A sad farewell to beloved ‘Father Christmas’
Duncan Wallace (44) will be remembered by his friends and family for his infectious and generous smile, which could lit up a whole room
Retha Fitchat
VANDERBIJLPARK. – The bereaved family, friends and members of the Vanderbijlpark Rotary Club had to bid their “Father Christmas” Duncan Wallace (44), farewell after his sudden death.
Duncan was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease shortly before his death. He was treated at a Johannesburg hospital, recovered and returned to the Vaal Triangle, but his condition deteriorated and he passed away in Cormed Hospital on May 29.
He will be remembered as one of the Vaal Triangle’s diligent champions of people in need and found his niche as Father Christmas at his Rotary Club’s Christmas projects for less privileged children. He also fulfilled this task at the Rotary Christmas Carols by Candlelight at Stonehaven last December. Young and old adored this friendly, kind-hearted man.
After matriculating at Vaal High School in the 1990s, Duncan joined his dad, Ed Wallace, at the family business, Wallace Printers and Sales.
He passed his London City of Guilds examination and his trade test with flying colours, and with a diploma from the Printers College in Honeydew to his name, he made a huge contribution to the success of this 53- year-old company in Vanderbijlpark’s industrial area.
Duncan became a Rotarian in 2010 and enjoyed every moment, says his family. He supported his sister Carol at the monthly market at Stonehaven and also helped with the Rotary book club at the Heritage Museum on Saturdays.
He was very active in the church affairs of the St Francis Catholic Church and also served on the administrative board of the Sancta Maria Junior School for some 18 years.
“His business acumen was highly valued and much appreciated. As an ex-pupil he showed a tremendous loyalty towards his school and solicited donations where he could. He showed deep concern for the underprivileged at our school and organised shoes for them. This was done in a selfless, humble manner,” says a spokesperson on behalf of the school’s administrative board.
A Requiem Mass was held for him at the Roman Catholic Church in Vanderbijlpark on June 6. A “Cousin Day” in Duncan’s honour, consisting of a fun walk, a potjiekos competition and watching rugby on a big screen, was also held at Old Vaaltonians on June 10 to celebrate the life of a man who was loved and adored by so many.
He is survived by his parents, Ed and Vivien Wallace, and sisters Carol Claase, Michelle Cleary and Ronel Pospisek.
