WAYNE CHARLES LACOMBE

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WAYNE CHARLES LACOMBE August 17, 1947 - January 14, 2019 Peacefully on January 14, 2019, Wayne passed away at the age of 71, with members of his family at his side in his final days. Dad, Husband, Grandpa, Brother, Son, Uncle and Friend, Wayne showed courage, dignity and concern for others during his courageous battle over these past few weeks and months. His endurance and strength over the past few years were inspirational to all who knew and loved him. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Lana, and her family, his son and daughter, Dale and Lana-Rae, his grandchildren, Kelsey, Jordan, Madison and Colton, Jennifer Liba, his sisters-in-law, Adrienne Lacombe and Signe Lacombe, and several nieces and nephews in the Lacombe, Burch and O'Neill families. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lorna Lacombe, his parents, Paul and Florence Lacombe, and his two older brothers, Ray and Mel Lacombe, with whom he had a very special bond, growing up in Kenora, Ontario and throughout their lives. Wayne led a very active life growing up as the youngest of the three Lacombe brothers. He was a gifted athlete, with a passion for hockey and baseball. He would often find his way onto a team with his older brother, Ray, playing with boys three to four years older than him. In his teen years, his oldest brother, Mel, would sometimes manage or coach the team! Wayne's love of sports continued throughout his life and he was an avid Jets, Blue Bombers and Blue Jays fan, watching every game from start to finish, occasionally two games at a time. His first job was working with his dad and brothers at their garage and service station, Paul's Esso, in Falcon Lake, Manitoba. He then moved with his family to MacGregor, Manitoba, where he met Lorna, and they soon moved to Winnipeg in 1967 to start a family. Once in Winnipeg, he started working as a mechanic at the original Esso-Rocket Car Wash on Portage Avenue. From there, he later became a partner in the Gulf Service station behind the Great-West Life Building in downtown Winnipeg. In the early 1980s, Wayne entered the paint business, and in the late 1990s, he purchased Portage Avenue Paints, where he has been a fixture in the local painting community for many years. He and Lana enjoyed working together all these years, while finding time to unwind and relax at their home in Lockport, Manitoba. Wayne was very involved in his kids' activities, spending countless years at hockey rinks, dance studios and recitals, baseball diamonds, swimming pools, rodeos, the lake, the campground and wherever else the family needed to be. He was always the first to volunteer his time as a coach, manager or whatever other job that needed to be done. Our family has many cherished memories growing up in Southdale with many close and lifelong family friends throughout St. Boniface. He will be remembered as a kind, caring, genuine man with a great sense of humour. And while he knew how to enjoy life and have a good time, he also taught his kids and those around him, the value of hard work and good sportsmanship. Wayne especially cherished his grandchildren. He took great pride in all of their accomplishments and provided unconditional love and support to a fault. His grandchildren can rest assured that Grandpa will be watching them from Heaven, and be just as proud of their accomplishments throughout their lives. He also had a love for pets and his two cats that provided him comfort over the years. Our family would like to express a sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, CancerCare Manitoba and Health Sciences Centre. Wayne was grateful to have such wonderful care and often commented on the professionalism of the caregivers over these past few years. Cremation has taken place. Wayne decided that he did not want to have a funeral service. A private celebration of his life for family and close friends will be held at a later date. Dad, we love you, we are very proud of you, and we will miss you. Along with many of our friends and family members that have reached out this past week with their thoughts, prayers, and very kind words, we will always cherish the wonderful memories of our time together, and thank you for being such a caring and loving person. As an expression of love, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or KidSport Manitoba. Condolences, photos and videos may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2019