Steve Wallace’s wife told CHEK News Friday morning that Wallace died in hospital Thursday night.
“With a heavy heart, I share with you that my devoted husband of 48 years Steve Wallace passed away at Royal Jubilee Hospital after suffering a heart attack,” said Joan Wallace via email.
Before moving to Victoria, Wallace was an elementary and high school teacher in the central B.C. town of Quesnel. He later was elected a city councillor, and eventually went on to sit as Quesnel’s mayor.
Wallace also served as president of the Union of BC Municipalities and the vice-president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Wallace was a well-known driving instructor in Victoria who operated the Wallace Driving School. According to his business website, Wallace taught over 25,000 students how to drive in a career that spanned over four decades.
In recent months, Wallace faced allegations of inappropriate touching and behavior directed at his driving students.
Following the accusations, ICBC suspended Wallace’s driving instructor license. Victoria Police also investigated and eventually recommended three sexual assault charges against him.
But on Wednesday crown counsel announced they wouldn’t be pressing charges.
“The charge assessment standard had not been met for any criminal offence and no charges will proceed,” said BC’s Prosecution Service in a statement.
Wallace’s lawyer told CHEK News Wednesday, before Wallace died, that the last few months had been stressful for his client.
“I’m sure he was relieved, but this has been an awful burden on him and his family,” said Dale Marshall, Wallace’s defence lawyer, a day before Wallace died.
“While it has been a difficult period of time…I am grateful that he had the opportunity to finally experience the relief from the allegations against him not being pursued,” said Joan Wallace in an emailed statement to CHEK News.
Steve Wallace was 72.
Kori Sidaway
