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President - GPC

It is with heavy heart and profound sadness that I have learned about the passing of Mr Richard Wallace - Paps.

He passed away surrounded by his loving family. He left this earth like he lived his life - with love for his family, with his unique personality and trademark toughness...

May you rest in peace Paps...

7/22/2024 2:41:11 PM

Kutztown, PA

Condolences to the Wallace family. I always considered myself lucky to read a post on this site authored by Mr. Wallace. I knew I could apply his advice with confidence. Great guy! He'll be sorely missed.

7/22/2024 3:36:39 PM

Lymington UK

Such sad news. I talked to him last week and he was so proud of all the pumpkin community. He will be sadly missed and my heart goes out to his family. Ian

7/22/2024 3:49:40 PM

Sharon, MA

I will miss Pap with all my heart. He was a true friend, with a bigger than life personality. Nancy and I offer our most sincere condolences

7/22/2024 3:53:39 PM

Nova Scotia

Oh dear very sad to hear this. Good ole 'Paps' Wallace back in the day when he got the giant pumpkin bug and with his dedication, hard work along with a tremendous family and friends brought Rhode Island to the forefront with the giant pumpkin world in a BIG way. Along with his son Ron they helped many many growers and clubs who have gone on to achieve amazing records to this very day. I could say so much more. So glad that Dad and I met him and Ron years back at a Niagara convention. There must be a message from the "Pumpkin Gods" because today would have been Dad's 90th Birthday? Anyhow I'm sure they will have lots to talk about. Our sincere condolences to Ron and family from the DILL FAMILY FARM. Danny

7/22/2024 4:05:37 PM

Colorado

Our condolences to The Wallaces from Michelle and Joe Scherber.

7/22/2024 4:08:59 PM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

So sorry to hear the sad news and my condolences to Ron and their family. He was a true ambassador to our pumpkin growing community. Thanks for the memories, Pap, you will be missed.

7/22/2024 4:40:14 PM

Central NY

So sorry to hear this news. Our condolences to the Wallace family. Pap helped so many.

7/22/2024 4:49:28 PM

South Dakota

rip

7/22/2024 4:49:46 PM

Lymington

Kazzy and I are so proud to say he was our friend it’s a very sad day but we’re never going to forget the time we spent with him and all the Wallace family. We love you Pap
Kazzy and Stewie xx

7/22/2024 5:37:00 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

RIP Pap, you will be missed. Condolences to Ron and the rest of the family.

7/22/2024 5:43:32 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

Very sorry to hear this. Pap was truly a great guy. Our deepest condolences. Larry & Gerry

7/22/2024 5:50:56 PM

valtierra/spain

Ron, my condolences, it's a very sad day, A hug to Pap in heaven, much encouragement to the family.

7/22/2024 5:55:41 PM

Massillon, Ohio

Such a feeling of sadness, hearing this news. We each have our special memories of Pap - a truly wonderful and caring and generous man. May God bless his family during this difficult time.

7/22/2024 6:07:43 PM

Wheaton, IL

Sending our love to the Wallace family. The Adkins

7/22/2024 6:19:38 PM

Parker, Co

Pap, We will miss you so much, enjoyed knowing you so much. Rest in peace.Ron, you had the best dad.
Pete and Cindi

7/22/2024 6:28:55 PM

Jericho Vermont

Condolences to the Wallace family.

7/22/2024 6:58:39 PM

Brooktondale, New York

Only met him in the pages of books, encouraging posts or amazing 400 sq foot grows. An undisputed Legend. Losing your dad really (really) sucks. Keeping the Wallace family in my thoughts and prayers. May his contributions live on forever.

7/22/2024 8:12:23 PM

Wooley Swamp N.Y.

RIP Pap

7/22/2024 8:28:20 PM

Littleton, Colo

Ron, Heaven received, not only an Angel, but a true loving soldier.
We hurt for you. You’re in our prayers and thoughts!!
Biz

7/22/2024 8:38:03 PM

no.scituate R I

We'll where do I start talking about Dick Wallace those who known him called him, Mr. Wallace Dick or paps friend or mentor .Dick always care for the less fortunate and try to help out in anyway he could . He started the Orange Angels foundation which helped many many unfortunate children in the Rhode Island area. To help him he call on the pumpkin Community to help out They did so by donating there top winning seeds which everyone was very happy to oblige .Dick was very appreciative in the support of the growers in this charitable work.
Dick also had a great sense of Humor and skill for Drawing cartoons which is on this great site we know as bigpumpkins.com thank you Kenny .
If you have ever been to any SNGPG Weigh Off you would of had to seen Dick creative work in the awards he had made to show appreciation to the growers who worked hard all season to get their fruit to the way off. He has already made the 2024 awards for are weigh off that’s the type of guy Dick Wallace is , I’m so glad to call him my friend. Love you Dick rest in peace.
Joe Jutras

7/22/2024 8:58:12 PM

Grittyville, WA

Sorry to hear this.

