who will miss their darling "Chappie" more than anyone. They were his main and devoted caregivers in his final years. Happily, they have inherited his love of music, sports and photography. It is a wonderful life lived when it can truly be said that all who knew him, loved him. We give thanks for a long life well lived. Cremation will be followed by private interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery; a celebration of life will be held at a later time. Donations in his name may be made to Hillcrest Christian Church Building Fund, 2 Vaughan Rd., Toronto, M6G 2N1.