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
Bill Oliver
Sgt Mel J McGraw, CD. (Retired) PERI
Maj Wayne Lee; we served together in the early years at CFB Chatham.! Sorry to hear he has passed on to his Glory in the next world; where we hope to meet some day.! I pass on my deepest sympathies to the Family and Friends.! May he now rest.!
PO2 Mike Dawson, CD, Ret'd PERI
Wayne definitely loved what he did in the Canadian Armed Forces. Deepest condolences to Family and Friends.
Roy Hillier
Wayne was my best friend whom I met in the gym in 3(F) Wing, Zweibrucken, Germany in 1965.. He was the best man at my wedding, MC at my daughter’s wedding and baptized my oldest grandson. His friendship was golden. He led by example and was a true example of what a decent human being should be. Seeing Wayne was always a highlight of my day and we were so fortunate to have had several posting together or close enough to stay in contact.. I loved him like a brother. We shared so much and I will miss him every day. My heart goes out his family whom he loved and was so proud of. I feel blessed to have had him as my best friend for nearly 57 years.
LGen (retd) Jan Arp
I had the pleasure of working with Wayne in developing the CAF physical fitness standards and tests as well as playing soccer with him. He was always the consummate professional and fierce competitor. Rest In Peace my friend.
Martin Simard
R.I.P ..Wayne …
LCOL Greg Pearson OMM CD (Ret)
It is hard to know where to begin as there is so much I would like to say about Wayne, my association with him and his incredible contribution to physical fitness programs in the Canadian Forces. Firstly my sincerest condolences to Claire, Yvette and RobIn and their families and to Waynes many relatives and friends. I know how important you were to him , he was so proud of you all. Wayne was ,without a word of exaggeration ,the most influential and knowledgable officer in the Canadian Forces with respect to physical fitness programs. His pioneering work in establishing trade related fitness standards is evident across many trades today. His greatest legacy however was his mentoring of a new generation of young well educated PSP fitness staff who have gone on to be todays CF fitness and health promotion leaders. From a personal perspective I was fortunate to witness this passing of the torch that Wayne so masterfully orchestrated. In addition to all his professional attributes Wayne had many personal attributes which made him stand out amongst his peers. Wayne cared deeply about those who worked for him and those he worked for. He never wanted to burden others with a problem and he always made his many successes team successes. Wayne was above all else a genuinely kind person. I loved working with Wayne- he made us all better. God speed Wayne , your PE@R and PSP friends will miss you.
Frank Cleysen
So much to be thankful for; Wayne was a mentor, friend and great leader. RIP Wayne
Allen Ettinger
I first met Wayne in Lahr as soccer opponents in the Air division Championships (May 1968) and again at the PERO Seminar in Petawawa in 1976 and instantly became friends, a friendship that grew over the year.
Wayne was the ultimate professional that people looked up to and respected including me.
His family whom he dearly loved had us at many family functions including moving parties.
We travelled together for work on many occasions enjoying work and play together.
I will miss his friendship but it will never be forgotten.
My condolences to wife Claire, daughter Yvette (Dan), son Robin (Laila), grandchildren Ciara, Carina, and Justin.
Thankyou for letting me see him one last time. I know he is a far better place.
LCdr Joyce Burghardt (Retd)
I met Wayne through our mutual love of sports and physical fitness. He was a truly decent and caring person and champion of women in sport. Wayne lived a full and amazing life. There is no doubt that he will be sorely missed by his family but also by many many others and I count myself among them.
Wayne contributed to so many positive things in his life; he will be sorely missed. RIP, my friend.