Wayne died peacefully in palliative care at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Born in Powell River, BC, to Marguerite and Joseph Robertson, he spent much of his childhood and youth in Penticton BC, enjoying many outdoor activities including sailing and being a Cub Scout leader. He moved to Victoria in 1963 to work in a children’s residential facility where he met his future wife, Patricia (Pat) McIvor. They married in 1965 and lived in Toronto for a year before returning to the Island. Wayne spent most of his working life in the Public Service primarily with the Ministry of Children and Families. He was a beloved Dad to Dave (Sue) and Leah (Rob Sorensen); grandad to Erik, Hannah and Maia; brother/brother-in law to Laurie (Lindy), Lynda (Don), Donna (Ed), Mike (Diane), Tim (Maggi), Karen, and Sheilagh (Derek). He had many other connections with extended family and friends. To Pat, he was “Rob”.
Wayne and Pat’s property on Viaduct Avenue West was a forested oasis where they made their home for almost fifty years. It was a home base for many of Wayne’s hobbies and interests including birding, wood carving, gardening with native plants, bee keeping, bonsai, photography, and sketching. Wayne was an active and dedicated volunteer at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, and a member of the Native Plant Study Group, the Victoria Natural History Society, and the Vancouver Island Bonsai Association.
A celebration of his life was held at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in August where memories were shared and Wayne’s legacy of quiet strength, kindness, compassion, and service was honored.
Thanks to Dr. Mark Sherman and the team at Shoreline Medical Brentwood; the Island Health Home Care team, particularly Dawn; Janette and Mel from Helping Hands; and the staff at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital who were kind to Wayne and his family, especially Suzanne and Sue, and the Patient Ambassadors.
Any donations in Wayne’s memory can be made to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific- https://hcp.ca/
“How lucky are we to have someone who makes saying goodbye so hard” (author unknown, sometimes attributed to A.A. Milne)
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Melanie Morris
I had the honour of being Wayne’s Wednesday painting partner. Wayne and I spent two hours each week creating, painting and laughing together. His lovely wife Pat would join in and I have to say it was the highlight of my week when I received my special “Wayne Smile!” Wayne was the most gentlest of gentleman and I have tucked our memories into a pocket of my heart ❤️
Melanie Morris – Helping Hands Support for Seniors