Wayne passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on January 26, 2021 at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ontario after a valiant fight with the new COVID variant at Roberta Place LTC.
He was the treasured and loyal husband of Alice (née Bray) for 62 years. Fun-loving and dedicated Father to Brian Belanger (Jo-Anne van Draanan) and Mary Ellen Belanger (Gayle Thurlow) and doting Grandpa to Hannah, Erin, Jenna, Leah and Katrina. He is survived by his sister, Wanda (Bert) Berger, and predeceased by his mother, Anna Mae Belanger. Wayne was born in Renfrew, Ontario on November 6, 1936 and met Alice while training to become a teacher. Wayne will be remembered for his commitment to his career in Education as a Teacher at St. Pat’s and Merivale High Schools, and as a Principal at Colonel By, Sir Robert Borden and the Earl of March High Schools. During his career, Wayne returned to Ottawa University earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education.
Wayne was a most interesting man, fully engaged in life. He lit up a room when he entered it; read Sunday masses at St. John the Apostle Church in Nepean; spent his summers taking courses and camping with his young family across Canada; sat as a Director of the teacher’s Credit Union; became a Master bridge player; owned and managed a Health Food Store; was the life of most parties and with ease would strike up a conversation with anyone at all.His family most appreciates Wayne for the time he spent with them and his evident pride of them. He encouraged his children to take risks, to find the humour in all situations, and to help others. He provided guidance and wisdom to both his children as they faced challenges in their own lives. He understood the importance of kindness and imparted the imperative of “doing the right thing”.As a younger man, Wayne coached little league, attended ballet recitals and skied and golfed with his family. In his senior years, he loved watching Erin’s hockey games, and Hannah’s basketball games and enjoyed a special relationship with each of Katrina, Leah and Jenna.
Cremation has taken place, and a private ceremony will be held at his inurnment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Barrie, ON. In the future, when permitted, family and friends will gather in Ottawa to raise a glass and share some of the numerous ways in which Wayne was treasured. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, and/or support the Ontario Health Coalition as they continue to advocate for appropriate policy and funding of Long-Term Care in Ontario. https://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca