Wallace was a man that inspired me to teach. He’ll always be referenced in my research papers for what he helped me find. My passion. Even though we disagreed on almost everything politically, I respected him more than anybody I’ve ever met. Wallace, whatever happens after death, you deserve the best. 

Dr. Wallace was my Sociology Professor at Cuesta College. He was also my mentor, my wise counselor, my life coach, my cheerleader, my advocate, my story teller, my laugh so hard, my stomach ached buddy, and above all, my true friend. His brilliant mind, plus his down to earth personality made him a great teacher. What I miss most already, was his sense of humor. We laughed and shared our wild stories from our past. One morning before class Dr. Wallace and I were in his office, He said he needed to run to the restroom to brush his teeth before class. He confided in me that he brushed his teeth many times per day, that he was a bit obsessive about it. As he left to brush his teeth, I sat thinking how funny this was, and when he returned I joked about him having OCD ( Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). As class began, and he was preparing to start his lecture, I got his attention and pointed to my teeth, acting like I had food stuck in between my teeth, then pointed to him. He froze and then excused himself and hurried off to the restroom to brush his teeth. When he returned, I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks. He realized what I had done and gave me the look and smiled. After class, we laughed and laughed about it. We had so much fun at Cuesta together. I will treasure the memories. He made a huge impact on my life and encouraged, and supported my educational goals. He went above and beyond to help us graduate. I wish he could have been at our graduation. A group of his students,( myself included), graduated and earned our AA’s in Sociology. Thank You Dr. Wallace. You will forever be in my heart.

Terry Barber

Had some great discussion and laughs during Geoffrey’s time in Dundee. Last song we jammed together was ‘Love will keep us alive’. For me this sums up his legacy.

As has been said, Geoffrey was a champion of life-long education. Although I was never lucky enough to be one of his students, I have been blessed to describe him as my ‘friend’. I value what I learned from Geoffrey as highly as what I was formally taught in school.

In 2002 I was introduced to Geoffrey while an EAP student at UCSB. While working in the Associated Student Bike Shop he was a regular visitor. Being Scottish, and speaking fluent ‘Campagnolo’ we had a little in common – but our bond became much stronger than that. Incredibly generous with his time and energy, when I was with Geoffrey he always made me feel like I had his attention. I had great fun in California, but I also had confidence issues among some other challenges. It is hard to put into words the impact that meeting Geoffrey (and later being introduced to Tamara) had on boosting my self-esteem and sense of purpose.

I remember not long after Geoffrey and Tamara first moved to Scotland, Geoffrey was encouraging me to apply for a great career opportunity. I wasn’t able to, and was hugely anxious that I’d let him down. For Geoffrey this wasn’t the case at all – he had the confidence I could do the role and wanted me to have that too. When I finally landed a job I was passionate about he made me full on top of the world. Given all the incredible people Geoffrey has known throughout his life I’d often wonder why he invested such time in me.

During the Kennoway years I got to spend more time with Geoffrey and Tamara. Visiting ‘the Mound’ was always a recharge. We’d go great bike rides while our discussions would range from ritual observations of culture and sport (we couldn’t agree on ‘Lance’), to exploring topics I’d never even have considered before. In Tamara and Geoffrey I have had two mentors to pick me up when I need, to open my eyes and broaden my horizons.

Since returning to California we saw less of each other, but like a true friendship when we have caught up it has always been just as it was before. I’m so glad my two young children got to meet Geoffrey. Albeit they will be too young to remember, but I can share my stories and they will know they got to meet a great, and incredible generous man who made the world around him a better place.

Thanks Geoffrey. We miss you.

Tamara, I don’t believe we ever met, but Geoff and I were friends from before he became ombudsman at UCSB. In fact, I was a student rep on the committee that hired him, which I was honored and proud to do as his friend and colleague. From time to time he would reach out to invite me to visit you both, but alas, I never did. I remember him more than fondly and am sending you blessings and prayers. Somehow, he is always a part of my life and of who I am. Please consider me a part of your family as well.

Matthew and Quercus at the Seattle Aquarium with Geoffrey and Tamara, July 2014.

Geoff and I were close friends in the early to mid 1970s. I was a graduate student in Sociology. We first met through the Sociology Department, but immediately became very close. We spent days together sharing music and life experiences. After leaving Santa Barbara and coming to the University of Delaware, I spent much of the summer of 1976 with Geoff on a visit to Santa Barbara. Our friendship was strong and lasting. In recent years, I looked forward to his posts on Facebook and our best wishes to one another for birthdays and an occasional email exchange. I will miss his intellect, his wonderful sense of humor, and his deep sense of commitment. You will always be in my thoughts and memory.

Dr. Wallace was my sociology professor, but more importantly, he bestowed upon me a certain set of values. I changed my views on the purpose of education with his guidance and example. It isn’t about a letter that defines you, but how you have grown as a student and a human being. He was also one cool cat and it is a shame that future students won’t have an opportunity to study under him. Best wishes.

I first met Geoffrey at the CalCaucus Conference at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds in November 2000. I was a brand new academic Ombudsman and thirsty for knowledge, guidance, and suggestions on best practice as an Ombudsman. Geoffrey and I hit it off and he quickly became my mentor.

