Wallace Clarence Wilson

December 29 1943 - April 21, 2024

Salem, OREGON -- Wallace Clarence Wilson Jr., age 80, of Salem, Oregon passed away on April 21, 2024 after a brave battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Wally will always have a place in our heart. Born in Salem on December 29, 1943, he was one of two children born to Wallace C. Wilson Sr. and Elizabeth Mason Wilson, growing up in Salem a community he appreciated fondly for the rest of his life. Wally attended public schools in Salem, Englewood Elementary School, Parrish Junior High School and graduated from North Salem High School in 1962. While attending public school he was an active school choir member, and continued singing and whistling each day. Wally enjoyed harmonizing with anyone that would join in. He earned a varsity letter in tennis, was active in school government, and his local YMCA's Hi-Y. He continued to play racquetball at YMCA and later at the Courthouse South Club.

Following his graduation from North High, Wally enrolled at Oregon State University, pledging the Delta Upsilon (DU) Fraternity, along with several other students from the Salem public schools he attended. Wally was an active DU in the fullest sense of the word throughout his years at Oregon State. Wally began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad in the summers, eventually leading to a long career with SP. His career took him to various Oregon cities, Southern California, and Tucson primarily as a brakeman. In mid-career he took on a very rewarding assignment for a few years teaching railroad safety in elementary schools. Wally loved the students, and his appreciation of them was strongly reciprocated; at the conclusion of his presentations, students routinely lined up to shake his hand and/or give him a hug.

In 1983, Wally married Bonnie Fast, along with her children, forming a secure and long-lasting family in Salem. Wally loved parenting and built a strong positive relationship with Kim and Erik Fast. Wally and Bonnie settled in Tucson and later began splitting their time between Tucson and Lincoln City. Wally always loved the desert and the Oregon coast, so splitting each year between the two nicely suited him and Bonnie.

In addition to his great love of his family, Wally was a lifelong dog lover, including his last dog, Henry, who comforted him often as his health declined. He was also an avid reader, card player, sports fan (including his alma mater), racquetball player, opinionated political observer, community volunteer, and warm and argumentative friend to many.

Wally is survived by his spouse Bonnie Wilson, children Kimberly Fast Conaway, Son in law Gregory Conaway, Erik Fast, Daughter in law Amy Fast. Wally is survived by his 4 grandchildren, Maggie Sisk, Hudson Fast, Mia Fast, and Slade Fast, sister Susan Wilson and brother in law, Steve Teeter, Kathryn Teeter Hill, and grand niece and nephew Taylor and Mason Hill.

Love you forever. My Wally.