GERALD WILLIAM (BILL) WAYNE

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GERALD WILLIAM (BILL) WAYNE October 2, 1942 - March 31, 2009 With wife Marge at his side, Bill regrettably and reluctantly passed away at the Riverview Health Centre on Tuesday, March 31. Bill was born and raised in Beausejour, Manitoba and after eight years of going steady with Marge, they married in September 1967. He was very proud of his three children: Melanie (Bob), Christin (Will) and Bill (Carlyss). His life was enriched with the birth of grandchildren, Joshua (8), Quinn (7), Michaela (6), Barrett (5), Carys (1) and Callan (5 months). He is also survived by brother Mike (Carol); sister MaryAnne (Nick); and in-laws, Merla (Maurice), Stan (Audrey), Les, Doug (Val) and many nieces and nephews who all have special memories of Uncle Bill. Bill enjoyed baseball, football, hockey, fishing and hunting. He easily made friends and especially enjoyed the company of four longtime friends he recently dubbed the four aces - Al, Clarence, Ed and Stan. Their calls, visits and concern during the last few months were especially appreciated. He worked for the Manitoba Telephone System for 33 years, retiring in 1996. At that time his skills at money management and diligent record keeping served him well as Manager Basic Studies, Finance-ICS. He was a proud blood donor at Canadian Blood Services, reaching 75 donations before his illness. He enjoyed travelling both with Marge, especially to Puerto Vallarta, and with his family. It was important to him to expose his children to Canada's mountains, lakes and camping grounds, as well as Disney World and Disneyland. He role modelled community involvement through coaching soccer and hockey at Melrose Community Club, as well as a term as president. He showed his children a balance of work and play, the importance of education, and the value of making a decision and sticking to it. He never complained. His patience was enviable. As a husband and father he was our Go to guy and Mr. Fix It for every problem we had. He had great wisdom and knowledge, never saying to his kids, I don't know . Bill honoured his creator by enjoying every day he was given. He had his mother's quick wit and sense of humour. This was appreciated by all who cared for him over these last four trying years. His well known strength (exemplified by that special handshake he saved for friends and family) served him well through this time, in which his bonds with family were strengthened and deepened. We were allowed to see his softer, loving side, and are grateful for the special family day we had with him at Riverview the day before he died. His memories of being an altar boy at a young age stirred him to recite the Lord's Prayer and the Apostle's Creed nightly with Marge. Together, they discussed the meaning and significance of them. Bill lived his life with few regrets; two stand out; having to grow up without a father, who died when Bill was only four years old, and not spending enough time talking to his father-in-law, Swany. To the many angels at CancerCare (volunteers, support staff, nurses and doctors) who joined in his fight against cancer and tending to his body, mind and spirit, the family's most sincere thanks. There was never a test or treatment he was denied. You were there for us from beginning to end. At Bill's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A private family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Blood Service or the Royal Canadian Legion # 132, 300 Veterans Lane, Box 610, Beausejour, Manitoba R0E 0C0. We love you Dad and will take care of Mom as you told us to. And, thanks Mom for taking such good care of Dad. Yours was a true love.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2009