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Linda Wallage RIP

 


A few weeks ago I got word another KMHC tenant pioneer has suddenly passed away Linda Wallage.  I decided to wait awhile to share my thoughts. Many years ago I remember when Linda took over the position as receptionist at Urban Native Homes Inc head office on Albert Street.  I liked her immediately she was bubbly and friendly to us tenants who dropped by to pay the rent. 

Later she became UNH director Janis Lewis-Deeley's assistant, I recall one time at Gage Park UNH's held a summer picnic for tenants. Many tenants showed up for the food but the UNH organizers didn't arrange any games or contests for the tenants to participate. As I watched from the background I can see the picnic event was sinking fast.  Suddenly Linda Wallage got up and shouts encouragement to tenants to play kick the ball and came up with other games.  Months later I gave her a compliment on how she saved the picnic she replied 'I had to do something, it was so boring!' we both laughed. :D

Her job as the director's assistant didn't last long, I was disappointed to find out she's gone and hoped the best for her.  About a year later I ran into her at a neighbourhood park, she was with her little dog I asked how are things she replied she's hoping to be called back to UNH but it never happened.  Not long after I heard she moved into the KMHC building. I was glad to see her and we exchanged greetings whenever we met in the hallway or at the entrance door.  She and her boyfriend were a nice looking couple who drank a lot then soon after their relationship ended. 

I think the ending of the relationship broke her spirit, it was during this time she was really hitting the bottle and started to look disheveled.  Hanging out with aunt Opie/Joan Frame and her KMHC drunk buddies didn't help.  I don't drink so Linda and I didn't hang out, yet we would wave at each other as I cycled along King Street and would see her outside of Jabronie's Bar having a smoke. 

RIP Linda. 

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