Gateshead | Published in: Evening Chronicle Newcastle.
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George WallaceDEEAged 86 of Chagrin Falls passed away April, 7th 2023. Beloved husband of Elaine Maureen Dee. Devoted Father of Sheena Dee Pauley (husband Glen). Honorary Grandfather of Joelle Pauley Fine (Steve) and Doyle Cockrell (Shannon) and Great Grandfather of Alexandra Fine, Kayla, Lauren and Morgan Cockrell. Son of James Wallace Dee and Barbara (Falkous) Dee (both deceased). Brother of the following deceased James, Victor and Harold. Brother in law to Terry McKie (Eileen). Irish cousins George Robinson, Kathleen and Jim Hyland, Paddy Robinson, Sean Robinson (Marie), Judy and Eamon. Loving Uncle to many including Stewart Dee (Pat), Victor (Ann), Michelle Proud (Brian), Beverly Morris, Jimmy Hyland (Esther), Ray Hyland (Joanne) Breffini Ryan (Martin), Nollaig Kenna (PJ) Patrick Hyland (Ciara), Clare Ryan (Patrick) and Anthony McKie, Ed, Sean and Maureen Robinson. Born in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England on October 30th, 1936. His family had a long tradition of serving in the British army on both the English and Scottish sides. His ancestor was William Wallace. His earliest memories were on nights spent in the air raid shelters cheering on the British Spitfires as they fought off the German Luftwaffe. He had a happy childhood playing Real football (soccer), cricket and rugby. He attended Gateshead Technical College and Durham University obtaining advanced degrees in Engineering. He defended Queen and Country as a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers which involved a lot of drinking hard cider and marching. He met his beloved wife Elaine in her Aunt's pub in Gateshead. They had a long and happy marriage of 57 years before she passed away in 2021. He loved serenading her with My Wild Irish Rose. He began his engineering career at the Royal Ordinance Factory. He joined Churchill Gears and made the transition from the draft board to sales. He did international sales and traveled the world. One trip to Poland included a stay under hotel arrest for suspicion of spying for MI6. Fortunately, he was released after a tense few weeks. In 1976 he joined the American division and moved his family to the USA. He worked for Matrix Churchill selling precision gear grinding equipment to the Big Three auto makers. He joined Swiss machine tool manufacturer Reishauer and led their introduction in to the American market. He and Elaine loved living on the 18th hole at Walden in Aurora where they enjoyed entertaining friends, family and customers on their deck overlooking the 18th hole. He enjoyed sipping on a single malt scotch quoting Winston Churchill and Monty Python. New Years Eve he would don his kilt in the Wallace tartan for the traditional First Footing. He was the consummate English Gentleman opening doors and calling the ladies "Luv". He was always there with a cup of tea and a few kind words if you needed a cheer-up. He adored his girls Elaine and Sheena. Later in life, he became best friends with his son in law Glen and switched to drinking his coffee instead of tea in the morning. He simply was the nicest person in the world. He will be missed by many on both sides of the pond. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in George's name to support cancer research at the Cleveland Clinic. Gifts can be made online at WWW.giving.ccf.org to support cancer research or checks made payable to Cleveland Clinic sent to: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193-1655 or as George would say "take an old fella out to lunch". Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am Saturday April 15 at Church of the Holy Angels, 18205 Chillicothe Rd. Bainbridge, OH 44023.
