LEUNG _ It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wallace Leung on January 18th, 2002 at the age of 33 in New York Presbyterian Hospital after a courageous battle with an unconfirmed case of viral encephalitis. Born on December 8th, 1968 in Vancouver, Wallace is the beloved son of Bill and Amy Leung, brother of Wayne and fiancee of Evelyn Thatcher. Wallace is also mourned by multitudes of friends and countless people whom he touched and inspired in his various roles as conductor, musical director, violinist, teacher and mentor. Wallace's profound influence was communicated by his enormous love of music and life, thereby earning the respect and admiration of everyone with whom he came into contact. Among his vast accomplishments, Wallace most recently became the Music Director of the Prince George Symphony. A UBC graduate, he was also the Artistic Director of Vancouver Philharmonic and of the Canada West Chamber Orchestra and Conductor of the Vancouver contemporary music group, the Helikon Ensemble. Wallace co-founded The Little Chamber Music Series That Could and for many years was the Artistic Director. He also held the position of Music Director of the award winning Delta Youth Orchestra and the Fraser Valley Symphony. His longest-standing artistic affiliation was with the Gateway Theatre in Richmond, BC. He played the violin at the opening of the theatre at age 15, began as assistant conductor at age 19 and has been Music Director since 1995. His influence and dedication were felt not only in Vancouver but across Canada and abroad. Wallace has appeared with the Nova Sinfonia in Halifax, Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra London Canada, the Hungarian Symphony in Budapest, Bohuslave Martinu Philharmonic in the Czech Republic and the Blue Engine Music Society in Halifax of which he was an artistic advisor and guest conductor. In the summer of 2000, Wallace conducted in a production of Die Fledermaus at the Silesian State Opera House in Opava, Czech Rupublic as part of the International Syphonic Workshops. It was here that he met his soulmate, financee Evelyn Thatcher. Wallace accomplished more professionally and personally in the short time he was here than many of us will in our entire lives. Even in his illness, the doctors said most people do not survive 24 hours, and Wallace fought for four weeks. In addition to his many artistic accomplishments, Wallace will primarily be remembered for being a truly exceptional human being. Wallace lived with great passion in all aspects of his life. He had a great love of sports, particularly soccer, golf and hockey and was an outstanding athlete. Wallace was a consummate team player who put other's interests before his own. His exceptionally rare leadership qualities combined strength, unwavering vision, humility, great passion and humour. He also loved to travel and considered Vienna to be like a second home. He had the great gift of inspiring both confidence as well as excellence in those around him, enabling each of us to be all we could be. Generous, kind, loyal and loving he had a fantastic sense of humour and an infectious laugh, which continues to resonate in our hearts and minds. He loved others with the same passion and dedication with which he lived his life. If you knew Wallace, you knew the true meaning of integrity and love. Wallace, it was a great honour to be part of your life. We will follow your example. You will live with us and in us forever. We love you. 

Courtesy of the Vancouver Sun

Wallace Leung Memorial Page