A Wake and Funeral Services were held November 24 and 25 in honor of Wally Dwyer, following his passing Nov. 19 after a critical episode in his long-term illness, which he had been surviving and dealing with fairly well.
His immediate family includes his mother Joan, his brother Nick and wife Liz, and his sister Anne and husband Bob. He was a loved uncle of Constance, a friend to his special cousin Loretta, and many cousins and extended family and friends.
Walter, or as he liked to be called, Wally, or "Waldemere," was well-known and loved in the community, and was a friend to so many people.
He worked with many theaters over the years, most notably The Wellington/Ivanhoe, Bailiwick and Lionheart Gay Theater Company. He was versatile, and worked box office, backstage crew, and occasonially as an actor onstage. At the Wellington/Ivanhoe, he worked crew on one of his all-time favorite shows, Theda Bara and the Frontier Rabbi, appreciating all of the musical drama and comedy of that subject.
Rick Paul, founder and director of Lionheart Gay Theater Company, was Wally's mentor on several original productions. Wally also worked extensively with Syzygy Productions, a theater group founded by Chicago playwright Jeff Hagedorn, who wrote early groundbreaking plays dealing with the personal and social impact of the AIDS epidemic. Appearing in several of their plays, Wally took part in Syzygy's revival of pub theater.
Lori Cannon, of Vital Bridges/Open Hand Food Pantry, has been a special friend with Wally, and she and her volunteer staff have many fond and extraordinary memories of their association with Wally.
Wally worked for several businesses in the Community, including The Eagle, where he was outstanding in his full regalia. A collector, he was known for his keen eye in spotting treasures that others overlooked or discarded, and was famous for his collection of "Leopard Print Everything" ... from photo frames to scarves to book jackets to well-turned accessories.
Wally had a near-encyclopedic memory and knowledge of all things musical theater. He especially enjoyed backstage anecdotes, dish and gossip about the goings-on of the stars and productions, and remembered everything. Being a connoisseur of irony with a wicked sense of humor, "Waldemere" was very entertaining.
Wally passed less than a month before his 50th birthday. On his birth date, his family placed a memorial in the Chicago Tribune: "We remember your courage, your caring and your birthday." He will be missed, with love and lots of thanks.