7/22/2024 9:38:09 PM

great man il always remember pap with a big smile tilling with that kubota tractor you will be missed. don young

7/22/2024 9:53:23 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Pap welcomed me into this growing community with open arms and I always counted on he and Ron for sound advice. Sorry to hear this, our condolences to the family and his many world wide friends.

7/22/2024 10:53:51 PM

Lakewood, WA

The end of an era. RIP.

7/23/2024 3:40:27 AM

Marshfield, Ma, USA

Rest in peace Paps. You were one of the great ones.

7/23/2024 4:01:30 AM

France

That s very sad... sincères condolences to Ron and The Wallace family.

7/23/2024 5:29:09 AM

Connecticut, USA

Very sad to hear about Pap. My condolences and prayers go out to Ron and the whole Wallace family.

7/23/2024 5:35:29 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

R.I.P. Pap

7/23/2024 6:31:53 AM

Western PA

Very sorry to hear this , condolences and prayers to Ron and family. I wish I could have met him in person :(

7/23/2024 7:17:18 AM

Cheshire Ma USA

Condolences to Ron and the rest of the Wallace family. May he RIP.

7/23/2024 7:19:55 AM

Bethlehem CT

My Deepest condolences to Ron and family. I have looked up to the Paps and Ron Wallace team since I began as a giant pumpkin grower back in 2007. I can remember Seeing Ron and Paps pull into the Bethlehem Fair with a huge pumpkin, it was a site to behold and made me to want to grow one someday too.

7/23/2024 7:53:09 AM

Bethlehem CT

Just a few good memories; one of which was Pap's "Dear Abbypappy"advice column.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=232712

7/23/2024 8:05:04 AM

Bethlehem CT

Or his pumpkintoons

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=118&gid=33

7/23/2024 8:05:40 AM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

Very sorry to hear this. Condolences to Ron and his family.

7/23/2024 9:09:58 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Terrible news! Pap was the glue that held a lot of what we all do together. Not a fun post WiZ but thanks for letting us who didn't know.

Pap lives on through all of us!

Ron and mom,,, so, so sorry for your the lost of Dad, husband, a man who had pumpkin running through his veins for 40 plus years.

He's cheering down on you Ron!

7/23/2024 9:56:53 AM

Torrance, Ca.

And thanks for pulling up some old Pap posts Big Moon!

7/23/2024 9:59:35 AM

ipswich, ma usa

My families deepest condolences, Dick was a great man, his hotdogs on the patch tours were legendary! Thank you for your service to this country and rest in peace.

7/23/2024 10:13:55 AM

Honesdale Pa USA

So sorry to hear, my condolences to Ron and family. I am glad that I got to meet Pap on several occasions. His contribution to giant pumpkin growing is unmeasurable. RIP.

7/23/2024 10:47:11 AM

Anchorage Alaska

That is sad news, although I never met him personally, I really enjoyed the chats we had together. He was always there for advice. I think I still have a copy of Dick's tips someplace,,He was a great mentor for the Pumpkin community, he will be missed....RIP

7/23/2024 12:37:06 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

My heart just sunk. I will never forget visiting the Wallace patch and getting the best tour from Pap. I didn't know squat then- still don't really but he treated us with respect and kindness. I remember talking to him about 'soil soup' and how he wasn't sure it was worth the trouble.
God Speed to you sir. Blessings and comfort to Ron and the Wallace Family.

7/23/2024 12:47:10 PM

Topsfield,ma.

My condolences t0 your family. One of the true greats of our hobby. He will be missed.

7/23/2024 1:08:00 PM

Bloomfield, Iowa

God bless Pap and his entire family.

7/23/2024 2:21:20 PM

Germany

RIP Pap, and many thanks for your help and support. Condolences to the Wallace family.

7/23/2024 4:41:06 PM

Buffalo, New York

Met Pap once in Scranton Wilkes Barre2015. Nice guy to talk to. Grew up south of me about an hour in Silver Creek. Loved talking about the Bills. RIP Pap. Go Bills !

7/23/2024 4:47:56 PM

Ontario

Very sad news, my deepest condolences. Pap did so much for the pumpkin growing community in an often humorous and down to earth way. He will be missed.

7/23/2024 5:07:53 PM

50 Acres

Everyone in the pumpkin community benifited from the knowledge he shared. RIP PAP

7/23/2024 8:00:17 PM

Saegertown Pa.

He will be missed, I had great memories visiting him and Ron at the pumpkin shack.

7/23/2024 8:32:43 PM

Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

Pap you will be missed more than you know as you did so much for this hobby.. RIP PAP!

7/23/2024 9:49:52 PM

Peosta, Iowa

Rest in Peace Pap, Condolences to the Wallace family

7/23/2024 10:51:17 PM

San Diego, Ca.

So sorry to hear Pap has passed. Prayers for you Ron and the whole Wallace family.
Like many here, Pap did so much to help all of us become better growers and was always willing to answer questions even if you were just starting out in this hobby.
I will always be grateful to Pap for giving me a chance to grow one of his hot seeds. It produced my first 1000 pounder many years back and was a thrilling milestone I've never forgotten.

