Born in Halifax N.S. August 26, 1946
Passed away on April 8, 2022 At the Perley Veterans Health where he had been residing since November 2021. He passed away from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
He married Claire (Grenier) in 1969 and they had two children, Yvette (Dan Huot), and Robin (Laila). He was so very proud of both his children. He had three grandchildren, Ciara, Carina and Justin Huot. They were his shining stars and could always make him laugh.
Wayne joined the RCAF at the age of 16, and served for 45 years. He obtained 4 degrees during this time. He worked as the director of Human Performance and Health Promotion. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and was an Honorary Professor at the Shenyang University in China.
After serving several years as a non-commissioned member of the Canadian Forces he received his commission and for most of his military career he served as a Physical Education and Recreation Officer, retiring with the rank of major. He was both a fitness expert and an accomplished athlete in multiple sports including football, karate, judo, volleyball, soccer, rugby and weightlifting. He excelled at almost every sport he played. His belief in Leadership by Example was a motto he followed throughout his military and civilian life.
He played a leading role in the conceptualization, research and development and implementation of the CF’s physical education and health promotion programs and physical fitness standards for the Canadian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He was awarded the CF’s Medallion for Distinguished Service. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for contributions in the founding of the “Soldier On” program for the CF’s caring for injured Canadian soldiers from the Afghanistan campaign.
After four years of theological training he was ordained a Deacon, and had liturgical and pastoral responsibilities in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa and Good Shepherd Parish. He was a Spiritual Director for the Upper Room Home of Prayer in Ottawa and Cornwall, and an Appeals Speaker for the International Charity Organization, “Chalice”. He was a volunteer Military Chaplain in the Veterans Pastoral Outreach Program of the DND/VAC Centre in Ottawa, and a Chaplain at the Royal Ottawa Hospital and the Royal Ottawa Place. He also performed military funerals at Beechwood cemetery.
He is survived by siblings Tom (Gisele) Benson, Jack (Germaine) Lee, Donna LeBlanc, Leo, David, Linda (Larry) Guthrie, and Judy. He is predeceased by his parents Eva and Leo Lee, sisters Barbara Sturge, Pauline Mantley, Sheila Lee, and brothers Dennis and Roger. He also leaves behind many many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
Visitation for Wayne will take place at Beechwood Cemetery on Thursday April 21st from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with the memorial service at their chapel at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Beechwood Cemetery followed by a reception in the Beechwood Reception rooms.
Donations can be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Digital Guestbook
Michel Lambert
Pat Gagnon
I was one of the very fortunate ones to benefit from Wayne's influence on a daily basis for a few years and he transcended the definition of a mentor. He was so much more, as much professionally than personally. He was a tremendous individual that could see the great potential in anyone. He was so generous of his time to anyone who was willing to hear good life stories because he had so many. He guided me and believed in me even before he got to really know me and then spent the following 13 years supporting me in every aspect of my career, studies and personal life. He became a professional example of leadership in the truest sense of the term, in the ability to influence others and treat them with utmost decency and respect. Caring for all and making sure the 'person' was not forgotten amidst the rules, the policies or the processes. He made me a better thinker, manager, leader and above all taught me to dream in technicolor as he used to say. Well Wayne, I think you can be damn proud of all the people you helped and mentored along the way in our organization because the CAF are in a much better place in terms of physical fitness, sports, health promotion and human performance research now than its ever been A true testament to your vision and legacy. Time to start working your magic up there now. May you rest in peace dear friend. you will be missed, but not forgotten.
Paul Best, CD, Ret'd PERI
Many would have had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside Wayne. He was a Pillar of fitness and knowledge.
RIP Wayne
Clifford Pierce
It would take volumes to fairly describe Wayne's accomplishments. His personal drive and energy motivated all that knew him well. I attended Basic Officer Training with Wayne where he demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities always helping others. He was truly an exceptional individual who will be missed by many.
Jerry Mayer
I was so very sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. I met Wayne in 3 Wing / Zweibrucken, Germany in the mid-late 1960s. He was a RCAF serviceman and I was a dependent, still in high school. Though he was a few years older, he was very friendly. I later joined the Canadian Armed Forces, and as fate would have it, Wayne and I were in the same syndicate for 10 weeks in Toronto on the Staff School Course. I got to know him quite well during that period, and couldn’t help but be impressed by his exemplary professionalism, dedication and determination. He was extremely intelligent and gifted; despite this, he had an unrivalled work ethic - no one worked harder. In all his pursuits, he would strive for excellence.
He was a truly inspirational role model. At the same time, he was a genuinely nice guy, quick to smile, and with a great sense of humour. I was exceedingly fortunate to have been able to call him a friend. He will be sorely missed.
Sincere condolences to Claire and family.
Michelle Lesieur , Major(Ret), CD
Going back to 1976 when Wayne was in Chatham, and I was in Cornwallis. Our paths crossed many times from Coast to Coast, until 1995, in the same Regions, Conferences, Sports, Training and Development, and with his lovely wife Claire, and adorable children both Yvette and Robin. Wayne was driven by his love of his family, and the highest standards in everything he did. To me, his spirit is the epitome of Mens Sana In Corpore Sano, and his legacy will live on for centuries. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Claire, Yvette and Robin, and families. Wayne will live on in our fondest memories. From Henri de Lacordaire: "LE SOUVENIR" - C'est la présence dans l'absence - C'est la parole dans le silence - C'est le retour sans fin d'un bonheur passé - Auquel le coeur donne l'immortalité. R.I.P. Wayne.
Donny Phillips
Wayne was a long time, most excellent friend, team mate, example, mentor and wiser older "Brother". He will always be my Deacon of Hope. Condolences to Claire and family.
Sonja Gonsalves
Claire, Yvette, Robin and family please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so blessed for all the ways that Wayne helped and supported me on a professional, personal and spiritual level. I can't imagine how different my life would have been if he had not been there for me and will forever be grateful for his generosity, wisdom, leadership and motivation. Rest in peace Wayne, you will be missed.
Al Loke
He was super PERO and he will be missedRest in Peace
Art Salmon
I had the privilege of working with Wayne as an external contractor with ParticipACTION for over 10 years. During that time, I found Wayne to be one of the most dedicated professionals I had ever worked with. His passion to increase the health and wellbeing of the members of the Canadian Forces through sport and exercise was an inspiration to all of us who worked with him. Wayne, my friend… you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Un grand homme qui a fait un travail remarquable avec les MEPL/OEPL ... son long my good friend