WAYNE IAN BLACKBURN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WAYNE IAN BLACKBURN Wayne passed away surrounded by his family at the Grace Hospice after a lengthy battle with cancer on February 5, 2008, at the age of 66 years. Wayne leaves to mourn his beloved wife Helen; his devoted daughter Cindy and grandson Tyler; sister Carol (Johan) and nieces, Casey Lee, Nicole; nephews, Jeff (Jackie) and Corey; caring in-laws, Judy and Alex and Joan. Wayne was predeceased by his parents Flo and Oscar Blackburn. Wayne was raised in South Indian Lake where he enjoyed a happy carefree childhood full of adventure and friendship. He later attended St. Paul's College, St. Paul's University and the University of Manitoba. He graduated from Manitoba Teacher's College and taught school in Winnipeg before moving to Ottawa to work for the C.I.D.A. (Canadian International Development Agency). In 1973, Wayne returned to Winnipeg where he met and soon married Helen, the love of his life. Together they enjoyed the country life in Teulon and later Stonewall. Wayne's return to Winnipeg also brought him to what he called the best job in the world as the Director of Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Community Places grant program. Through that work Wayne made a lasting contribution to the lives of many through his support of non-profit organizations and programs throughout the province. Wayne retired from the Manitoba Government in 2001. Wayne's wise, tolerant, eclectic, gentle and determined character made him unforgettable to those who knew him. He loved nature and the outdoors, jazz, classical music and old movies. Every summer found Wayne tending his many gardens and feeding the various birds who visited. He also had a passion for knowledge and his home was filled with books of every possible subject. Together he and Helen enjoyed travelling throughout the world and had many adventures together. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the caring nursing staff and aides at the Seven Oaks P.A.N.S.U., Riverview Health Centre and Grace Hospice. A memorial service will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at Inkster Boulevard, on Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice or the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 36 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M4R 1A1. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2008