Luther "Tim" Wallace

1928 - 2021

Luther T. (Tim) Wallace
August 16, 1928 - May 14, 2021
Tim Wallace passed away May 14, 2021, at home in Berkeley. At his side were his wife of 43 years, Marye Jayne, and his daughter Barbara and his son Peter, both from his first marriage to Audrey Taylor. Besides them, he is survived by granddaughter Lucia, grandson Kai, greatgranddaughter Elena, sister Connie Caldwell, nieces Katie Fedor and Allison Caldwell, and several grandnieces and –nephews. He was predeceased by daughter Carey Wallace and niece Ann Tachovsky.
Tim was a great guy. A remarkable man. So it has been said by many over the years. He could grab you with his eyes and hold you SO close. He had an extraordinary way with people. He wanted to learn about you, and would always find something interesting.
He had all the professional and academic credentials needed, and then some. He played football and performed Gilbert and Sullivan at North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka, Illinois, where he was raised; he graduated with honors in Economics at Harvard; Master's at Oregon State, PhD at Purdue. Recruited by UC Berkeley in 1963, and became Emeritus in October 1996 – 58 years total in Berkeley.
Time away was spent being Chief Economist for Agriculture to the President's Council of Economic Advisors, a sabbatical to England and Scotland; two years as Director of Food and Agriculture for California; a Fulbright to New Zealand for a year; a sabbatical to Australia; speeches all over the world; facilitating meetings all over the world; writing books and professional papers.
He was most proud of canoeing the entire length of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers during a summer in college; ranching and logging in Southern Oregon for 6 years straight out of Harvard – perhaps the most influential time of his life; sailing for 6 months with Marye Jayne and friends from Hong Kong to San Francisco via Japan and the Aleutian Islands; and mentoring students, some of whom he was in contact with until the end of his life. He loved to work with his hands - whether carving or building.
After the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire he and a few other concerned residents established The Claremont Canyon Conservancy, for which he was President most of the first 18 years. He was an active member of the Faculty Club, the Claremont Club, Berkeley Breakfast Club, his men's book club founded in 1988, and several focus groups.
While at Purdue he purchased some property in the San Juan Islands, and it was his favorite place in the world for the past 55 years.
Tim was diagnosed with MDS in January. Two weeks before his death, he decided to come home from the hospital to be with Marye Jayne, stop treatments, and go into Hospice Care. His son and daughter were with them during this time to help with his care. He fought a good yet tiring fight.
He especially loved his family, Henry Island in the San Juans, sailing, working with rural people, and his many friendships.
He believed that a handshake sealed the deal. He was smart, well-read, fun, funny, strong, caring, handsome, and the best friend anyone could ever have. He made everyone feel special. He was so loved by many, and will be greatly missed.
There will be a celebration of his life at a future time.
If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider Claremont Canyon Conservancy, P.O.Box 5551, Berkeley, CA 94705