WALLACE KING BRANSTON

WALLACE KING BRANSTON (WALLIE) Passed away November 7, 2013 at Scarborough General Hospital surrounded by the love of his family. Wallie was born in Toronto, son of the late Frank Edward Branston and Ada Jane Dixon and had celebrated his 90th birthday only weeks ago. He attended Lord Dufferin Public School, followed by Central Technical. At the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the RCAF and served until the end of the war as an Aero-Engine mechanic. In 1945 he joined Trans-Canada Air Lines where he worked in the same capacity for a short time. His love of automobiles took Wallie into that field, becoming well known as a representative for Bardahl and later various automotive manufacturers, ending his career as the National Dealer Development Manager for Subaru Canada, retiring at the age of 79. In the late 1940s and 1950s Wallie became a popular figure and consistent winner on local Stock Car Racing Tracks including the CNE and Pinecrest Speedway. When his racing days ended, he spent fifteen years as the Starter at Mosport where, dressed in his familiar red jacket, white shirt, black pants and gold bow tie, he had the honour of throwing the checkered flag for the first Canadian Formula One Grand Prix winner Jack Brabham. In 1997 Wallie was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, where he also served as a Director. Wallie is survived by his loving and beloved wife, Shirley (Saunders). As the proud father of Laurel Cusack, Andrea Branston and Kirsten and Raffaele Trentadue, his love and devotion knew no boundaries, and he will always hold a special place in their hearts. He will be greatly missed by his adored grandchildren Joshua, Gabriella and Ava Trentadue, in whom he delighted, making an effort never to miss their soccer matches, Ringette games, dance recitals and graduations. His memory will also be cherished by his beloved nephews, Jeff Whan and Ian Whan. Wallie was predeceased by his first wife Lillian Hannigan and his sisters, Dorothy (Bill Whan) and Lois Fedick. He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, John Fedick, Ross Pollard (the late Carol), Gary Saunders (the late Susan) and Eric and Maureen Saunders; several nieces and nephews; his grandsons Jason Cusack and Mark Cusack and great-grandson Cole Cusack. He will be fondly remembered by his good friend Gayle Burgess. Visitation will be held at MCDougall and Brown Funeral Home "Scarborough Chapel", 2900 Kingston Rd. (east of St. Clair Ave. E.) on Tuesday, November 12 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, November 13 at 1 p.m. A burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.mcdbrownscarb.ca