August 13, 1936 - February 26, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, (Gumpy)
Wayne moved from Saskatchewan to Rose Lake B.C. in 1956 and starting logging and milling ties for Ernie Payne's CN contract. One year later he returned to Saskatchewan to marry Vera and they went back to Rose Lake to continue saw-milling and logging and to raise a family.
Wayne was active in logging for almost fifty years, first with his father George at bush sites and then with Ken Payne at the CN siding in Rose Lake. Work branched out to providing line skidding with his sons operating equipment in the greater Lakes District.
George in his mid-seventies was pulling line for a couple of those years. Wayne built his first and second family homes in Rose Lake.
He followed his sons to Hinton Alberta where he spent several years operating grapple skidders, "The best job I ever had," was his assessment.
After 50 years in the bush health issues led to his reluctant retirement in 2007. He spent some time back at his house in Rose Lake and then in Comox on Vancouver Island where he and Vera retired.
Dad moved into care in 2023 and his family thanks the staff at Ocean View for their gracious care over the short time he was there.
Wayne passed away peacefully in his sleep.
He was pre-deceased by this father George (Gump) and mother, Renee (Nana).
He is survived by his wife Vera, sons Brad, Scott, Garth and Greg and 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Cremation was March 1st with interment intended for the summer of 2024 in Rose Lake.