Victor Gordon Walls

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Victor Gordon Walls, beloved husband, father, patriarch and long-time CEO of Border Paving Ltd. Vic passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 31, 2025 in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 89. His passing marks the end of an era for the company he built, the industry he helped shape and the countless lives he touched over the course of more than seven decades in construction.

Born on July 29, 1935 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Dorothy and Arthur Walls, Vic was a prairie-born visionary with a relentless work ethic and deep-rooted values. He began his career in road construction in 1952 at the age of 16, working with Asphalt Services Ltd. From the gravel roads of Saskatchewan to the mountain routes of Jasper National Park, Vic’s early years in the industry were spent mastering the work from the ground up.

Vic’s relationship with Border Paving began in 1958 when he arrived in Red Deer to lead a base crew on a subcontracted city paving project. From those early days—working ahead of the asphalt crew with borrowed equipment and limited resources—he would go on to lead the company through decades of growth and transformation. Despite its humble beginnings and fierce competition from larger city firms, Border Paving earned a reputation for grit, reliability and getting the job done right—qualities that mirrored Vic himself.

In 1955, while working in Stettler, Vic met the love of his life. Wendy Waugh walked in to a diner while Vic was having breakfast and that was it, he was awe-struck. After a few more not-so-chance meetings in the following years, Wendy walked up to Vic in the Red Deer Club Café in 1959 and asked him if he’d like to go to a Sadie Hawkins dance, and the rest is history. On January 28, 1961, Vic and Wendy were married.

By 1963, Vic was managing Border Paving. In 1972, Vic, Wendy and Al Pruss began the buyout of the company from Asphalt Services. Under their stewardship, Border Paving grew from a modest local contractor into one of Alberta’s most respected construction firms, expanding its operations across multiple communities and playing a central role in the development of the province’s infrastructure.

Vic didn’t just build roads—he built a company culture rooted in loyalty, hard work, and integrity. Over 40% of Border Paving’s team have worked with the company for more than 20 years, a testament to the workplace environment he fostered. He led by example: he showed up early, shook your hand like it mattered, and didn’t tolerate shortcuts—on the job site or in life. His leadership set the stage for the countless numbers of dedicated people that have worked with Border Paving to accomplish great things.

Though known for his firm handshake and no-nonsense leadership, Vic had a deep, quiet generosity. He supported dozens of causes and was a long-time advocate for youth development through the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of Red Deer. Through annual funding of summer camps, youth programs and other initiatives, Vic made it possible for thousands of children to access experiences they might never have had otherwise. In 2024, he and his daughter Kate accepted the National Award of Recognition from BGC Canada for their decades of support. Much of this community work was made possible through the tireless efforts of Wendy, whose leadership in charitable and civic initiatives was instrumental to their shared impact. Vic and Wendy together built a legacy of service that enriched many lives.

Vic’s spirit of service extended far beyond the company. He volunteered on numerous boards and associations throughout Alberta over the course of five decades. He served multiple terms with the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (ARHCA) and the Red Deer Construction Association (RDCA), was a charter member and long-serving Secretary Treasurer of the Alberta Sand and Gravel Association, and contributed his time to the Alberta Chamber of Resources. He also served the City of Red Deer across ten municipal boards and committees, and acted as a volunteer consultant with the Canadian Executive Service Organization, completing four international development projects. His commitment to both industry and community was as solid as the roads he helped build.

Although Vic wasn’t one to seek recognition, he was honoured with the Legacy Distinction Award from the RDCA in 2023 for his outstanding contributions to Alberta’s industry. Later that same year he received the Honourary Lifetime Achievement Award from the ARHCA. In September 2024, he stood proudly at the ribbon-cutting of Border Paving Plaza in Blackfalds—a public space now bearing the name of the company he dedicated his life to.

When he wasn’t practising as an indentured workaholic, Vic loved spending time with family and friends, working in his backyard, salmon fishing, making wine with Joe, and whitling juniper root. He never much enjoyed playing golf (because Wendy always beat him), but found tremendous joy in his relentless search for lost golf balls.

He is survived by his loving wife Wendy of 64 years, his children Kate (Glen), Karen and Roger (Mona) who now carry on the family’s legacy and leadership of Border Paving, and by his grandchildren Marty, Alex, Gordie and great-grandchild Travis, extended family, lifelong colleagues and a province forever shaped by his vision and grit. Vic was predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Arthur, brothers Alan and Roger, and sister Ruth.

A Celebration to honour Vic’s extraordinary life will be held on April 15^th, 2025 at 4pm at the Harvest Centre – 4847A 19^th Street in Red Deer, Alberta. Food and drinks will be served and, true to Vic’s love of a good time, the party will continue well into the night. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that donations be made to Youth HQ, BGC Red Deer, or the YMCA in Vic’s memory.

The Walls family would like to especially thank Amber and her staff at the private care provider Central Alberta Palliative Care for their tremendous care and support. The family would also like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the doctors and nurses at the Red Deer Regional Hospital and the Red Deer Hospice Society.

Vic Walls built more than roads. He built opportunity. He built community. He built a legacy that will continue to roll forward—strong, steady, and deeply rooted in the values he lived by.

Condolences may be made to the family at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/eventide/obituaries/victor-gordon-walls/139742.html.

 

 

• Date : 2025-03-31
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home