Wayne was born in Regina, Saskatchewan to Delia Strandlund (nee Jordens) and was later adopted by Bert Strandlund. He spent his young formative years on the family farm in Broadview, Saskatchewan until August of 1962 when Bert and Delia packed up a station wagon with 7 kids, an uncle and the family dog and drove to Victoria, BC. Wayne resided in Victoria ever since.
Wayne’s pride and joy were his children, Jason (Hannah and Ty), Hali (Darren, children Cole and Nicholas) and Rafer (Vicky, children Chelsea (Katie), Jasmine and the newest addition great grandson Fletcher) who all worked together at the family company. Fisgard is a true family enterprise that he was extremely proud of.
Wayne was fortunate to have known many people but there were a few who wrapped their arms around him throughout various stages of his life. Terry Orr, Bob Herr, Lawrence and Diana Russel, the Paniz family (Umberto, Dawn and children Allissa, Jessica, Arianna and Kiarra), Tania Miller, Stephanie Ustina, Elena Markos and Lorraine Strandlund.
Wayne’s large family included five brothers and two sisters. Alvin (Lorri), Terry (Teresa), Darlene, Randy (Lori), Paddy (Sue), Trevor (Kim), and Gail, along with numerous beloved uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.
Wayne was an entrepreneur at heart and a deep thinker with many interests. He was passionate about music, writing, mathematics, education, hockey, football (a proud coach of the BC Champion Victoria Hornets in the early 80s) and gardening. He loved cats (especially Moosh Moosh) and a good ol’ toasted bologna and cheese sandwich. While he enjoyed the simple things in life, he was complicated, emotional and always ready for a good debate or fight if warranted.
Not one to sit on the sidelines Wayne served as President and/or Director of numerous associations including the Victoria Real Estate Board, British Columbia Real Estate Board, Real Estate Council Of BC, the BC Notary Society and served as Chancellor of Royal Roads University, a position he was extremely proud of. His dedication also flowed to the arts and local community enthusiastically supporting the Victoria Symphony and many other related organizations.
Wayne was quietly proud of his Metis heritage. His great Aunt Marguerite Belhumeur was wife to Louis Riel, founding father of Manitoba and from Paris his 13th great grandfather, Louis Hebert, was the first apothecary of Canada and settler of Quebec. A very interesting family history.
There is so much more to share about this icon of a man and words can not describe how much he brought to our lives and how much he will be missed. His legacy will continue!
Please join us at 2:30 pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023, in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, to celebrate the life of this incredible man.
Should you wish to honour Wayne’s legacy, donations can be made to the Wayne Strandlund Award for Indigenous and Metis Students at Royal Roads University or the Victoria Symphony Society.
https://www.royalroads.ca/wayne-strandlund-award-indigenous-students-0
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
59 Responses
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Wayne every now and then in his time at RRU. Yes, he generously met with MA-Leadership cohorts and shared his philosophy of leadership through giving, inspiring all of us with his stories! Every time I come to RRU, I am reminded we have Wayne to thank for the totem pole at the top of the hill welcoming all visitors to campus. Named “S’ael”, a Sencoten word for “harmony,” Wayne made it possible for Tsawout artist Tom Lafortune to carve this pole, with the assistance of Howard LaFortune Jr.. Of course, Wayne’s portrait hangs in the Quarterdeck, with the other former chancellors, but it is the totem pole that is a constant reminder of Wayne. My deepest condolences to the family. Wayne is missed by many.
July 26, 2023
I found out about Wayne’s passing last night and want to pass along my condolences. Wayne was a passionate mentor and dear friend. We shared countless intellectual conversations, often journeying late into the night. I will always cherish the hand crafted Guardian Angel glory bead rosary Wayne gifted me upon the purchase of my first home. I want to share Wayne’s three stages of life, that he once shared with me. Needs. Wants. Elegance.
Keegan McIntyre
I just heard of Wayne’s passing tonight and want to pass along my condolences to his family.
Wayne and I were regulars at a popular Victoria restaurant and I very much enjoyed our conversations.
I met Wayne in 1997, when I was living there n Vancouver and work sometimes brought me to Victoria.
In 2000, I moved to Los Angeles. He never forgot me. Every year, without fail for the past 23 years, he remembered both my son & I on Christmas, and always remembered my birthday, April 18th. We were very proud that we were both born Aries.
April 2nd I wished him a happy birthday and for the first time I received no reply. My own birthday came and went, and again silence. For the past 10 days it has weighed on me, until I decided to search…
Love you always Wayne, you will be dearly missed. Veronica
Wayne was such a private man, but if you were lucky enough to spend time with him, he made you feel special. It was as if there was no one else in the crowded room. He was kind, generous and truly special. Than you for the Glory Beads Wayne, I will treasure them and think of you and of my Angel often. You will be missed cousin. Love Sharon
My deep condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Uncle Wayne meant a lot to my family and was always so good to us. Truly a caring human.
So very sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. We have known Wayne through Fisgard as investors in the business for many years and always enjoyed speaking with him when in the office. A beautiful man whom we will miss.
Evan Noseworthy and Judith Gray
I’m so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was a really nice man , and will be missed by many. My condolences to all the strandlunds
My deepest condolences Hali to you and yourfamily. Wayne sounded like a wonderful gentleman, husband, father,and grandfather. Nothing really prepares us for such a heart wrenching loss. May your memories of him become your treasures.