Surrounded by his loving family, Wayne passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at Chilliwack General Hospital, at age 69.
He is survived by his family: Wife and best friend of 30 years, Carol; His three children: Vince Aitkenhead, Tracy Andersen and Leah (Dave) Gill; Grandchildren: Steve (Therese) Andersen, Matt Andersen, Kris Vandenbrink, Sara Roulston and Landon Gill; Great-Grandson Kaden Andersen; Sister: Judy McMillan; Brothers in law: Ken and Gary Roberts, Brook Hornsby and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Margaret Aitkenhead.
Wayne was born on May 5, 1938 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His family moved to Chilliwack when he was 11. As a young man, he was very active in various sports such as football, soccer, track & field, baseball and basketball.
His early working years started in the logging industry, then in 1964 he joined the Union of Operating Engineers Local 115. His work as a heavy equipment operator took him all over BC and Alberta working on many roads and highways as well as various work on pipelines. In the mid 1980’s he left from operating machinery and became an inspector on the pipelines until he retired in 1997.
Wayne always loved his sports, whether on TV or a live game. He took great pride in watching his grandsons participate. He was the loudest fan and the refs greatest critic! He loved watching the Chilliwack Chiefs and Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions. He had seasons tickets to many of them throughout the years.
These last years, Wayne could be found most mornings at the “round table” in the Royal Hotel, solving the world’s problems over a cup of coffee. He had many great friends, new and old, to which he was loyal and supportive. If anyone ever needed anything, he never said no. He was a devoted and loving family man, with a special affection for his grandchildren and great-grandson Kaden, who could always put a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
We will all miss him for many special reasons... He was a big man with a big heart.
Please join us for a memorial service at 1:30 on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Hocking Avenue in Chilliwack.
If friends so desire, a donation to BC Childrens Hospital in Wayne’s name would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.