Inspirational teacher who loved his family
Philip Wallace
TEACHER Philip Wallace, who died suddenly on December 1, was an inspiration to the hundreds of pupils who had the privilege to pass through his class.
His death at the age of 43 was a source of immense grief to his wife Anne and sons Andrew (9) and Matthew (7).
Philip, who lived at Bramble Lane, Dungannon, was a teacher at Maralin Village Primary School where he taught P7 for 16 years.
The dearly loved eldest child of Brian and Hazel and dear brother of Heather and Mark, Philip was born on June 29, 1969 and grew up in Ranfurly Heights, Dungannon.
He was educated at Killyman Primary School and the Royal School Dungannon and continued his education at Stranmillis College where he qualified as a teacher in 1990.
His first post was in Carrs Glen, Belfast, where he taught for six years, before moving to the Maralin school.
He proved to be an inspirational and innovative teacher, gaining the love and respect of pupils, colleagues and parents.
He engaged in extra-curricular activities including school trips, school productions, football, cricket and rugby.
Philip committed his life to the Lord in 1992 at the LifeBoat Mission where he enjoyed fellowship and made lasting friendships. He became engaged in Christian work from that time on.
He worked with Project Evangelism in Northern Ireland as well as travelling to France and England doing outreach work. He also helped with ‘Brand Snatchers’ in Belfast.
In Dungannon, he played a major role for many years in the running of Dungannon Presbyterian Church’s Summer School where his organisational skills were put to great use.
In addition, he gave valuable assistance to the Drop In Youth for Christ Centre where he was able to relate well to the young people who attended.
Philip married Anne in 1998. They set up home in Dungannon and became members of Dungannon Presbyterian Church. They were blessed with two boys who were the apple of their father’s eye. Philip soon became active in the church firstly by becoming involved with the youth work and then in 2002 he was elected an elder.
He proved himself to be dedicated to the spiritual well-being and growth of the church.
In secular life, Philip loved to play football, DIY projects and helping with farmwork. He had many friends, was outgoing and sociable and was blessed with a ready wit and infectious smile. He was a devoted husband and father, very loyal to his family and always helpful, and they will sorely miss him.
Philip was well-known and respected in the community and the packed funeral service in Dungannon Presbyterian Church heard the Rev Alan Thompson pay tribute and give thanks for Philip’s short but fulfilling life.
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Weather for Portadown
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
