Pat Wallace remembered for smile, positive outlook

737 captain died in motorcycle accident 
Updated May 4, 2006

Alaska Airlines employees who knew Pat Wallace describe him as a consummate professional with a positive outlook, a top-notch pilot and a caring person devoted to his church and family.  

Wallace, a Boeing 737 captain based in Seattle , died while off-duty last Friday in a motorcycle accident near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport .  

“He was wonderful. He always had a positive outlook,” said Renee Niederstadt, an employee travel, programs and events specialist, who knew Wallace primarily through their children. “He always looked for and found the best in life.”  

Wallace, 44, always dreamed of becoming a pilot — and loved Alaska Airlines. To honor his devotion, he will be buried in his pilot’s uniform and his family requested that pilots wear their uniforms to the funeral service, said Capt. Paul Hildebrandt.   

First officer Greg Wright met Wallace nearly 20 years ago in the Fort Lewis Army flying club. They were reunited after applying to become Alaska pilots and were scheduled for a simulator test.  

“We were all nervous as heck, but he volunteered to go first,” Wright said. “And he did a fantastic job. He was an excellent pilot.”   

Besides his warm smile, Wallace was known for helping others on and off the job. Mary Shaffer, administrative assistant for the pilots’ group, recalled how Wallace learned about a Port of Seattle bus driver who was afflicted with cancer and took up a collection to help the man pay his expenses. And when Shaffer underwent cancer treatment, Wallace visited her and brought flowers.

“He just liked to make people happy,” Shaffer said. “And he had a lot of integrity.”  

Family and church were always his top priority. Even after Wallace earned enough seniority to avoid flying dreaded all-nighters, he still volunteered so he could be home with his family during the day, Hildebrandt said.  

He was a leader for his son’s Boy Scout troop and frequently volunteered to help with projects at St. Francis of Assisi , where he attended Mass and his children were schooled. Just a few months ago, Wallace took his father to France to visit Normandy, Niederstadt said.  

He is survived by his wife, Theresa, daughter, Chanel, and son, Chase. Other surviving family members include his parents, Arlene and Patrick; brothers, Andy and Tom; his sister, Theresa; and the family poodle, Chewy.

Wallace graduated from Highline High School in 1980 and retired from the U.S. Air Force as a senior master sergeant. Wallace was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Remembrances are suggested to a scholarship fund set up for his children.

To read more or sign a guestbook, visit Legacy.com.