Obituary for Craig Phillip Walls
CRAIG PHILLIP WALLS
Sunday March 31, 2013 was a day marked with great sadness and shock as 64 year old Craig Phillip Walls passed away suddenly and instantly from a heart attack while at home with his life partner Carol by his side.
Craig, affectionately known as ?Wally? to his friends and family was born in Saskatoon on October 4, 1948, to Mary and Alan Walls. He was the second of seven children and from the day he was born he was the family comedian and class clown. His early years were spent in rural Saskatchewan and then moved with his family to Manitoba where he attended John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg and finally took up residency at Teulon Collegiate where he was recalled for several encore performances in the unknown field of mathematics.
After careful consideration the railway and the military did not appear to be good career choices. Given Craig?s fondness for entertaining, acting, clowning and a natural talent as a quick witted poet or bard, happy to share a limerick or ditty which always got a laugh, he decided to get even with the world and become an educator. He enrolled in the University of Winnipeg where he graduated with a degree in Education and Arts and then went on to earn a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. Upon graduation he returned to Winnipeg and started his career as an educator first at Viscount Alexander Junior High followed by positions at both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.
Never one to take the easy or financially secure road, Craig decided to broaden his artistic experience and share his knowledge by immersing himself in both the emerging and more established theatre and arts scene. He began by serving as Theatre School Director for Manitoba Theatre For Young People followed in1986 as Artistic Director of Winnipeg?s Agassiz Theatre (directing Maureen Hunter?s first three plays including the GG-nominated Footprints on the Moon).
Craig then served as Executive Producer of MTC?s Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival from 1992 until 1995, before becoming an Arts Development Consultant with the Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Craig later became Director of the Arts Branch in the same department, a position he held until his retirement in 2012 when he took early retirement due to his never ending battle with Lyme?s Disease.
Not one to give up or take the easy way out Craig?s retirement life was as active and busy as ever. He became a volunteer and board member of the Red Road Lodge and Edge Urban Art Centre where he brought his numerous skills, talents and energy helping to renovate the aging facility and bring joy and hope to many of Winnipeg?s Homeless Community by attending to their basic needs, teaching them carpentry skills and introducing them to potentially life changing arts and cultural activities. More often than not Craig bonded instantly with these folks by sharing a cigarette and a humorous tale centred on one of his many life changing experiences.
Craig was a man driven by perfection and attention to detail, as a frustrated designer, carpenter and home renovator he often turned a simple house renovation into the most complicated and time consuming activity known to man and to the amazement of friends, family and his neighbours he created masterpieces that often set a new standard for urban renewal.
Craig possessed a playful and irreverent outlook towards life despite coping with Lyme?s disease. The last four years have been enriched by the love and support of his life partner Carol, who worked with him to help conquer his Lyme?s Disease and together they made great progress. As Craig?s health improved the two of them enjoyed outdoor adventures, taking trips on his gleaming BMW motorcycle or experiencing terror on their not so gleaming houseboat. More often than not, his Northern Harbour neighbours were always happy to see him leave harbour and terrified to see him return. Craig never used his illness as an excuse or crutch and always tried to live life to the fullest.
Craig is survived by his partner Carol Hunt, mother Mary Walls, sisters Noreen (Glen Yablecki), Janice(Darcy Briggs), Norma (Vin Anania) and brothers Richard (Pat) Walls, Keith (Chris) Walls, Bruce (Karen) Walls, step children Allie, Ben and Nick Lount and numerous nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by his father Alan.
He is also survived by Carol?s family; mother, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews
A private funeral for family only, will take place at E.J. Coutu & Co. 680 Archibald Street.
Craig, as someone who has left an indelible mark on the cultural life of our city and province and has touched many of our lives would want nothing more than for friends and family to use the occasion of his passing to celebrate his life and enjoy a drink and share a few tall tales and stories – please join us for a ?Cast Party – A Celebration of Craig?s Life? to be held on Friday April 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in MTC Warehouse Theatre located in the Exchange District at the corner of Rupert and Lilly.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Red Road Lodge 631 Main Street or a charity of your choice.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com
CRAIG PHILLIP WALLS
Sunday March 31, 2013 was a day marked with great sadness and shock as 64 year old Craig Phillip Walls passed away suddenly and instantly from a heart attack while at home with his life partner Carol by his side.
