MR. WAYNE MCLEOD

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• To Wayne’s family and friends: I just learned of Wayne’s passing; I am so deeply sorry. The McLeods were our next door neighbours in Moosomin in the early 1970’s, and great friends. I’d like to extend to you the following YouTube videos which I hope will be appropriate: 1. Tim Jamieson Reciting Psalm 23 2. T J Singing Old Rugged Cross 3. T J Singing Amazing Grace Again, my most sincere condolences to you all. Tim - Posted by: Tim jamieson (family friend ) on: May 31, 2021

• It still doesn't seem real that he is gone. I have known Wayne since before we built the Base in Iqaluit back in 2010-11. I would never have experienced Artic Canada without him and the rest of the EIC family, and for that I am very grateful. I still remember scrambling to get an emergency generator for that project in time for container shipment. We pulled into the parking lot on Allendyne late on a Friday afternoon with the genset strapped in and half hanging out of my pick up truck. He came out to have a look at it and noticed the name of the engine part of the genset. He said something like " John Deere eh ! . that should be a good unit", then he chuckled. we got it off my truck and into the container, strapped down and the truck came to haul it away later that evening. Whew that was a close one! You could always see the pride in his eyes as Keewatin grew and another northern project was completed. It was truly a great experience to be part of that with him. This world is going to miss a great man with an infectious smile and an honest personality. Randy Balonyk and the rest of the Sha-zam Crew - Posted by: Randy Balonyk (Friend and business associate) on: May 28, 2021

• My heartfelt condolences to Janice and the family. I have a very fond memory of Wayne and how he was a great mentor and friend. I started in 1998 and took my last flight with Keewatin air in 2006. During this time Wayne was always very approachable with his open-door policy. I will never forget how he treated me going through my own crisis with the passing of my wife and how he created a position for me in the office to be close to home for my family and allowed me to come and go as needed to care for them. This shows Wayne's own heart for family and the importance it was to him. He was a dedicated husband, father, and business man and I feel honored to have worked alongside him. He will be sorely missed by many!! Craig Borkowski - Posted by: Craig Borkowski (Former Keewatin Air Employee) on: May 28, 2021

• Wayne was always a guy that would stop and say hi no matter how busy he was. I got to know Wayne through the years of working in the aviation business and always liked taking to him. My condolences goes out to the family. - Posted by: Randy Nikkel (Friend ) on: May 26, 2021

• “Let’s go to Iqaluit, I’ll fly…” my new friend and colleague said when I was learning the ropes at Exchange Income Corporation (EIC). My goal, learn the North; my teacher, Wayne McLeod. “When?” I asked thinking next week, or next month. “Swing by this afternoon, we’ll stay over night I’ll show you the base and the town. Two o’clock. Bring a toothbrush, dress warm.” It was July 2010. 1:50P, I arrived at the small Keewatin hangar, literally in the middle of Ferry Road on the Winnipeg airport’s east side. “Alright, let’s get in the air, I’ve filed (flight plan) for Churchill, gotta drop medical supplies there. We’ll fuel and if the weather’s good, we’ll keep going to Iqaluit”. IF THE WEATHER’S GOOD??!! “You’re a pilot right?” the larger than life character asked, “Yeah, but … “ before I could say I wasn’t current and hadn’t flown in years, “Great, take the right seat, you’ve got the radios”. Clear of Winnipeg’s airspace, Wayne filled me in on our Arctic destination, the challenges flying in the North, the new hangar at the base, the political environment, our base manager Naomi and the “really great” house the company had for the base manager. Wayne also filled me in on Keewatin’s history, the couple who had sold the company to EIC and the strength of his team; which he clearly took pride in being a part of and leading. Landing at Churchill, Wayne showed me the base, got a company truck, toured me through the town, polar bear jail, the Transport Canada facilities, greeting everyone with his trademark smile, everyone without exception, genuinely happy to see Wayne. Hugs, handshakes, smiles and stories. “Ok, let’s go, Iqaluit next,” he said, “good thing the days are long,” the advantage being in the land of the midnight sun. “This is the long leg, across the bay” he said as we started. It seemed short, more details about all the destinations and people of the Arctic, Wayne’s time flying, most experiences retold with a hearty laugh punctuating the final line of the story. Arriving Iqaluit, base manager Naomi and her husband met the aircraft, took us to the “really great” house, overlooking the hamlet of Iqaluit. A long day, Wayne completely rejuvenated eager to hear all the details on the happenings at the base, a lot of laughs carried through the evening and into the night. “Let’s get up early, I’ll show you the town, said Wayne, get you a soapstone or whale bone carving”, he said with a smile. Awoke early the next morning, toured the town, talked polar bears and whales, what to do if offered muktuk and how to eat it. Our flight back to Winnipeg was filled with stories, Wayne sharing a lifetime’s worth of experience with me the new “greenhorn”. I’ll never forget the experience, nor the warmth, friendship and smile of this friendly giant. Wayne McLeod didn’t know what an incredible guy he was, which make him truly “one of a kind” and very special. He will be missed. To Janice and the family our condolences, thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace Wayne McLeod. - Posted by: Michael Rodyniuk (Co-worker) on: May 23, 2021

• We are so sorry to hear if Wayne's passing. He was always fun and loving, had many great times with him at hockey tournaments. We will miss him deeply. Our condolences to Janice and family - Posted by: Blake and Darlene Morrison (Friends ) on: May 22, 2021