Wally Dempsey

Wally was a strong and kind man who was taken from his wife and family far too soon. His loss leaves us heartbroken, but we will cherish his memory and hold him close in our hearts forever.

Wally was a devoted husband and father, as well as a man of many talents.

Born in Melrose Park, Illinois, Wally moved with his family to the San Fernando Valley at the age of two. Wally started his football career at Cleveland High School in Reseda, where he graduated in 1961. He later attended Pierce College where he was named to All-Conference team and made Junior College All-American in his final year. From Pierce, he transferred to Washington State University and was named to 1964 All-Pacific Coast College team as a middle linebacker.

Wally signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1965 and played five seasons in Green and White from 1965 to 1969. In that Span, Wally won two West All-Stars in 1968 and 1969, as well as a CFL All-Star in 1968. He won the Grey Cup with Saskatchewan in 1966. In 1970 and 1972, Wally played for the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets in the NFL but decided to return to Saskatchewan. Wally was later inducted into the Saskatchewan Plaza of Honor in 1995, and his name was inscribed on the commemorating monument in front of the Saskatchewan Roughriders home stadium in Canada.

After retiring from football, Wally became a skilled general contractor and spent nearly fifty years perfecting his craft. Throughout his career he built new masonry commercial buildings, residential homes, and completed numerous remodeling projects.

Wally is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Darlene Dempsey; his daughters Brenda (Pepe), Michele (Kearney), and Taylor Dempsey; his son, Brett Dempsey; and his son-in-law, John Kearney. He was a proud grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren: Amber Pepe, Sean Kearney, Brendan Kearney, Seamus Kearney, and Ronan Kearney, as well as a great-granddaughter, Kali Pepe. Wally is also survived by his twin brother, Sam Dempsey, who was not only his sibling but his lifelong best friend.

 A service to honor Wally’s life will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church in Encino on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.