Obituary of John (Wally) Wallace MADILL

September 3, 1930 – Medicine Hat, Alberta
July 28, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

J.W. (Wally) Madill was born on September 3, 1930 to Bert and Sue Madill on a dry prairie farm, near Foremost, AB. He passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the age of 90 years.  

Family and farm values of dedication and hard work informed Wally’s life. After a career start in banking and energy, he returned to his roots becoming the third generation Madill to join the farm cooperative movement. Wally drew on his education in agriculture and economics at University of Alberta and Stanford to move forward the Alberta Wheat Pool as CEO. He was sought out by Canadian and international agencies for projects around the world and for board positions in multiple industries. Wally had a gift for speaking and storytelling that engaged business, community, family, and friends. He loved and served Calgary as President of the Chamber of Commerce and was on the Senate and Advisory Council to the Business School at the University of Calgary. While dementia restricted his external world in later years, he enjoyed the garden, visits and phone calls, the Prairie sky, and the country music of his Prairie roots.  

Wally will be greatly missed by Anita, the love of his life and partner for sixty-seven years, son Creighton, daughter-in-law Sandra Wood, and daughter Erin. He was so proud of grandkids, Aliyah, Evan, and Max and of nieces, Cindy, Danita and Stephanie and families. He is also survived by sister Bette and brother Dinsmore. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Should you wish, plant something special in your garden or make a donation to a favourite charity in Wally’s memory. Special thanks for making life better goes to Dr. Norman Yee, devoted and loving care-giver Rachelle, singing case manager Roland, and the homecare team. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on here.

In living memory of Wally Madill, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.