Bill Wallace served 4 years in the U.S. Army as a Teletype Communications Specialist for the Army Security Agency from September 1968 until March 1972. After serving back to back tours in Vietnam, Bill finished out the remainder of his service at Agency Headquarters in Arlington Va.
Bill is currently in the process of publishing a book which is a collection of experiences and stories of his time in the Army and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Bill had been a member of the Clan Wallace Society since 2004 and is a current Director for the society.
For your service and sacrifice Bill, the Clan Wallace Society salutes you!
The son of a career U.S. Army man, Ben was born in Talladega, Alabama and is a lifetime member of Clan Wallace through his great-grandmother Bertha Wallace Howard.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force on 12 July 1961, serving on Air Force bases from Kansas to New York, New Hampshire, California and Arizona. Additionally, he served overseas in the Philippine Islands, Guam, Okinawa, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Ben attended Auburn University Alabama for two years prior to enlisting in the Air Force. He has two AA degrees in Aircraft Maintenance and Instructor of Technology, a BA in Management, and an MA in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.
Beginning as a reciprocating engine mechanic, he later cross trained into jet engines; became a Quality Control Inspector and spent the last four years of his career as a Field Training Master Instructor, retiring from active duty at Williams Air Force Base in August, 1981, as a Master Sergeant.
As a civilian, Ben worked for Garrett Turbine Engine Company for one year and from there returned as a Civil Service employee to Williams Air Force Base in 1982. Upon Williams closing in August 1992, Ben transferred to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona where he retired as Chief of Resources, GS-12, for the 56th Civil Engineering Squadron in March, 2007.
Ben loves all things Scottish and loves Aviation History and Military History. He loves to read and enjoys travelling. He is a life time member of the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS) and for three years, served as Commander of the SAMS Color Guard. Ben has also been member of the Clan Wallace Society since 1996.
Ben enjoys spending time with the love of his life, Kathy. They share 6 children, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
For your service and sacrifice Ben, the Clan Wallace Society salutes you!
Only a short time left to mark your calendars for November 10 – 13, 2016, and plan to attend the 2016 Clan Wallace Society 50th Anniversary Gathering in Salado, Texas. It is being held in conjunction with the Salado Scottish Clan Gathering & Highland Games, the birthplace of the Society in 1966.
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially Clan Wallace. Attend and renew old friendships and make new ones at this special event.
Linked below is information on hotel options, events scheduled, and a Gathering reservation form. Most non-game events and socials will take place at the Holiday Inn Express. The final 50th Anniversary events schedule will be in the Program included with a gift bag. You can order Salado Games tickets and CTAM Tartan Dinner tickets through the CTAM Advance Ticket Order Form linked below.
Veterans Day occurs during this event. Veterans may want to wear their ribbons or medals, especially on November 11th.
Capt. Edward Grant Ries, Jr.
San Diego, CA
Sept 12, 1939 – March 29, 2016
Captain Edward Grant Ries, USMC passed away, Tuesday, March 29th, after a valiant battle against cancer.
Ed was known to many in the Southern California Scottish Community, and served as the convener for Clan Wallace for many years. For several years, he served as part of the Color Guard in the Salute to Veterans at Scottish Fest USA, over Memorial Day weekend, at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, where he will be accorded honors this year.
Ed wrote several excellent historical novels over the past few years, all of which are available through Amazon. He held a PhD in engineering, and taught at university level, as well as working in the private sector.
His first book was entitled ‘Legacy of Honor’; a fitting one, for such a gallant gentleman.
Ed was a devoted husband, father, and friend.
A church service was held Saturday, and a funeral internment ceremony took take place Thursday, April 7th at 1:00 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, section 9 site 561.
Semper Fi Skipper! Your duty here is completed. Your next and final duty station, will be at the Gates of Heaven.
It is with much sadness that we report past president of the Clan Wallace Society Jim (Marcus) Wallace passed on July 16, 2016. Marcus J. (Jim) Wallace Jr. was born in Port Neches, Texas in 1937. He spent most of his early life in Texas where he graduated from Port Neches High school. Then he went on to continue his education and graduated from Texas A&M, school of Engineering. Yes, Dad was an Aggie! He told and loved Aggie jokes with the best of ’em. He moved to California after college when he joined the Coast Guard. After a few years of active duty, he became a reservist and then got a job with the phone company and moved to Houston, then to St. Louis and finally settled in Oklahoma City for a long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. I think his heart was always in Texas though. He loved the people, the food and Aggie football! He married Janet Sue Sampson and they raised 2 children, Donna and David. He moved back to Texas a little over a year after Mom passed away to be close to his family and especially his grandkids. Jim enjoyed cooking, grilling outdoors and making unique dishes and not telling you what it was until after you ate it. Dad had a mischievous side that was fun to see. Corinth, TX is where he lived out his life, enjoying genealogy and trying to track down long lost family. He republished several books about William Wallace, participated in DNA studies, loved traveling to and attending Scottish games in the US and Canada while representing Clan Wallace. A special place in his heart was spending time with his children and grandchildren Heather, Joshua and Johnathan and his two (soon to be three) great grandchildren Jordan, Finnleigh and one on the way. Jim passed away on July 16, 2016. He will be dearly missed. Whenever I see a can of kipper snacks or lately vanilla bean shakes from Sonic, I will think of you Dad. Going to Mi Terra and traveling the back roads will never be the same. We will make one more trip to OK and place you beside Mom. We love you. The family asks in lieu of flowers you send a donation to the Central Texas Area Museum – Salado, TX
One of the J.T. Rochead original plans when designing the National Wallace Monument between 1861 and 1869
Digitized versions of the original architect’s plans of the famous Scottish landmark, The National Wallace Monument in Stirling, will be unveiled in an outdoor display during a special weekend, from 24th – 26th June, to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design and to mark the 155th Anniversary of the Laying of the Foundation Stone.
