George "Mason" Wallace
November 4, 1922 - June 25, 2015
Resident of Santa Cruz
George "Mason" Wallace, born a true Scotsman to Horatio Nelson Wallace & Edith Stockwell Wallace on November 4, 1922, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2015 at Alexandria Victoria care home in Santa Cruz. Mason was raised in Chicago but spent most summers on the lake in Michillinda, MI swimming & sailing with his gang, including his adored Cousin Betsy.
Mason attended the University of Illinois and then joined the Navy in 1941 at 19 when the U.S. entered World War II. Within a short time he was offered to switch to the U.S. Marines Corps aviation division to be a pilot. Stationed in Okinawa, he flew missions in the Pacific Theater in the solo Corsair fighter aircraft, landing and taking off from aircraft carriers. This proved to be the start of a long enthusiasm for flying. At the end of WWII he returned to Chicago and the university and earned his degree. He met Kathryn Louise Muir on a blind date and they married on June 6, 1947. Their son, Michael, was born 3 years later. Soon they relocated to the Naval Base in Pensacola, Florida where Mason taught flight training and their daughter, Betsy, was born.
During the Korean War, Mason was reactivated and flew over a hundred reconnaissance missions. He earned many air medals for bravery, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his return from Korea, his young family settled in Corona del Mar, CA near Newport Beach, as it was close to his west coast El Toro Air Station. The small town beach life of Southern California was perfect for sailing, golf, flying and continuing his Marine Reserve commitments so they stayed in CdM for many years. Mason and Kate made wonderful lifelong friends there. He crewed on the TransPac Race in the 60's and was very active in improving the small town, including leading the campaign for building the original CdM Community Youth Center. He was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 17 and organized annual canoe trips for fathers & sons on the Colorado River.
Mason worked for many years as financial head for Partex, a manufacturing company, first in Newport Beach, then Fresno and finally Sacramento. Mason retired from the Marines Reserves as a full Colonel in 1982. Following Kate's passing in 1986, after 37 years of marriage, Mason retired from Partex and moved to Palm Harbor, FL where many relatives lived. A few years later Mason married Peggy Chaffee and they had his nephew, Rob Reister, build their dream home on the water in Palm Harbor where golf was a daily pastime. After Peggy's passing ten years later, his children, Michael Wallace and Betsy Magen, son-in-law, Richard and grandson, Westley Magen were all delighted when he moved to Santa Cruz 12 years ago with his beloved golden retriever, Sierra. He loved Santa Cruz, his Better Breathers group & the Crow's Nest.
Mason had a wonderful life. He was kindhearted, much loved and very accomplished. He had a sharp mind, was a lifelong prankster and loved a crossword challenge. Playing Hearts with the whole family at the holidays dressed in Wallace plaid, was one of his favorite things, especially if he won (he often did!).
He also leaves his cousin, Betsy, and nephew, Rob Reister, of Quincy, FL; nephews, Mark (Marla) Muir of Burbank, Charlie Muir of Boston; sister-in-laws, Gerry Muir of New York and Mary Alice Wallace of Florida. His family would like to gratefully thank Dr. Adam Yarme and Rosie, Nicko, John and John Sr. Grypsos of the Alexandria Victoria for their compassionate and wonderful care during Mason's last years.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mason's favorite charities: NorCal Golden Retriever Rescue (www.ngrr.org) or Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, 2200 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Private graveside services to be held. Please raise a glass to a real hero!
If you would like to send your condolences to Mason's family, share a memory or photo, or light a candle please visit www.scmemorial.com