Remembering Mom & Dad
A tribute to William Guy Tallman (1918–1951) and Marian Josephine Hyland Tallman (1917–2005)
This memory document was prepared as a tribute to both parents on what would have been their 100th birthdays — honoring their sacrifice, resilience, and the family they built from nothing.
Our Dad — William Guy Tallman
William served with the Black Watch Royal Highlander Regiment during World War II. He was wounded at the Battle of Verrières Ridge in Normandy on July 19, 1944 — one of the bloodiest engagements of the Canadian campaign. He was awarded five WWII medals, including the France & Germany Star.
William passed away on March 9, 1951, leaving behind his wife Marian and five young children. His youngest son, Don, had been born just five days earlier. Gord was nine years old.
The family later donated $25,000 to MRU Military Memorial Bursaries in memory of their father and Great Uncle Stanley. They also funded the restoration of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church steeple in Merrickville with a memorial plaque, and placed a plaque at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy in their father's memory.
Our Mother — Marian Josephine Hyland Tallman
After William's death, Marian faced the enormous challenge of raising five children alone. Beginning in 1958, she worked at Ontario Hospital in Smiths Falls and earned her CNA designation — building both a career and a stable home for her family through sheer determination.
Despite her modest circumstances, Marian accumulated approximately $250,000 during her lifetime — a remarkable achievement that speaks to her discipline and frugality. Her daughter Betty captured her philosophy perfectly:
“Do you need it or just want it? And only if you have the money to buy it!”
— Betty, quoting their Mother
After Marian's passing in 2005, the family established the Marian J. Tallman Burritt's Rapids Memorial Fund with a $1,000 annual donation since 2007. The family home in Burritt's Rapids — over 100 years in the Hyland/Tallman family — was purchased by Jill (Betty's daughter) in 2018, keeping it in the family.
Family Timeline
- 1917Marian Josephine Hyland Born
Born in Burritt's Rapids, Ontario — a small community along the Rideau Canal that would remain central to the family for over 100 years.
- 1918William Guy Tallman Born
Born into the Tallman family. He would go on to serve his country with distinction in World War II.
- 1944Battle of Verrières Ridge
William served with the Black Watch Royal Highlander Regiment and was wounded at the Battle of Verrières Ridge in Normandy on July 19, 1944. He received five WWII medals including the France & Germany Star.
- 1951William's Passing
William passed away on March 9, 1951 — just five days after the birth of his youngest son, Don. Gord was only 9 years old. Marian was left to raise five children alone: Ann, Gerry, Gord, Betty, and Don.
- 1958Marian Begins Working
Started working at Ontario Hospital in Smiths Falls. She would go on to earn her CNA designation, building a career while raising her children.
- 2005Marian's Passing
Marian passed away having accumulated approximately $250,000 despite her modest circumstances — a testament to her discipline and the motto: 'Do you need it or just want it? And only if you have the money to buy it!'
- 2018Centennial Tribute Prepared
This memory document was prepared as a tribute to both parents on what would have been their 100th birthdays.