Wallace C. Thirll

I had many occasions to enjoy playing in bands with Wally, listening to his fine beat and hearing his many entertaining stories. I recall reading in a book by the great jazz bassist Red Mitchell that Wally had given him his first bass lessons while Mitchell was a Cornell student. Wally was proud of that. He also told me that he started out as a dancer. I never saw him dance but I often imagined him doing so. He was a really nice guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Bill Barrett

How many evenings we shared with Wally playing with Johnny Russo for Cornell fraternities. I always enjoyed the good talks between sets. I remember especially Wally speaking of playing at the Cocoanut Grove in Boston the night of that tragic fire. Wally escaped unharmed although many were not so fortunate. Wally was a fine musician, soft spoken, always interesting and with enviable endurance even in his advanced years. I feel fortunate to have seen Wally several times after he took up...

I will miss you dearly, Uncle Wally. I remember you teaching me chords and tunes on the bass guitar and having french toast for breakfast with you and Aunt Amanda on Sundays. Love you madly...Your Nephew, Moochie