Designed by the Edinburgh-born architect J. T. Rochead and built between 1861 and 1869, The National Wallace Monument, which now attracts over 100,000 visitors a year, is an iconic monument that has defined the landscape of Stirling and Central Scotland.
Demonstrating the exquisite work of J.T. Rochead, the original hand drawn plans, which date from 1859 to 1862 are held at Stirling Council Archives. The 18 plans which were previously cleaned and repaired in 2014, have now been digitised, by Townsweb Archiving. The availability of electronic images of the plans will provide visitors to the popular tourist attraction an insight in to the ambitious project surrounding the planning and building of the commemorative monument for William Wallace.
Private donations from all over the world funded the construction of J.T. Rochead’s design. An unprecedented number of donations were collected over a period of 8 years that allowed the project to come to fruition. The National Wallace Monument was officially unveiled in 1869.
Stirling District Tourism, the charity that manages the Stirling attraction, funded the digitisation project involving 16 of the original 18 plans, which reveal just how meticulously Rochead designed every part of the building. A selection of these plans will be on display at the Monument from 24th to 26th June, and members of the public can also request to see the original plans at Stirling Council Archives’ public search room, free of charge.
Pam McNicol, Council Archivist at Stirling Council Archives, commented: “It is fantastic to see these original plans come to life through digitisation. It will give a new generation a chance to see the plans and learn more about the Monument’s architect J.T Rochead. We can’t wait to see the display during the Victorian Masterpiece Weekend in June.”
About The National Wallace Monument
The National Wallace Monument is managed and operated by Stirling District Tourism Limited. The Monument was opened in 1869 to commemorate the life of the Scottish patriot and martyr Sir William Wallace and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
A registered charity, Stirling District Tourism receives no Government funding and is reliant on donations and admission fees. In 2014 the Monument underwent a £350,000 refurbishment programme that included new displays, interpretations and audio-visual systems for the three exhibition galleries. A further investment during 2015 included a refurbishment of Legends Coffee House.
In June the Monument will be open each day from 9.30am until 5.00pm. Visitor information is available from 01786 472140 and www.nationalwallacemonument.com
From the 24th to the 26th of June The National Wallace Monument is set to mark Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design by celebrating the work of its architect John Thomas Rochead, with a weekend of special activities including a display of his original architectural designs for the building.
The three-day event entitled ‘A Victorian Masterpiece’ will commence on the 155th Anniversary of the Laying of the Foundation Stone for the Monument, and will allow visitors to experience the excitement of 1861 as work started on the building which would commemorate William Wallace.
Along with the displays of the original plans, there will be traditional building skills and craft demonstrations from stonemasonry specialists from Historic Environment Scotland, traditional Scottish music from a piper and a new exhibition of Monument memorabilia for visitors to enjoy across the weekend.
Live presentations by costumed actors telling the story of the Monument, will also form part of the weekend of activities. Performances each day will introduce visitors to the architect J. T. Rochead, and to the Monument’s first Caretaker, as well as the hero the building was designed to commemorate – William Wallace.
To add a modern twist, there will also be a fun photo area with Victorian props for visitors to take their own Victorian selfies! Children can also take part in face painting, and meet the Monument’s mascot – Braveheart Bear, who has designed some challenges for younger visitors in his special activity book.
As part of the celebration The National Wallace Monument is offering all visitors a reduction of 10% on admission tickets over the three days, and this is available with tickets purchased in advance online, or on arrival at the Monument.
Hail to Our Chief
Ian Francis Wallace
35th of that Ilk
1926 – 2016
Ian Francis Wallace of that Ilk, 35th Clan Chief with wife Teresa
Ian Wallace, 89, was an energetic fighter for and protector of Scotland’s place in the world, in the realms of technology, the arts, and of politics. He used his skills learned from a lifetime in international business to work closely with Edinburgh University, wielding not cold steel, but financial acumen, in achieving the commercial development of its researchers’ ideas. A principal project of the University’s venture capital Quantum Fund, of which he was a founder director in 1985, was the digital “vision chip”, now found in every mobile phone, camera, and drone.
