In Memory

John B Wallace - Class Of 1948

John B Wallace

John B Wallace (December 19, 1929 - August 6, 2016), a fourth generation Californian was born in Pasadena and graduated from South Pasadena-San Marino High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving four years of active duty in a Reform Soway during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged. Later, he completed his formal education at Pasadena City College.

Two important employers in John's life were Fairchild Aerial Surveys and the City of Glendale. He was a licensed Construction Inspector and also a licensed Photogrammetric Surveyor. While employed at Fairchild, John served as President of the American Federation of Technical Engineers, with no training. While still in high school and his first time near an airplane, he climbed into the cockpit of the aircraft and with no training flew it over Glendale.

John was a lover of dogs and of the outdoors. He enjoyed surfing, softball, track and field, boxing and long distance bicycle rides on his ten-speed, which included many trips from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and also around the Napa Valley and several rides down the California coast. John's 50-year association with golf included a pair of holes-in-one, a single digit handicap and many rounds with Greg 'Pappy' Boyington. Another important part of John's life was the Masons. He was a member of the Burbank Lodge #406, Master in 1971 in Glendale, recipient of the Hiram Award, Associate Guardian and Lifetime Member of the Honor of Job's Daughters, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and Royal Order of Scotland. John enjoyed good health and thought that by the Grace of God, he was blessed. Therefore, to show his gratitude, several Masonic charities, the Paralyzed Veterans and the Pasadena Humane Society, where his current dog Clementine was adopted, received gifts from him. He also donated more than ten gallons of blood to the Red Cross throughout his lifetime.

John and his bride Renay bought their home in Glendale before their marriage and have lived in their 'Honeymoon Cottage' ever since. He often referred to Renay as his 'Guardian Angel'. They celebrated 50 years together. Besides Renay, John leaves their daughter Tracy and her husband Bill. He requests his survivors have a beer, walk along the coast at sunset or pet a stray dog in his memory.

Los Angeles Times, August 21, 2016