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WAYNE JOHNSTON
After a long courageous battle with cancer, it is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle and son. Wayne died on December 31, 2023.
Wayne lived in St. Andrews, Manitoba and spent the majority of his career working for the City of Winnipeg in Parks and Recreation. He loved working outdoors, cutting grass, taking care of parks and putting his arborist skills to use. As a nature enthusiast, Wayne enjoyed riding his motorcycle and going to Birds Hill Park for breakfast. He loved cooking, beekeeping, filming, trivia, writing (published a book), reading, mediating, spending time with his pets, helping animals and making various arts and crafts.
Dad was a private, kind and easy going individual. He made hearts smile with his kind deeds. Spending time with family was important to him. He taught his children the importance of following one’s own path and being free thinkers. Dad never wanted to sell his house because he always wanted a place for his sons to come back to should the need arise which spoke volumes.
He left his children with many good memories, some being taking the family to the racetrack, building treehouses and ice slides, barrel rolling, pulling us on a sled behind the car in winter and taking us to the park regularly. Wayne would always make things for his children as he felt it had much more meaning. Some of these items included a weight set, birchbark canoes and wooden planes.
Wayne was a humble man who didn’t need status or wealth to feel good about himself. He knew what mattered in life. He will be missed and your sons will never forget what you did for us despite the many challenges we faced together.
Wayne is survived by his children, Barry, Brian (Stacie), Alan (Nancy); grandchildren, Taylor, Olivia and Preston; father Allan Johnston and brother Ken (Janice); nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Esther Johnston.
We thank various family members, his oncologist and nurses involved with his care, you know who you are. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the Humane Society. As per dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2024