After a lengthy and courageous battle with CIDP and Prostrate Cancer, Wayne passed away peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, on Saturday, November 26th, 2023 at the age of 78 with his loving wife Beverly and his brother-in-law, Neil by his side.
Born in Kingsville, Ontario, Wayne joined the RCAF in 1963, he was proud to serve his country flying all over the world as a flight engineer on the CC 130 Hercules and 747 until his retirement in 1995. Wayne enjoyed sailing Georgian Bay on his yacht “Harmony” with Bev, his first mate and boat’s cat – Dawson. Wayne also sailed in the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario and in Mahone Bay, Chester, Nova Scotia. While in Nova Scotia, Wayne also liked to fish with a downrigger on his boat and went skin diving for the occasional lobster. Wayne was a habitual renovator and made many renovations to their century home. As he was mechanically inclined, Wayne enjoyed maintaining his yacht and vehicles. Every January he enjoyed a trip to the Toronto Boat show to shop for nautical equipment and the latest electronics for Harmony.
Predeceased by his parents Allan and Ethel Hess and his brother Terrence, (Rosemary), and niece Jennifer Liscombe. Wayne is survived by his brother, Dale Hess (Kathy), brother-in-law Neil Cooper (Samantha), nephew, Derek (Barbara) niece, Helen Keenan (Scott) and nephew, Niilo Cooper (Eva), nephew Trevor Dietzel (Kristin), Dennis Dietzel (Leighann), and Andrew Dietzel (Stephanie).
Thank you to the wonderful staff in the Cancer and Palliative Inpatient at, Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, for their exceptional care and kindness and special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Oncology and Blood Transfusion Outpatient Clinic at the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital where Wayne was a regular patient for many years. Thank you to Wayne’s doctors for all their support – Dr. Stokreef and Dr Gray, Orillia, Dr Ward-Able, Dr Passafuime, and Dr. Veitch, Barrie, Dr. Bourque, Ottawa Civic Hospital.
Wayne will be fondly missed by many friends and neighbours who were always very supportive of Wayne.
In keeping with Wayne’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the OSMH (http://osmhfoundation.ca/donate/), or the RVH Cancer Centre (https://www.rvhkeeplifewild.ca/donate-today/), Barrie.