Dr. Gordon L. Wallace, 79, of the Pend Oreille Valley, passed away on September 6, 2021, due to complications from a head injury. He was a caring individual that touched the lives of all who knew him.

Gordon Wallace, A.K.A. Gordy, was a husband, dad, brother, uncle, and certainly not last—Papa.  Gordon was a graduate of Metaline Falls High School, Undergrad and Master's degrees from Eastern Washington University, and later received his Doctorate in Education from Oregon State University. He was a devoted and loving husband of 60 years that would do anything for the love of his life, Mary J. Wallace. They have two daughters, Laura Wallace & Susan (Wallace) Rossetti. Gordon was most proud of his title as Papa. He was an incredible Papa to 5 amazing grandchildren (Randi Wallace, Sydney Wallace, Anthony Rossetti, Jack Rossetti, and Joseph Rossetti). Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Don H. Wallace and Florence R. Wallace, and his sister Linda M. (Wallace) Miller.

It isn't easy to express with words the love that surrounded Papa Gordon. How do you sum up the life of a man who accomplished so much, loved so fiercely, was such a caring, thoughtful human, and was so proud of his family? Gordon found joy in simple things, and he was the ultimate host and gentleman. He was easy to talk with, and he relished in the great outdoors. Gordon genuinely loved the wilderness and all of its glory, peace, and wonder. A deer sighting literally made his day. He shared this love with his family and friends from an early age and always had fishing poles and hunting stories at the ready. As a lifelong educator, he impacted many lives. Gordon was a teacher, principal, superintendent, and school psychologist. He had a heartfelt desire to make a difference in the lives of those he educated by being a positive influence.  May we all raise a glass of "House" red wine to this tenacious man and his incredible life.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" for Gordon Wallace in the Spring of 2022.  Gordon would want us all to be safe during the recent rise in COVID cases in the POV.

If desired, family and friends may make a memorial contribution to Beats and Rhythms Summer Camp. A donation supports the cost of summer camp attendance for children with congenital heart conditions. Donate | Beats & Rhythms (beatsandrhythms.org)