Craig, affectionately known as ?Wally? to his friends and family was born in Saskatoon on October 4, 1948, to Mary and Alan Walls. He was the second of seven children and from the day he was born he was the family comedian and class clown. His early years were spent in rural Saskatchewan and then moved with his family to Manitoba where he attended John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg and finally took up residency at Teulon Collegiate where he was recalled for several encore performances in the unknown field of mathematics.
After careful consideration the railway and the military did not appear to be good career choices. Given Craig?s fondness for entertaining, acting, clowning and a natural talent as a quick witted poet or bard, happy to share a limerick or ditty which always got a laugh, he decided to get even with the world and become an educator. He enrolled in the University of Winnipeg where he graduated with a degree in Education and Arts and then went on to earn a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. Upon graduation he returned to Winnipeg and started his career as an educator first at Viscount Alexander Junior High followed by positions at both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.
Never one to take the easy or financially secure road, Craig decided to broaden his artistic experience and share his knowledge by immersing himself in both the emerging and more established theatre and arts scene. He began by serving as Theatre School Director for Manitoba Theatre For Young People followed in1986 as Artistic Director of Winnipeg?s Agassiz Theatre (directing Maureen Hunter?s first three plays including the GG-nominated Footprints on the Moon).
Craig then served as Executive Producer of MTC?s Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival from 1992 until 1995, before becoming an Arts Development Consultant with the Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Craig later became Director of the Arts Branch in the same department, a position he held until his retirement in 2012 when he took early retirement due to his never ending battle with Lyme?s Disease.
Not one to give up or take the easy way out Craig?s retirement life was as active and busy as ever. He became a volunteer and board member of the Red Road Lodge and Edge Urban Art Centre where he brought his numerous skills, talents and energy helping to renovate the aging facility and bring joy and hope to many of Winnipeg?s Homeless Community by attending to their basic needs, teaching them carpentry skills and introducing them to potentially life changing arts and cultural activities. More often than not Craig bonded instantly with these folks by sharing a cigarette and a humorous tale centred on one of his many life changing experiences.
Craig was a man driven by perfection and attention to detail, as a frustrated designer, carpenter and home renovator he often turned a simple house renovation into the most complicated and time consuming activity known to man and to the amazement of friends, family and his neighbours he created masterpieces that often set a new standard for urban renewal.
Craig possessed a playful and irreverent outlook towards life despite coping with Lyme?s disease. The last four years have been enriched by the love and support of his life partner Carol, who worked with him to help conquer his Lyme?s Disease and together they made great progress. As Craig?s health improved the two of them enjoyed outdoor adventures, taking trips on his gleaming BMW motorcycle or experiencing terror on their not so gleaming houseboat. More often than not, his Northern Harbour neighbours were always happy to see him leave harbour and terrified to see him return. Craig never used his illness as an excuse or crutch and always tried to live life to the fullest.
Craig is survived by his partner Carol Hunt, mother Mary Walls, sisters Noreen (Glen Yablecki), Janice(Darcy Briggs), Norma (Vin Anania) and brothers Richard (Pat) Walls, Keith (Chris) Walls, Bruce (Karen) Walls, step children Allie, Ben and Nick Lount and numerous nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by his father Alan.
He is also survived by Carol?s family; mother, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews
A private funeral for family only, will take place at E.J. Coutu & Co. 680 Archibald Street.
Craig, as someone who has left an indelible mark on the cultural life of our city and province and has touched many of our lives would want nothing more than for friends and family to use the occasion of his passing to celebrate his life and enjoy a drink and share a few tall tales and stories – please join us for a ?Cast Party – A Celebration of Craig?s Life? to be held on Friday April 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in MTC Warehouse Theatre located in the Exchange District at the corner of Rupert and Lilly.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Red Road Lodge 631 Main Street or a charity of your choice.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com
Sunday March 31, 2013 was a day marked with great sadness and shock as 64 year old Craig Phillip Walls passed away suddenly and instantly from a heart attack while at home with his life partner Carol by his side.
