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
Although I have only met Wayne a couple of times in my life, I and my family (Mother, Father, Sister and Wife) have all benefited from Wayne’s good business sense. Thanks to Wayne, in times of uncertainty, we were all better off. It’s difficult to put a value on one’s peace of mind, but that is what Wayne provided for us.
Our sincere solaces to all those who knew Wayne, and special heartfelt condolences his family and “crew”.
A BIG “Thank you” to Wayne, from the Hinch family
Wayne was a classmate of my husband, Dennis Payne. They kept in contact for years and after Dennis’ death, Wayne kept in contact with me. He retrieved pieces of the old St. Louis College and gave them to his classmates. I’d like to think that he and Dennis are having a great reunion with other members of the class of 65. Thank you Wayne.
The world has lost one of the “good guys” with Wayne’s passing.
I worked at Royal Roads University when Wayne was our Chancellor. We were so honoured to have, Wayne’s active participation at our annual employee Service Celebration. Wayne always spoke from the heart and made people feel so special and recognized for their commitment to the University. I was the recipient of two honours that Wayne bestowed upon me during my time at RRU and I’ll be forever grateful for these incredible acknowledgements.
Wayne embodied the type of servant leadership that I so admire. He was truly an amazing “human” being, I will miss him and his kind and thoughtful heart.
I send my sincere condolences to the Strandlund family and friends.
My condolences to all the family and friends who knew, and will miss, Wayne.
Our most sincere condolences to the Strandlund family. May you find strength and support from each other. We are thinking of you and send our blessings and love.
Love Harry Sandhu and Rhonda Johnson
Wayne was a special person, and I am grateful to have known him. We all graduated from St. Louis College in 1965 and have stayed in touch since. The twelve apostles got nothing on us. I will miss him but will never forget what he stood for…..
My sincere condolences to the family at Wayne’s passing. I greatly appreciated his generosity and kindness. Hych’ka siem.
It is with heartfelt gratitude that I remember Wayne. During his term as Chancellor of RRU, he generously and humbly gave his time to address several RRU cohorts of the Master of Arts in Leadership program. Students offered the following summary of Chancellor Strandlund’s inspiring and insightful reflections and storytelling:”I am in awe of this man. He has enriched my life and time on campus. He modeled my vision of the leader that I aspire to be. His stories spoke volumes to the value RRU places in its students!”. Thank you, Wayne. You made a difference;it was my honour and privilege to know you. Sending warm condolences to all.
Sincere sympathyto the Strandlund Family. He will be greatly missed by all. Gof Blrss.
My Condolences to all the Strandlund family.