Gently, in his sleep, Wayne Herbert, a resident of Kenora, passed away on January 11th, 2024 at 63 years of age.
He is survived by his children, Marci (George), Derek (Jean), his grandson Aramis, his brother Pat (Shelley), nephew Devon (Elizabeth), nieces Taylor (Mike) and Jordan (Mike), numerous cousins and his ex-wife Beth. He is predeceased by his loving parents Victor and Myrtle Herbert.
Wayne was born in Kenora. He grew up on the Kitt Rd and spent his days with his brother playing with the neighbourhood kids. Wayne was introduced to life on the water at the age of 20. He was always happy just to take the boat out for an aimless drive. When they were younger, Wayne and Terry Kurtz were inseparable. Wayne met his future wife, Beth in high school. He and Terry would drive up and down the James Rd in Wayne’s ‘52 Chevy, just for a glimpse of her out in the yard. They married straight out of high school and quickly settled down to a quiet family life.
Wayne went to school in Thunder Bay for training as an Aircraft Mechanic. These skills served him well when he went to work for Ontario Hydro in Ear Falls, where he lived with his family for almost 30 years. Wayne had a great love for sports and the outdoors, playing hockey in his younger years and coaching minor hockey in Ear Falls as he got older. He supported both his children in their sports, Marci with her figure skating and Derek with hockey.
Wayne was a natural born tinkerer who loved to work on old vehicles and machinery. In his thirties Wayne was introduced to a new hobby, building and flying Ultralight aircraft.
Kenora was always home and Wayne moved back there when the opportunity presented itself.
Wayne made his return to Kenora, and spent his time chatting with friends at Tim Hortons and spending his evenings at Bob’s Burgers. Wayne was always willing to lend a helping hand and share a meal. When he retired last year, he was a regular at the Rec Centre enjoying the local youth hockey while getting his daily steps walking around the rink.
Wayne had a quick wit and loved to make people laugh. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Wayne had a few health scares over the last few years and the family would like to send a special thank you to Bob Firth for looking out for Dad while he recovered.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held in July. If you would like to honour Wayne, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Herbert family.