Craig, affectionately known as ?Wally? to his friends and family was born in Saskatoon on October 4, 1948, to Mary and Alan Walls. He was the second of seven children and from the day he was born he was the family comedian and class clown. His early years were spent in rural Saskatchewan and then moved with his family to Manitoba where he attended John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg and finally took up residency at Teulon Collegiate where he was recalled for several encore performances in the unknown field of mathematics.
After careful consideration the railway and the military did not appear to be good career choices. Given Craig?s fondness for entertaining, acting, clowning and a natural talent as a quick witted poet or bard, happy to share a limerick or ditty which always got a laugh, he decided to get even with the world and become an educator. He enrolled in the University of Winnipeg where he graduated with a degree in Education and Arts and then went on to earn a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. Upon graduation he returned to Winnipeg and started his career as an educator first at Viscount Alexander Junior High followed by positions at both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.
Never one to take the easy or financially secure road, Craig decided to broaden his artistic experience and share his knowledge by immersing himself in both the emerging and more established theatre and arts scene. He began by serving as Theatre School Director for Manitoba Theatre For Young People followed in1986 as Artistic Director of Winnipeg?s Agassiz Theatre (directing Maureen Hunter?s first three plays including the GG-nominated Footprints on the Moon).
Craig then served as Executive Producer of MTC?s Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival from 1992 until 1995, before becoming an Arts Development Consultant with the Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Craig later became Director of the Arts Branch in the same department, a position he held until his retirement in 2012 when he took early retirement due to his never ending battle with Lyme?s Disease.
Not one to give up or take the easy way out Craig?s retirement life was as active and busy as ever. He became a volunteer and board member of the Red Road Lodge and Edge Urban Art Centre where he brought his numerous skills, talents and energy helping to renovate the aging facility and bring joy and hope to many of Winnipeg?s Homeless Community by attending to their basic needs, teaching them carpentry skills and introducing them to potentially life changing arts and cultural activities. More often than not Craig bonded instantly with these folks by sharing a cigarette and a humorous tale centred on one of his many life changing experiences.
Craig was a man driven by perfection and attention to detail, as a frustrated designer, carpenter and home renovator he often turned a simple house renovation into the most complicated and time consuming activity known to man and to the amazement of friends, family and his neighbours he created masterpieces that often set a new standard for urban renewal.
Craig possessed a playful and irreverent outlook towards life despite coping with Lyme?s disease. The last four years have been enriched by the love and support of his life partner Carol, who worked with him to help conquer his Lyme?s Disease and together they made great progress. As Craig?s health improved the two of them enjoyed outdoor adventures, taking trips on his gleaming BMW motorcycle or experiencing terror on their not so gleaming houseboat. More often than not, his Northern Harbour neighbours were always happy to see him leave harbour and terrified to see him return. Craig never used his illness as an excuse or crutch and always tried to live life to the fullest.
Craig is survived by his partner Carol Hunt, mother Mary Walls, sisters Noreen (Glen Yablecki), Janice(Darcy Briggs), Norma (Vin Anania) and brothers Richard (Pat) Walls, Keith (Chris) Walls, Bruce (Karen) Walls, step children Allie, Ben and Nick Lount and numerous nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by his father Alan.
He is also survived by Carol?s family; mother, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews
A private funeral for family only, will take place at E.J. Coutu & Co. 680 Archibald Street.
Craig, as someone who has left an indelible mark on the cultural life of our city and province and has touched many of our lives would want nothing more than for friends and family to use the occasion of his passing to celebrate his life and enjoy a drink and share a few tall tales and stories – please join us for a ?Cast Party – A Celebration of Craig?s Life? to be held on Friday April 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in MTC Warehouse Theatre located in the Exchange District at the corner of Rupert and Lilly.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Red Road Lodge 631 Main Street or a charity of your choice.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com
CRAIG PHILLIP WALLS
Sunday March 31, 2013 was a day marked with great sadness and shock as 64 year old Craig Phillip Walls passed away suddenly and instantly from a heart attack while at home with his life partner Carol by his side.