Wallace was driven by a sense of frustration that Scotland had lost out to the United States in the race to be at the forefront of vision technology. This he blamed on the failure of financiers at home to move fast enough in support of her innovators’ work. In the 1980s he became a consultant to the University’s Centre for Industrial Liaison and Consultancy. Wallace also helped to establish the University’s Centre for Human Ecology, taking a longstanding interest in promoting and developing the wider application of renewable energy.
In support of Scotland’s music, he took part in the management of the Scottish Baroque Ensemble, and for the visual arts, helped to establish the Leith School of Art, where he became a regular student at classes. But it was in politics that a strong will, undoubtedly passed down seven centuries from his illustrious ancestor, made itself felt. He did not shrink from dismaying some of his friends by taking part, in the 1970s, in the earliest campaign for a Scottish Assembly, which led to the referendum on Scottish Devolution in 1979 and the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh 20 years later.
“He was passionate about Scotland and its potential as an independent nation”, his family recall. Nevertheless he displayed sensitivity in the potentially divisive debates that followed. “He remained absolutely resolute,” it is remembered of him, “but good-humoured.“
Wallace was 35th head of what is known, in Highland fashion, to its worldwide adherents as the “Clan Wallace”, but is in fact a Lowland family that originated from the south-west of Scotland. His tenure as chief coincided with the 700th anniversary, in 2005, of the execution of Sir William Wallace by King Edward I of England in London in 1305.
Arms of Ian Francis Wallace 35th Chief of that Ilk
The son of Colonel Robert Francis Hurter Wallace of that Ilk, CMG, and of his wife Euphemia, herself a colonel’s daughter, Wallace was the youngest of three brothers. The eldest, Malcolm, from whom he inherited the Wallace chiefship in 1991, served with the Black Watch in the Second World War, Korea and Borneo; was Mentioned in Dispatches, and rose to be a Lieutenant Colonel. The other, Donald, was killed in action in Normandy in 1944.
Ian Francis Wallace was educated at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, England, and did his national service in the army from 1944, going on to serve as a Lieutenant in the Middle East Land Forces (Arab Legion) in Palestine between 1946 and 1948. His experiences there made him, for the rest of his life, a committed supporter of the Palestinian cause.
He went up to New College, Oxford, in 1948 to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics, graduating MA in 1951. There followed two years pursuing business studies at the Centre d’Etudes Industrielles, Geneva, during which Wallace also proved himself as a mountaineer, conquering, among other ascents, the Matterhorn. He also acquired a lifelong love of skiing.
He began his business career in 1954 with the Aluminium Ltd Group of Companies (Alcan), working in Canada and in Britain until 1959. He then joined the British-Australian mining company Rio Tinto Zinc Corporation (RTZ), now Rio Tinto Group.
In 1963, he married Teresa Hyne Buckingham, a clergyman’s daughter, and they would have two sons, Andrew and James, and a daughter, Henrietta.
Wallace spent much of his working life based in London at RTZ’s headquarters, and was not to bring his family back to Scotland until 1977.
The advent of the 1995 film Braveheart, directed by the American actor Mel Gibson, who also played William Wallace, and which set off a worldwide cult of the Scotland’s hero, proved something of an ordeal for Wallace. He did not care for the film’s sensational aspects, nor for what he saw as the liberties it took with history, but, friends remember, “ he weathered the Braveheart phenomenon with characteristically quiet good humour”.
Wallace remained all his life proud of his ancestor, who as one of the Guardians of Scotland was briefly head of state at the end of the 13th century, following his victory over the English at the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. One of a number of ceremonies which took place in 2005 to mark the 700 years since the first Wallace’s death was at Stirling, site of the 19th-century Wallace Monument, now a focus of pilgrimage by enthusiasts worldwide.
Ian Wallace is survived by his wife and his three children. His son Andrew succeeds him as 36th Chief. Just as did his ancestor, Ian Wallace took a broad view of the causes he supported, his favourite quotation being from GK Chesterton’s tale, “The Hammer of God”: “Humility is the mother of giants; one sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak.”
Chief Ian Francis Wallace will be missed by his family and the entire worldwide family of Wallace.
Clan Wallace Society 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Fundraiser
To mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Clan Wallace Society in Salado Texas, a commemorative coin has been created. We are using the coin as a fundraiser for ongoing and future projects.
On one side of the coin is the state of Texas with a banner containing the dates 1966-2016. The background is the Wallace tartan and the Scottish Flag is near the panhandle. The outside of the coin is encircled with Celtic knots and the words Clan Wallace Society. The other side of the coin is the Clan Wallace crest surrounded with the plant badge of Oak leafs and acorns. The coins are 1.75″ in diameter.
Please note minimum donation per coin is $10.00, payable to the Clan Wallace Society.
To obtain your commemorative coins please use this form and send with your check made out to The Clan Wallace Society to: Secretary Clan Wallace Society – PO Box One – Trenton, SC 29847