Geoffrey had a clear sense of who and what an Ombudsman should be and how we should conduct our profession. I learned much from Geoffrey, he always answered my questions in a way that made me think. He inspired me as I decided to pursue a Masters Degree with my thesis focused on Ombuds. I could never thank Geoffrey enough for his guidance, friendship, and support.

May he RIP.

One year ago, my Mom, Theresa lost her life to lung cancer. I feel so thankful to still have Hilda here.

Rest in peace, Mom and Geoff. 
Love to everyone

I got to know Geoffrey during his time as Ombudsman at the University of California at Santa Barbara, and when my fiancé Laura and I were in search of someone to officiate at our wedding, our thoughts turned to Geoffrey, who graciously agreed to perform our ceremony. We were married on May 2, 1998, and felt honored to have such a fine man as Geoffrey blessing our union. We recently celebrated our 20th anniversary, and thought of Geoffrey in far-off Scotland. We tipped a glass in his honor, not knowing he had passed a few days before. Farewell and safe travels, Dr. Wallace. We feel fortunate and much better off for having known you. Fondly and with remembrance, Mike and Laura Mullins

Such a profound loss. Geoffrey was an incredible, fierce and gentle soul. He cared for and counseled me, and many others, during his tenure at UCSB. He lives on in our hearts and in our souls.

A faculty chair was left empty during the Graduation Ceremony at Cuesta College in May 2018, as a memorial/recognition to Dr. Wallace. There is a handful of his students graduating with degree’s in Sociology, myself included, that wanted to honor him at graduation.

Subject: Geoffrey Wallace  

Dear Social Sciences faculty: It is with great sadness that I share this message with you that our esteemed colleague and friend Dr. Geoffrey Wallace passed away on April 24, 2018. Geoffrey began teaching Sociology courses at Cuesta College following a distinguished career as Sociology Professor and appointment as University Ombudsman in the President’s Office at the University of California, Santa Barbara. At Cuesta, Geoffrey was an inspirational instructor who students respected and appreciated for the major influence he had on their lives. Geoffrey was instrumental in developing the Sociology Associate Degree Programs at the North County Campus and will be sincerely missed by the many students and colleagues who enjoyed his friendship there.  

Sincerely,
Brent LaMon, Ph.D. Psychology Chair,
Social Sciences Division
Cuesta College

Dear friends,

Geoffrey was a special friend to so many of us. If you are receiving this document, it is because you have been invited to contribute your loving thoughts and memories about Geoffrey. What we write together will exist as a memorial, a testament to the truly remarkable man we all knew.

I met Geoffrey for the first time when I was only 13. My parents were activists, and when their nonprofit legal work in Washington D.C. came to a sudden halt in 1993 they left the east coast for the bosom of California. And Geoffrey was there to receive them. As the ombudsman at the University of California at Santa Barbara, he welcomed my father to the university and invited him to teach for one semester. I completed my high school education in Santa Barbara, and eventually my family moved to Santa Cruz, with a brief interlude in Boston. We have remained close to Geoffrey the entire time. He has served as a board member—and a constant inspiration—for our nonprofit law firm.

Geoffrey was one of a kind. I am now 39 years old, so I have known him for 26 years. His personality has deeply impressed itself upon my psyche. As a young man I knew him but not well. He was one of my parents’ friends—a true believer in the work. He was always willing to stake whatever resources he had to make the world a more just place.

Geoffrey did more than bring progressive values and intellectuality into this world. He also harbored a pure love for music. I shared all three of these things with him, once I became his friend during adulthood. They were these three things that brought us together, that bonded us tightly, such that I had moments with him—often while driving in one of his impressive automobiles—that I believe expressed the essence of friendship. No mere spending time, or chattering, or fulfilling roles, or showing up because we felt life expected us to somehow. Actual intimacy, where we touched one another’s souls. And it wasn’t easy to touch Geoffrey’s soul. As all of you know well, Geoffrey’s mind was a phenomenon. It was like a rowdy computer, forever weaving tapestries you had to pay close attention to in order to understand. Geoffrey wanted to see the world become a place where those of us whose hearts bleed might feel at home—a place of civility. Most of his actions were inspired by this desire, but he also presented himself with real style. If only the whole world had Geoffrey’s heart.

Geoffrey knew himself, and he understood how to track other beings who shared his most important qualities. He never fit into the mainstream, and yet that didn’t cause him much anxiety. He was a confident man who put himself forward regardless of whether the tapestry he was weaving could be enjoyed by those immediately nearby. If people caught some of what he created, that was enough for him. And if they caught none at all, he could handle that as well. To what extent he needed to be understood by those closest to him, to be seen, I’m not entirely sure. But I know that I made every effort to be someone who saw him, and in exchange he granted me his sustained attention—for which I will be forever grateful.

If only the world would generate more Geoffrey Wallaces. If only it would generate them by the thousands. If only the world would populate itself with beings who think deeply, feel fully, and track the rock n’ roll spirit. Then we’d really be in business…….. RIP wonderful friend, Geoffrey. If you’re existing now in the spirit realm (I believe you are), perceiving all with a lucidity the rest of us will achieve some day, I hope you will put a good word in for the rest of us, so that we might have an improved chance of matching your elegance while on earth.

Thank you Geoffrey for your friendship and well referenced debate en velo as we pedaled round Tayside, Fife and California. Ride ahead of me into the sunset with the wind behind you. Bon voyage!

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar’d sin’ auld lang syne . . . My big brother, gone. Love you Bubba!