Craig, affectionately known as ?Wally? to his friends and family was born in Saskatoon on October 4, 1948, to Mary and Alan Walls. He was the second of seven children and from the day he was born he was the family comedian and class clown. His early years were spent in rural Saskatchewan and then moved with his family to Manitoba where he attended John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg and finally took up residency at Teulon Collegiate where he was recalled for several encore performances in the unknown field of mathematics.
After careful consideration the railway and the military did not appear to be good career choices. Given Craig?s fondness for entertaining, acting, clowning and a natural talent as a quick witted poet or bard, happy to share a limerick or ditty which always got a laugh, he decided to get even with the world and become an educator. He enrolled in the University of Winnipeg where he graduated with a degree in Education and Arts and then went on to earn a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. Upon graduation he returned to Winnipeg and started his career as an educator first at Viscount Alexander Junior High followed by positions at both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.
Never one to take the easy or financially secure road, Craig decided to broaden his artistic experience and share his knowledge by immersing himself in both the emerging and more established theatre and arts scene. He began by serving as Theatre School Director for Manitoba Theatre For Young People followed in1986 as Artistic Director of Winnipeg?s Agassiz Theatre (directing Maureen Hunter?s first three plays including the GG-nominated Footprints on the Moon).
Craig then served as Executive Producer of MTC?s Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival from 1992 until 1995, before becoming an Arts Development Consultant with the Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Craig later became Director of the Arts Branch in the same department, a position he held until his retirement in 2012 when he took early retirement due to his never ending battle with Lyme?s Disease.
Not one to give up or take the easy way out Craig?s retirement life was as active and busy as ever. He became a volunteer and board member of the Red Road Lodge and Edge Urban Art Centre where he brought his numerous skills, talents and energy helping to renovate the aging facility and bring joy and hope to many of Winnipeg?s Homeless Community by attending to their basic needs, teaching them carpentry skills and introducing them to potentially life changing arts and cultural activities. More often than not Craig bonded instantly with these folks by sharing a cigarette and a humorous tale centred on one of his many life changing experiences.
Craig was a man driven by perfection and attention to detail, as a frustrated designer, carpenter and home renovator he often turned a simple house renovation into the most complicated and time consuming activity known to man and to the amazement of friends, family and his neighbours he created masterpieces that often set a new standard for urban renewal.
Craig possessed a playful and irreverent outlook towards life despite coping with Lyme?s disease. The last four years have been enriched by the love and support of his life partner Carol, who worked with him to help conquer his Lyme?s Disease and together they made great progress. As Craig?s health improved the two of them enjoyed outdoor adventures, taking trips on his gleaming BMW motorcycle or experiencing terror on their not so gleaming houseboat. More often than not, his Northern Harbour neighbours were always happy to see him leave harbour and terrified to see him return. Craig never used his illness as an excuse or crutch and always tried to live life to the fullest.
Craig is survived by his partner Carol Hunt, mother Mary Walls, sisters Noreen (Glen Yablecki), Janice(Darcy Briggs), Norma (Vin Anania) and brothers Richard (Pat) Walls, Keith (Chris) Walls, Bruce (Karen) Walls, step children Allie, Ben and Nick Lount and numerous nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by his father Alan.
He is also survived by Carol?s family; mother, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews
A private funeral for family only, will take place at E.J. Coutu & Co. 680 Archibald Street.
Craig, as someone who has left an indelible mark on the cultural life of our city and province and has touched many of our lives would want nothing more than for friends and family to use the occasion of his passing to celebrate his life and enjoy a drink and share a few tall tales and stories – please join us for a ?Cast Party – A Celebration of Craig?s Life? to be held on Friday April 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in MTC Warehouse Theatre located in the Exchange District at the corner of Rupert and Lilly.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Red Road Lodge 631 Main Street or a charity of your choice.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com