7/23/2024 11:03:51 PM

Syracuse, NY

Very sorry to hear of this. It was like a gut punch to me.
My deepest condolences to Ron W and his family.
Eric Gerry

7/24/2024 12:00:57 AM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

My deepest condolences to Ron and the Wallace family. I never met Mr. Wallace, but had a couple of emails from him years ago that gave me a hint of what a nice and generous man I imagine he was.

7/24/2024 12:19:14 AM

Netherlands

Condolences to the Wallace family.

7/24/2024 2:16:35 AM

NILES , CALIF

We will miss you Pap

7/24/2024 3:33:30 AM

Quebec

So sorry to hear this news. My condolences go out to Ron and family. Pap was always great to bring out great ideas in pumpkin growing. His OAF was fantastic for both growers and children in the area. A true great in our sport.

[Last edit: 07/24/24 6:48:54 AM]

7/24/2024 6:48:12 AM

Dorset UK

Sorry to read this, RIP Pap.

7/24/2024 8:35:14 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Such sad news. Sending our hugs, thoughts, and prayers. Pap was such a kind soul and did so much in the pumpkin world. I will always remember his hospitality when Kelly K, Brigitte C and I came roadtripping and stayed at the pumpkin shack. We will always remember him.

Love, The Harp Family

7/24/2024 9:48:16 AM

Massillon, Ohio

I encourage everyone to look at his pumpkintoons if you have never seen them: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/viewarticle.asp?id=118&gid=33

7/24/2024 9:50:23 AM

South East

Our condolences to the Wallace clan.

7/24/2024 10:59:58 AM

Western NY

One of a kind. I'm going to miss him.

7/24/2024 11:12:27 AM

Westmoreland, KS

One of a kind. Amazing man

7/24/2024 12:10:38 PM

New Richmond Wi

Wonderful man.

7/24/2024 12:12:59 PM

Washington State

Certainly an Icon in the giant pumpkin community. He will be forever remembered as a leader, friend and mentor. Our love and prayers to the Wallace Family, Joel and Mari Lou Holland

7/24/2024 12:44:45 PM

Circleville, Ohio, USA

Pap lived a life of service to others, great man! Condolences to the Wallace Family

7/24/2024 9:30:08 PM

Plainville, Connecticut 06062

Pap was an all out people person! All you would have to do is to look at his Orange Angel Foundation for kids in need of coats! That describes his personality! When he and Ronny grew the 2009 they were very generous in handing out that great seed and if you ever needed any advice Pap was always there for you and secrets were never kept only given out as knowledge so other growers could expand on there growing and become better and more successful. My hat goes off to you Pap and your entire family. I know they are very proud of you and many tears will be shed by family and friends and you my friend will never be forgotten and I am sure the boss up above will have a special place for you all dressed in orange!❤️⚡️🌈

7/25/2024 11:40:55 AM

Connecticut

Sorry for your loss. I’m so glad I got to meet the legend himself. What a great guy. He will be missed by all but will live on with his inspiration granted us.

[Last edit: 07/25/24 10:08:59 PM]

7/25/2024 1:16:51 PM

Alaska

Condolences to Pap's family. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

[Last edit: 07/26/24 1:00:59 PM]

7/25/2024 5:36:59 PM

Bottom of ohio

Thoughts and prayers

7/25/2024 9:32:19 PM

East Sussex, UK

All my love to Ron and the family. I never actually met Pap personally, but he was a real giant in the community and like others said, his advice could be trusted.

7/26/2024 4:15:12 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

Rest in Peace Pap. Our condolences Ron and family.

7/26/2024 5:54:50 PM

Lloydminster/AB

Condolences to Ron and the family. Pap gave to us all. Let us not forget that. We owe that to him.

7/27/2024 12:07:41 PM

Germany

Rip


I wish everyone to say yes to Jesus Christ.

7/28/2024 3:55:07 AM

Nova Scotia

Just seeing the amount of growers, many who are previous World and National record holders expressing their memories and condolences for Mr. Wallace speaks volumes who he was and contributed to this world! Such a great hobby we all enjoy and share well done.

7/28/2024 7:48:28 AM

Indiana

Prayers for family and friends.

7/29/2024 7:09:01 AM

Ellwood City, PA, USA

Sad to hear this news. Our condolences to Ron and family.

7/30/2024 2:22:22 PM

Winnipeg, Manitoba

I just heard of Mr. Wallace's passing through the latest edition of the GPC Common Ground. I met Pap in 2017 back when I was 14 y/o at the GPC Big Show in Niagara Falls. He was incredibly pleasant to talk to and provided me his personal email address to send him a mail request for seeds. I will never forget his kindness. Condolences to the Wallace family.

8/5/2024 3:01:57 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

Haven’t been on BP much this year but heard through Facebook about Pap passing. A true ambassador to our wonderful hobby and community. Heaven gained a great one. Hope Ron and family are doing okay. Rest in Peace Pap.

8/10/2024 11:53:07 PM