Well, for what it's worth, Geoffrey Dana Peter Charles Wallace of Cincinnati, OH, went home to be with the Lord on February 22, 2021, at the age of 67.

 

Born on April 28, 1953, in Everett, Massachusetts, Geoff moved with his family to the small town of Mason, Ohio, at the age of one. As there were seven of them, the Wallace siblings always have a story to tell or a memory to share. According to his brothers and sisters, Geoff provided guidance and support always. Through many fun times, lots of love, and laughter, Geoff was a one-of-a-kind brother.

 

Geoff worked at General Electric for 41 years, where he started many lifelong friendships. He proudly served his country as a reservist in the US Army, US Navy, & US Air Force. Geoff loved his family, laughter, and a positive attitude; he was the ultimate optimist. He never let his loss of vision stop him from enjoying his life to the fullest; after retiring, Geoff went skydiving and whitewater rafting through the lower Gauley. One of Geoff's most admirable qualities was his ability to remain as optimistic as they come. When he lost his vision and ability to drive himself around, he never grumbled or complained about it. Instead, he kept the faith and always looked to the bright side of things. Recently before he died, having been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Geoff continued his great attitude. When the doctor told him he would need chemotherapy, he responded with, "Wow! Chemotherapy, what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

 

Geoff always said variety is the spice of life. He also had a lot of other sayings his family and friends will miss hearing on a daily basis: “Whoops,” and “Wow,” and “for what it’s worth…”

 

He had an open-door policy to his home – “I say, whoever knocks, open locks!” Family, friends, friends of friends, and animals were always welcome in his home. He relished the opportunity to hear about his guests’ lives and was the picture of an avid audience. “Wow!” he would say in response to even the most seemingly mundane storyteller’s tale. And he meant it. He had a sense of wonder and awe and appreciation that was so genuine; it could throw you off-guard.

 

Geoff was known for his one-of-a-kind voice. Deep and gravelly, it often moved people to tell him he should pursue a career in radio.  For a period he volunteered for radio reading services and used his radio voice to read the newspaper to blind people over the radio.  

 

Geoff was a happy, kind, generous, social man. He volunteered on the Vineyard Cincinnati Serving team as a greeter, getting to smile as he held the door for anyone on their way into the church. He loved walking around his neighborhood chatting with all his neighbors.  He never met one person that he couldn’t bullshit with. When his children were young, he volunteered at their school countless times to help at the Spring Carnival, emcee the Talent Show, and even don a Santa Suit on occasion. Being a father was Geoffrey's crowning achievement. Loving his two children and many "adopted" daughters was what he was best at and enjoyed most. When his kids were young, there wasn't a weekend that passed where Geoff didn't have a car full of kids going on some adventure around town.  

 

Geoff will be remembered most for his contagious laugh and always showing love and kindness to others no matter the cost. He supported many causes throughout his life; a favorite was participating in the Polar Bear Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics. In his last selfless act on earth, he donated his body to science in hopes that they could discover a cure for ocular histoplasmosis. 

  

He was easy to love and he loved so easily. Geoff Wallace TRULY made this world a better place.

 

He is greatly missed by his two children Ian & Katie, "SIL" Jared, his black labs Jackson & Molly, and countless family and friends.