Robert O'Neil Wallace, 94

Robert O’Neil Wallace, 94, passed away peacefully at home in Kalispell, surrounded by loving family, on Monday evening, June 3, 2013.

He was born Nov. 29, 1918, in the small mining camp of Pictou, Colo., to John and Loretta Wallace.  After several years in Walsenburg, Colo., the family moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where they owned and operated the Wallace Court during the great depression.

Robert proudly served his country as a Marine Sergeant during World War II in Guam and Saipan. After the war, he spent many years traveling and working for Raytheon as a radar consultant.  

In 1954, he met the love of his life in Philadelphia, Audrey Barton, who was visiting from her home in Ireland. They wed four months later and their loving marriage endured until his death nearly 59 years later. In 1959, they settled in Kalispell where Robert built the first cable system in Bigfork and east lakeshore. He sold the system in the mid-1960s to Northwest Video but continued to work for Kalispell’s various cable systems until his retirement from Westinghouse in 1985.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Audrey; two daughters, Lynn Wallace of Philadelphia and Karen Wallace Jeffers and Kevin of Reno, Nev.; and two grandsons, Robert O’Neil Jeffers and Ryan James Jeffers. Above all, Robert was absolutely devoted to his close-knit family. He supported, respected and loved us all unconditionally. His daily love and guidance will be greatly missed.

To honor his wishes, no services will be held. His ashes have been interred at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Robert’s family.