It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Wayne Ficek on June 1st, 2025 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
Wayne’s passing leaves to mourn his wife Darci and daughter Rebekah, his sister Joanne Heath (Bob and family), brothers Brad (Sheila), Rodney (Cathy and family), his mother-in-law Tysh Norlen, sister-in-laws Alison Norlen (Jay), Kelly Norlen (Neil), nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
Wayne was a wonderful man, warm-hearted, fun loving and kind. To know Wayne was to love him.
He married his high school sweetheart Darci in 1983 and together they built a life filled with love, respect and friendship that was everlasting.
In his life Wayne overcame many hurdles and did so with a much admired courage and resilience.
In 1987 at the age of 26 Wayne was left paraplegic after a body surfing accident in Mexico. He returned to school attending the University of Winnipeg and proudly earned his honours degree with a Bachelor of Arts.
He served for many years as a probation officer in Kenora working with both adult and youth offenders. Wayne loved his work and made an impact on the lives of many. Wayne was very community minded and became a strong advocate for persons with disabilities. Over the years he volunteered his time on many boards and committees including the Handi-transit, the Kenora Curling Club, the Hospital accessibility advisory board, Northwest Independent Living/CSINW also acting as their president for many years, and most recently he was involved with the Patient Family and Elder advisory committee for the new All Nations Hospital to be built in Kenora.
Wayne loved and played all sports but his passion was curling. He was instrumental in introducing stick curling to Kenora and formed a wheelchair curling team that represented Northwestern Ontario at four National Curling Championships.
He had the great honour of carrying the Olympic torch as it passed through Kenora on its way to Whistler for the 2010 Winter Games.
There are so many fond memories of house-boating on Lake of the Woods, enjoying time at home listening to music and cooking dinner with a glass of wine and most of all simply enjoying love and laughter with family and friends.
Your struggles are over Wayne, rest in peace
You will be forever missed but never forgotten.
A celebration at Wayne’s life will be announced at a later date.
The family of Wayne wish to thank Char Melillo, Dr. Brad Kyle, Dr. Trudeau and all the staff at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
In honour of Wayne donations to the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by his family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Ficek family.