Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) staff in Australia have lost their much-loved colleague and friend, Peter Wallace, who died suddenly on October 30, 2020, aged 65.
He leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, and adult sons Steven and Andrew.
“Peter came to work with us in Greater Sydney as our e-Learning/STEM specialist,” explained former GSC Adventist Education director Jean Carter. “He worked tirelessly to ensure that staff and students in all our schools had the skills and training to use twenty-first-century technology. He inspired many students to love learning through STEM challenge days. His deep commitment to God, the church, and Adventist education was unwavering."
Since he was not suffering any ill health at the time, Wallace’s death came as a shock.
“He returned home with usual delight at how the students enjoyed what he was teaching them. No headache nor warning of what was to come,” his wife explained.
At 4:00 a.m. on Friday morning, Wallace arose for his usual drink of water and fell over.
“I was with Peter within seconds. The first of two ambulances arrived within 13 minutes. The medical teams did their best to relieve some of the pressure on his brain, but the effort was unsuccessful. Peter never regained consciousness and passed away at 5:02 p.m. that afternoon. It was World Teacher’s Day,” she said.
The couple was looking forward to their 40th anniversary in December and Wallace’s partial retirement in 2021.
Due to a previous health issue, Wallace’s final act of service as an organ donor was not possible. However, he was able to invest in the future of the children he served through his work.
“We have lost a friend and valued colleague,” GSC president Terry Johnson reflected. “Peter’s positive attitude, ever-present smile, and desire to be of service to others were a joy to experience. Our grief and confusion at this time are little compared to what his family must be feeling. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Jennifer, and the Wallace family.”
A memorial service for Wallace will be held on November 11, 2020.
The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.
