In Memoriam: Walley Pearson Lightbody
Vancouver, BC – Walley Pearson Lightbody, a revered lawyer, jazz aficionado, and pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, at the age of 90. His life, marked by a harmonious blend of law, music, and community service, left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.
Born on April 14, 1934, in Vancouver, BC, Walley grew up in the Dunbar neighborhood. His early years hinted at the multifaceted life he would lead. As a child, he and his sister Marlene performed Irish ballads on street corners, earning coins from passersby. This love for music only deepened as he grew older, leading him to play the saxophone and form The Walley Lightbody Orchestra during his time at Lord Byng High School.
Walley’s academic journey was defined by his passion for English literature, which he studied at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Beyond the classroom, he co-founded The Campus Coolsters, a jazz band that became a staple of the university’s cultural scene. His contributions to Vancouver’s artistic community continued when he co-founded The Cellar, an underground jazz club that provided a space for both local musicians and renowned jazz artists to perform and connect.
Walley’s connection to UBC extended far beyond his undergraduate years. He went on to study law at the institution, where he met Marietta Anderson, whom he married in 1960. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and community service. The couple raised four children in West Vancouver, creating a home that was a hub for social gatherings and creative pursuits. Walley even dabbled in filmmaking, crafting short films featuring neighborhood children.
Professionally, Walley made significant contributions to the legal field. After articling with a Victoria-based firm, he went on to work on several high-profile cases, including the defense of Rafe Mair in a landmark defamation case that expanded legal protections for fair comment. His leadership in the legal community was recognized when he served as president of the BC Bar Association in 1984 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel the following year. Among his numerous accolades was the Georges A. Goyer Memorial Award in 2010, further cementing his reputation for excellence.
In 1995, Walley and Marietta moved to her childhood lakefront home in Kelowna, where they continued to embrace life with vigor. Walley transformed their property into a community hub, complete with a tennis court nicknamed “The Church of Walley,” where he hosted joyful jazz sessions every Sunday morning. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to mentoring younger generations, supporting law students at UBC’s Okanagan campus through scholarship endowments.
Walley is survived by his children Cathy, Sarah, and Michael, eight grandchildren, and extended family members. A memorial service will be held on April 26 at Gleneagles Clubhouse in West Vancouver, with a remembrance gathering in Kelowna on June 21. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation are encouraged to honor the exceptional care Walley received.
Walley Pearson Lightbody’s enduring love of music, his trailblazing work in law, and his unwavering commitment to family and community continue to inspire those who knew him. His legacy reminds us all to pursue our passions with fervor and generosity.
After establishing himself as a formidable figure in Vancouver’s legal and cultural scenes, Walley and his wife Marietta made a significant life change in 1995, relocating to her childhood lakefront home in Kelowna. This new chapter in their lives was not a retreat but a continuation of their active engagement with the world. Walley transformed their property into a vibrant community hub, creating spaces that fostered connection and creativity. The tennis court, affectionately named “The Church of Walley,” became a gathering spot where the sounds of jazz filled the air every Sunday morning, drawing friends and neighbors alike.
Throughout his life, Walley remained dedicated to mentoring and supporting young people. His commitment to education and the development of future leaders was evident in his involvement with the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. There, he established scholarship endowments to assist law students, ensuring that the next generation of legal minds had the resources they needed to succeed. This generosity was a hallmark of his character and a reflection of his belief in the importance of giving back to the community.
Walley’s impact on the legal profession was profound. His work on landmark cases, such as the defense of Rafe Mair in a defamation case that expanded legal protections for fair comment, showcased his intellectual rigor and commitment to justice. His leadership was recognized when he served as president of the BC Bar Association in 1984, and his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1985 further cemented his reputation as a trusted and respected figure in the legal community. The Georges A. Goyer Memorial Award, which he received in 2010, was a testament to his enduring contributions to the field.
Despite his many accomplishments, Walley’s greatest joy was his family. He and Marietta built a life centered on love, laughter, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place. Their home was always a place of warmth and welcome, where friends and family could gather to celebrate life’s moments, both big and small. Walley’s playful spirit was evident in the short films he created, featuring the neighborhood children, a hobby that brought him immense joy and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Walley Pearson Lightbody’s passing on February 15, 2025, at the age of 90, marked the end of an extraordinary life. Yet, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. His family, friends, and community will remember him not only for his achievements but for the way he lived his life—with passion, generosity, and a deep connection to the people and causes he cared about. As they gather to celebrate his life, they will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the man who showed them all how to live fully and give freely.
Conclusion
Walley Pearson Lightbody’s life was a symphony of law, music, and community, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire. His contributions to the legal field, his passion for jazz, and his dedication to family and community serve as a testament to a life well-lived. As we remember Walley, we honor not only his achievements but also the joy, generosity, and passion he shared with the world. His story encourages us all to embrace our passions and give back to our communities with the same vigor and love that Walley exemplified throughout his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Walley Pearson Lightbody’s memorial service be held?
A memorial service will be held on April 26 at Gleneagles Clubhouse in West Vancouver, with a remembrance gathering in Kelowna on June 21.
How can I honor Walley Pearson Lightbody’s memory?
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation are encouraged to honor the exceptional care Walley received.
What were Walley Pearson Lightbody’s contributions to the legal field?
Walley was a prominent lawyer who worked on landmark cases, including the defense of Rafe Mair in a defamation case. He served as president of the BC Bar Association in 1984 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1985. He also received the Georges A. Goyer Memorial Award in 2010.
How did Walley Pearson Lightbody support his community?
Walley transformed his property into a community hub, hosting jazz sessions every Sunday morning at “The Church of Walley.” He also established scholarship endowments for law students at UBC’s Okanagan campus, supporting the next generation of legal professionals.
Who survived Walley Pearson Lightbody?
Walley is survived by his children Cathy, Sarah, and Michael, eight grandchildren, and extended family members.
