It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Stanley Little on May 20, 2021. Devoted husband to Elise, his high school sweetheart, they were married on September 2, 1983.
Wayne was born to the late Margaret Ellen (nee Nagle) and William (Bill) Howard Little, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, October 18, 1957. He is survived by his loving brothers Ken (Teresa), Doug (Susan), Pat, Jim (Katherine), and Dan (Christine), He was uncle to Nathan (Brandi), Rory (Holly), Brodie (Erika), Nadine (Mark), Elizabeth (Dave), Eric (Courtney), Nicole (Braden), Kate (Tanner), and Will and great-uncle to Gavin, McKenzie, Sadie, Aiden, Owen, Oriana, Tamsyn, and Willie. Wayne is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law Margot (nee Wickson) Briggs and brother-in-law Geoff Briggs, his niece Nina Briggs, and his niece and goddaughter, Gillian Briggs (Macoy). Wayne was a proud uncle and staunch supporter of his nephews and nieces and their activities, attending their games, matches, dance recitals, school plays and music concerts.
Wayne graduated from Oak Bay High School and then the University of Victoria. He began his career in real estate with Camosun Real Estate, and then he joined the federal public service working for the Canada Revenue Agency in Victoria. He became a Union Activist in the early 1990’s and held several executive positions including local President and Regional Vice-President of the Union of Taxation Employees. Throughout his career he advocated on behalf of his members, dedicated as he was to labour equity and solidarity.
Growing up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wayne took an early interest in both hockey and golf. He was good at both but chose golf after he started playing the game at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club. When Wayne’s family moved to Victoria, BC in 1970 he joined the Uplands Golf Club and he remained a life long member. Over the years Wayne went on to win four club championships there, along with many other tournaments, but he always enjoyed playing a round with friends best. Living on the west coast, Wayne also enjoyed boating and fishing, and he looked forward to his annual fishing trips with friends up island each summer, along with sharing his catch of salmon and halibut, and cooking it, for friends and family.
Wayne especially loved spending time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Pequeño, as he is known there, and Elise took every opportunity to visit their home away from home, spending countless happy hours there over the years, together, and with family and friends.
One of Wayne’s greatest attributes was forging tight-knit and life-long friendships with family and friends. His compassion and kindness, loyalty, generous spirit, sense of fun and sense of humour, and his deep, abiding love for his family and friends will never be forgotten. Wayne will be greatly missed and dearly remembered.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers Wayne would ask that you make each other happy.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
27 Responses
This is a total shock. I Googled his name to see if he was still in Victoria and saw his death notice. I was unaware of this news and I am really saddened by it. I was a teacher in Saskatoon and very fortunate to have Wayne, Pat and Doug in my classes for a few years. They were all great kids and I know that they became wonderful and contributing members of society. To all his family members, please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. To Doug and Pat, please know that I am now thinking of you and hoping that your memories of your brother give you some comfort with this tragic loss. I am still in Victoria and would love to hear from you. Rest In Peace Wayne. You were one of the good ones.
Peter Nicholson
I am sorry to hear about Wayne. I knew him mostly in high school, and for a few years after when I ran a little with the ‘golf gang’ (himself, McLeod, Amon, ‘Wopper’, Grant, Ware, Haskell, & others). I can’t say we were pals, but during the interactions I had with him at school, and at parties after we all graduated, he was always forthright and honest. I’d get into it with him sometimes, and he always knew how (& when) to call me on my BS, which I’m sure was running rampant at the time. I guess it was his authenticity that stood out for me then, and does now, looking back. The other thing that stands out was his love for Elise (& hers for him). Even at that young age I realized, as did most, that they were soul mates. Watching them interact was at times entertaining, but always encouraging/inspiring. I offer sincere condolences to Elise and all of Waynes’ extended family. He was a good man.
Dear Elise and family
I was truly sorry to hear of Wayne’s recent passing. Our heartfelt condolences and hugs to you all.
My sincere condolences to Wayne’s family. It was a pleasure to have worked with Wayne for 29 years. He would do anything for you and always thinking of others before himself. I will always be grateful for all the time and effort he gave when I was WFA’d. More so, Wayne was a good friend who enjoyed having a good time, whether it was at a work luncheon, drinks after work, or vacationing down in Mexico. You will truly be missed my friend
HI ELISE, SORRY TO HEAR THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, BEST FRIEND, BEST BUDDY LEFT US SO SOON!! HIS BROTHERS AND I TAUGHT HIM TO PLAY HOCKEY AND GOLF AND KICKED HIS BUTT TILL HE MOVED TO VIC AND KICKED EVERYBODY’S BUTT!!!! WAYNE, SEE YA SOON ROCK STAR!! LOVE YA BABE!!! MORGAN SHANE EL ERIC!!!
Elise and Family
Richard and I were so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to you at this sad time. You are in our thoughts.
Elise and the Little family, we are so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Wayne was obviously well loved and the memories that were made with him, will live on, in all that knew and loved him. We are sending our sincere condolences to you all. Barb and Frank Clemens ( Susan’s sister)