April 22, 1941 – July 17, 2021
at the age of 80 years
The funeral/celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11am at Fischer’s Funeral Services. Due to Co-Vid restrictions there will be no reception.
It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Wayne at the age of 80 years. He leaves behind his wife Judi, son Blaine (Irene), Deanna, chosen daughter Robin (Bob), grandsons Bowen and Kamryn, sisters Edith, Susan (Mike), together with brothers and sisters in laws as well as 21 nieces and nephews. All will miss him dearly.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wayne grew up as a busy young man; at the age of 16, he sought the trade of “baker” and worked at his father’s bakery, working nights, weekends and after school. At the young age of 19, three months apart, Wayne lost both his parents of natural causes. Two years later, Wayne met his wife Judi and for 59 years, they enjoyed their life together with Blaine, Deanna and each other.
Wayne’s work history is an interesting one. At age 22 he secured employment with NORAD, employed as a baker and cook on the DEW Line. After being away from his family for 7 years, the family made the decision to relocate to Salmon Arm, where once again, another change was made and Wayne joined the lumber industry and became employed by Federated Co-op in the Canoe Division. This was to be his last employment, one which lasted 30 years until his retirement in 2003. Wayne loved the Shuswap Lake, and enjoyed operating the tug, hauling logs up and down the lake, as well as in the mill grounds.
Never too busy to offer a hand, Wayne helped and volunteered at Cadets, the Seniors Group, as well as with the Friends at Christmas. He offered his expertise as trustee of his union and enjoyed his time as president of the retiree’ S.O.A.R. group. Wayne was never one to sit still, when not at work or following through on a volunteer commitment, he built cedar chests, gun cabinets and completed many renovations outside of his home which supplemented the family income. He designed and built a 40 foot cruiser, a project which took three years in the making but one which afforded Judi and Wane many years of boating and fishing fun on the Shuswap Lake. Fishing and hunting were Wayne’s passions; Wayne also loved to travel and many experiences were shared with Judi and friends on trips to Mexico, the Yukon, NWT, and across Canada.
Wayne had a dream! Having been adopted as a young child, he always had a keen interest in meeting his biological family, the McGunigal’s and in 2002 with the support of his family, the miracle happened. He met several aunts, uncles and as many as 125 cousins; now the family had grown and as a result, may trips and ventures were enjoyed as he and Judi reconnected to their newfound family.
The family wish to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Levins, the 4th floor staff at SLGH for their kind and tender care of Wayne; a special thank you to the group at Fischer’s Funeral Services for their support and guidance!
A life well lived; thank you all for being part of Wayne’s journey!
The funeral/celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11am at Fischer’s Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Due to Co-Vid restrictions there will be no reception.
Aunt Judi, Blaine, Dee- sorry couldn’t be there for the service, but know I am sending much love and strength as you navigate this weekend and the time ahead without Uncle Wayne. Wayne was a bright spot in my childhood and time spent with him and Aunt Judi was special and I felt loved. Donald Duck jokes, fishing, magic fires… the list goes on. A heart of gold. Much love – Tracy
Deanna,
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Dad. Nothing can make the sadness go away but if you try to remember the times you had with him they help.
My thoughts are with your Mum as well.
Judi, Blaine, Deanna . . . I just want to express my condolences to you all.
Wayne was truly one of a kind. A great guy.
Many memories: the endless teasing when Blaine and I were teenagers, the cool basement bar he built, going hunting and drinking cherry whisky to stay warm, the times I helped him work on the construction of the houseboat for which I was paid in beer – Heaven!
I will remember him fondly – always.
Craig
We are very saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing. Wayne will be fondly remembered as an uncle who was warm and welcoming and had a special knack for building all kinds of things! We have a special memory of visiting Judi and Wayne at their home and being treated to a wonderful lunch fresh from their garden! We are thinking of all of you and sending our love and condolences.
Our sincere condolences on your loss.
Dave and Marianne Duncan and kids
Wayne words can’t say enough of what a great example of what we should all strive for, honest, integrity. And just good person through and through.
I sill miss you very much as a brother-in-law and most times a big brother that would include me in all the things you did with your own children.
Uncle Wayne was truly one of a kind, we will miss all his stories,his black berry Merlot and the best hugs ever. Love and many Hugs to you Aunt Judi.
My time of knowing Wayne was only 10 years, but he and Judi become very good friends, when I settled here he came to help hang my pictures, for which I was very grateful so yes he was always there to help anyone. I will miss our visits but rest in peace my friend. To Judi and family my deepest sympathy.
Not sure how to express this the right way but just know that Wayne was a man loved by anyone who knew him. He always made me feel welcome in the family and always had a smile and hug ready. Wishing you strength and love right now and always.
Dad,
Thank you for all that you have done for all those you have known throughout your life. You were always there when someone was in need and you never gave up on them.
Rest now dad. It’s our turn to carry your torch.
Dear Auntie Judi, Dee, Blaine and family,
Uncle Wayne was such a wonderful part of our lives! We all have amazing memories of visiting you all in Canoe and our great times in Calgary! He was always so loving and fun to be with! We know he is reunited with his precious family in heaven! We will miss him so much until we meet again!
Dad was one of a kind, always with a twinkle in his eye and joke on his lips.
He will be missed by all who knew him as he touched so many hearts throughout his life.
Love you Papa.
When Wayne left the coffee group in the Monday and Friday morning I would say hey where you going and he would answer I have places to go and people to see and things to do.He never missed a beat, We are going to miss him.
Judy and family
So sorry to see the news of Wayne’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, today and always.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Judy at this most difficult time. I send you and your family my condolences. Keep your chin up and savor all the wonderful memories.
My deepest sympathy to you Judy and the family at the passing of Wayne. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Keep your chin up girl, and savor all the wonderful memories.
Judy and Family
Truly a multi talented guy, a legend in his own time!
From fishing to building cabinets or chicken houses, he was a handy guy.
Tight lines. Rest In Peace!