PLAIN FOLK

by Billy Jones
Wally Garrioch gets my vote

On any given evening, you might find Wally Garrioch entertaining in a home for seniors, strolling through a hospital ward, or at a community fund-raiser. Shucks! You could even find him in school, singing for a class of youngsters. On the other hand, maybe you’ve seen him dressed as a singing rabbit, a leprechaun, or Santa Claus on your tour through the mall.
It would be hard to find anyone among Medicine Hatters who doesn’t know, or hasn’t been entertained by, Wally Garrioch. He is one of those rare individuals whose generosity is only exceeded by more generosity.
Wally migrated from Winnipeg to the Medicine Hat area in 1973 and has since played in several bands. He overcame some personal health problems and volunteered to help in the hospital’s auxiliary ward. After that, he felt a need to take this service further.
“Entertaining has been a big part of my life.” says Wally. “It’s so good to see people’s faces brighten up when they recognize a melody they knew long ago. Music is the roadmap of your life. When you hear a song, it brings back memories of times gone by and friends you used to know. I hope I can continue to play and sing for many years to come.”
Wally’s wife, Brenda, recently told me how excited he was when he became eligible to join Medicine Hat’s Hillbilly Band. The Hillbilly Band is well known for sharing their musical talents with shut-ins and seniors homes.
He is now a regular with the Hillbilly, as well as the Chinook, band and plays as a single wherever he’s needed. On rare occasions, an engagement comes along where he gets paid to perform. It’s been my pleasure to share the stage with him as a volunteer.
In 1990, Wally’s acting ability emerged when he joined the Firehall Theatre and the Medicine Hat Musical Theatre. He won the lead role in Annie and became hooked. “I was sometimes a chorus member, moved sets or props, backdrops and scrims, and I even got to direct the production of Snow White.”
A most notable, on-going, play is The Trial of Louis Riel with Wally playing the part of the historical Metis rebel. This play was presented in its prime on cable 10 a few years ago.
Some of the highlights of Wally’s career were playing for the Alberta Seniors Games, the Bar 10 Ranch Party TV show, a Standing Ovation Award, the Metronome Award and, recently, the 2004 Legionnaire Award from the Robertson Memorial Medicine Hat Legion #17.
In my book, Wally Garrioch qualifies for a Greatest Canadian Volunteer Award. There is no doubt in my mind that our city fathers and the members of our community should recognize this man for the un-dying contribution to his fellow man he so freely gives.
Thank you from all of us who care, Wally. You’ve sure got my vote.