In Loving Memory of

Albert Finlay Wallace (Wally) Might

Albert Finlay Wallace Might known as "Wally" passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023, in the Leduc Hospital. Born to Albert and Emma Might on December 9, 1931. Wally grew up in Garneau and graduated from University High School (UHS). Lucky to spend his childhood summers at the family cottage on Devil's Lake (Bilby), he grew up appreciating the great beauty of nature, the freedom of movement, community picnics, games, swims, and bonfires, as a child and later with his future children. Family time and the lifelong friends made at the lake were treasured.

He received his first trumpet at age ten and went on to study, rehearse, play, arrange, solo, lead, and perform throughout his life with many groups: the Edmonton School Boys Band, the UHS band, the Jack Winterton Band, teen dances, lake halls, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Trocadero Orchestra, and the Edmonton Swing Band. He was an accomplished trumpet player and made close friendships through music.

In the early 1950's, Wally joined the RCAF as a pilot officer cadet and learned to fly single engine aircraft. He then took pilot training with the Edmonton Flying Club - soloed in 5.5 hours - while working with Northwestern Utilities. After getting his commercial license, he joined Air Canada in July 1956 - which put a pause on the trumpet playing.

Capable, responsible and dependable, Wally thrived as an international airline pilot for his 35 year-long career. He was based in Calgary, Winnipeg, and Vancouver and flew to major centres around the world. Some favourite layover moments: listening to the Salvation Army Band in London, Evensong at Westminster Abbey, and many New York shows. A long-time left seater, he flew them all: DC3, DC8, Viscount, DC9, 727, 747 and retired as a Line Check pilot on the L1011.

In Vancouver, Wally met his first wife of 10 years, Janet, raised two daughters, Lori and Christine, enjoyed school and music recitals, family occasions, sporting events, camping, skiing, and tailgate picnics at the beach. He videoed these moments and hundreds more throughout his life, and would often put the images to music and gift the video or DVD to family and friends to preserve these special memories.

He began woodworking and furniture making (Mighty Oaks), bought property near Whistler, built a house and graciously shared it with family and friends... and squirrels and Stellars Jays. On the mountain, he was a skilled and athletic skier, on the water a sailor (Salus and Snark) and Tolly pilot (Lone Star).

Ten years before he retired, Wally dusted off his trumpet and returned to music. He studied with Donnie Clark (Vancouver) and Bobby Shew (Burbank) and played with Vancouver stage and concert bands. Wally happened to meet a mutual friend who re-connected him to his teenage sweetheart, Karen Mills. They married in 1990, and Wally welcomed step-children Cameron, Tracy, and Lise with open arms. Wally and Karen adventured together, visiting Karen's relatives in Denmark and Spain, their children and grandchildren in Acme and the West Coast, as well as a cruising, following the ESO to Carnegie Hall, and exploring Europe and beyond. Back in Edmonton, he was a trumpet soloist for the Trocadero Orchestra and handled their vast music library, booked musicians, and ran rehearsals for many years. He finished his musical career playing as a leader of the Edmonton Swing Band before retiring.

In 2000, Wally and Karen settled near Edmonton, next door to Karen's two siblings which provided regular family get-togethers, outings to the Winspear, and ample space for woodworking, visiting, and enjoying acreage life. Wally introduced Christmas ‘doubles', added a penalty box and ‘first aid beverage' to Boxing Day Broomball, and created the Annual Pumpkin Growing contest.

We will remember Wally's wry sense of humour, his playfulness and frequent pranks, along with his generous and giving nature. He worked, played, hiked, camped, prospected, skied, and made his way kindly and purposefully through his life. Wally is and will be greatly missed. We will think of him and remember what to value on our way.

Thank you to all who cared for Wally over his lifetime - notably Dr. Schuster and staff. Special thanks to family members, neighbours and Drs. Weishaupt and Dr. Abbasi and staff for the care provided over the past few years as he lived with Alzheimers. Our gratitude to the Leduc Hospital ER staff, Stations 21 nurses and physicians for their exceptional care in his last few days.

Wally is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Everett and Emma Adele Might; sister Marion Ramsey (Colin); and brother-in-law Don Murchie. He is survived by his wife, Karen; sister, Helen; children, Lori (John), Christine (Chris), Cameron (Janet), Tracy (Richard), and Lise. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: James, Maren, Nicholas, Aspen, Brodie; one nephew and four nieces.

In memory of Wally, please consider donating to the SPCA, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, or the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Cremation has taken place.

Celebration of Wally's Life
Friday, March 3, 2023, 1:30 p.m.
The University Club of the U of A (Faculty Club)
11435 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.