Wayne passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025. Born in Stettler, Alberta, Wayne moved to Victoria at age 20, drawn by a love of the ocean.
Initially, Wayne worked in the moving industry for many years, but his true passion was on the water. In the late 1970s, he joined the first Oak Bay Sea Rescue and became active in the Oak Bay Power & Sail Squadron. In 1979, he joined the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and became a familiar face through his dedicated involvement.
In 1979, Wayne took over Bosun’s Locker, a marine hardware shop that became his second home. He spent countless hours splicing lines, fixing gear, and swapping stories with fellow boaters. During winters, he travelled across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in the Bosun’s van for boat and sportsman shows, sharing his knowledge and love of the marine world.
In retirement, Wayne and his wife Judy volunteered with the RCMP Coast Watch Program while cruising the BC coast, continuing their life on the water by travelling up the inside passage of Vancouver Island.
Wayne was predeceased by his brothers Robert, Charles, and David. He leaves behind his loving wife Judy of 56 years, and his children Carla (Steve), Michael (Lisa), Jean (Tim), Rob (Kris), Caron (Bob), and 13 grandchildren.
Wayne’s legacy is one of conversation, kindness, and seamanship. He could talk to anyone, fix almost anything, and be there when you needed a hand or a good story.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 1, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria B.C., with a reception.
For those unable to attend the service in person, please follow the Zoom link below.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81894954093?pwd=EabDri2n4auUaWmDaUPvb3GqBae42i.1
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Dunsmuir” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Sue & Bob Gill
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C.Ray Cronmiller Leona and Ray Cronmiller
Judy and family please accept our condolences on the death of husband and father Wayne.
We met many many years ago when IBM moved me to Victoria. As a fresh water fisherman I was very pleased to meet the master of salt water fishing and the skills and tricks he bestowed to me were very much appreciated.
On one of my few trips back to Victoria It was again my pleasure to visit with Wayne at Bosun’s Locker. Judy it was our pleasure to know you and Wayne and I am sure he will never be forgotten.
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Gerry Woloshyn Dear Judy and family,
Thinking of you at this time and remembering the good times we had together.
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Steve Merriman Dear Judy and Family
We are so sorry to read that Wayne has passed .
Many happy memories of time spent with you both over the years . Wayne was a great guy .
Love Ann and Steve ♥️
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Stephen Reichenfeld Please accept condolences from all our family including my sister Kristin in Germany and Alfdis from Iceland. Knowing Wayne and Judy has always been a highlight of our travels to the Island. Wayne was always a welcome guest in our home when he worked the Calgary Sportmen’s Show, especially as he befriended our springer spaniel “Jackson” with whom he shared his “Chicken On The Way”. A sharing soul was perhaps his most redeeming characteristic whether it be a good story (mostly true), some advice or his latest catch from the sea. We will miss you old pal.
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Dave Yardley We feel honoured to have known Wayne. Always stopped to talk with him when down at the yacht club or in Bosun’s. Always cheerful with his smile and chuckle. Beam reaches Wayne. Dave and Kathy YARDLEY.
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Brent Browning Our condolences Judy and Family. Was a pleasure getting to know Wayne when we stayed in Crofton at Osborne Bay. Reading about his past I realized that a commercial fisherman I thought he was was not to be. Wayne was a true friend to all he met, and a person I’ll never forget. A story, a beer, and a beautiful view you both had at Osborne Bay was just a few of the things we shared. Hugs Judy.
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Carole Payson Judy and family, our sincere condolences on the loss of Wayne . We have fond memories of our times on the water with you and Wayne. You both taught us so much about boating on the ocean! Sincerely George and Carole Payson
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Sandra and Johnny My condolences to you, Judy, and your family on the loss of your husband Wayne. It was very nice knowing him for a short time when you lived in Crofton.
RIP, Wayne. Say hello to my beloved Mister who left us on March 16, 2025.
We were sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. We always appreciated his kind and friendly advice and support with boating questions, and was especially hospitable including us on a memorable sail with you one year at the Yacht Club Opening Day.
We know he will be missed, and we offer sincere condolences to Judy and the family. Sorry we will not be able to attend the service today.