GREGORY Wayne

It is with immense sadness that the family of WAYNE GREGORY announce his passing on September 14, 2012 at the age of 68. Wayne was the cherished husband of Gisele for more than 45 wonderful years.
Wayne was born in Pincher Creek and was raised on the family ranch. He loved the farm life and spent many hours during his childhood exploring, playing and fishing along the nearby creek. Later Wayne worked alongside his father and brothers tending to the cattle and working the land. Even after he left the ranch, he would return whenever he could to lend a hand.
It is impossible to sum up a life well lived in a few words but his family and friends knew him to have been the best of men – loving, kind, generous, gentle, humorous, honest and always considerate of others. Wayne loved children and animals and that love was returned unreservedly. He had a wonderful and gentle sense of humor which he shared with those closest to him, creating so many joyous and laughable moments over the years. Even though Wayne struggled at times to keep going, he was never without a smile for everyone and he managed to keep us laughing through the most difficult of times.
Wayne cherished his family above all else and family gatherings were always filled with much love and laughter. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening and his beautiful garden was always a haven of peace and tranquility for people, birds and the odd rabbit or two. He planted strawberries just for the robins and delphiniums for the baby rabbits who frequented the yard. He created a beautiful little waterfall and spent many happy hours watching the birds as they came to drink and bathe in the gently flowing water. As well, Wayne loved watching his beloved Yankees play baseball, and listening to music of all kinds which brought him endless hours of enjoyment.
Besides his loving wife Gisele, Wayne is survived by his very special nieces and nephews: Damon (who was like a son to him), Brandon (Shammi), Dayne, Carmen and her family, Byron (Debbie and Jordan), and Charlotte (Sonny and family); by his special sisters-in-law Denise (who was especially close to Wayne), Paulette (Cliff), Laurie (Glenn) and their family, and Liz. Wayne is also survived by his brother Earl (Mary) and their family, brother Martin (Dianne), special cousin Del (who was more like a sister) and her family, brother-in-law John (Donna) and their family, all of whom he loved dearly. As well, Wayne is survived by numerous other nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who meant the world to him. He was predeceased by his parents Hazel and Ray, mother-in-law and father-in-law Laurie and Bernard, sister-in-law Colette and brother-in-law Paul.
The majority of Wayne’s work life (29 years) was spent with the City of Lethbridge in the Electrical Department designing street lighting and electrical installations for new subdivisions. He was dedicated to his work and meticulous in everything he did.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following people and organizations: Paula Mereska and Dr. Aaron Low of the Heart Function Clinic, Dr. Brenda Ireland and the staff at the Palliative Care Unit, the amazing staff members of St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre and Nathan Praud from the Community Care Office, for the loving and gentle care given to Wayne in his last months and weeks. We also want to thank our wonderful friends and neighbors Carol and Reg Lastiwka and family for the many wonderful meals and numerous other acts of kindness, as well as Linda and Sheldon Solomon and family for their unfailing willingness to help whenever needed. In addition we want to thank Todd, Ed and staff of Norbridge Pharmacy who provided such exceptional and caring service over the years but most especially in our recent time of need. We also want to recognize the wonderful care given to Wayne by all the EMT’s and the staff of the Emergency Room at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital. They all worked so hard to help Wayne when he was in crisis.
A memorial service celebrating Wayne’s life will take place at Christ Church Anglican, 320 21 Street, Fort Macleod on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or to St. Michael’s Palliative Care Foundation.
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email: condolences@generationsfh.ca
Sign guest book: www.generationsfh.ca