Wayne Caleb McNeal

He is loving remembered by his son Kevin (Toni) and their stepdaughters Carolanne and Mary, his son Regan (Chelsea Van Vliet) and their children Ella and Jon, his sister Nona Sinow (Harald) and their children (Cecil, Greta, Harald, and Kira) and grandchildren, and his friend Noparat Sullivan and her son William. He is predeceased by his wife, Isobel (Ogle) and parents Cecil McNeal and Greta (Windsor).

Wayne was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1939. As his father was a bush pilot with his own air service, Wayne was destined for aviation! Cecil would go on to fly for M&C Aviation, Canadian Airways, Ferry Command (for the war effort), and lastly Canadian Pacific.

While living in Vancouver, Wayne set out to the United Kingdom to complete his Commercial Pilot’s License. In 1960, Wayne was employed as a First Officer on the DC-3 aircraft and the Convair for Canadian Pacific. During this time, his father would also fly for Canadian Pacific.

By 1965 Wayne had completed both a Bachelor of Arts (Econ.) and his Master of Arts at the University of British Columbia. His thesis was on General Aviation in the School of Community and Regional Planning.

On July 3, 1965, Wayne married the love of his life, Isobel Ogle. Shortly after the honeymoon, the newly married couple moved to Ottawa as Wayne became a Senior Economist for Transport Canada.

1965 would see the passing of his mother, Greta while the following year would witness his father’s death in a tragic accident.

In 1980, Wayne formed his own Aviation Consultancy. Wayne loved everything Aviation. He flew all over the world pursuing Aviation Projects. He was especially involved with the BC Aviation Council. Wayne was still working on some of these projects until his passing.

His sons will remember Wayne and his efforts with Youth Sports, Scouts, and Soccer Coaching. Wayne truly loved the ocean and fishing. His sons remember a family trip where Wayne rented a sailing boat for a weeklong trip through the Gulf Islands (and a particular Coast Guard Rescue effort!). A 51-pound salmon was the highlight of another fishing trip with Wayne!

Wayne loved walking on the West Vancouver Sea Wall with his friends John and Brent and they often finished with a brunch at the local White Spot. A recent passion of his was tracing the family lineage. Wayne was very fond of his grandchildren in Castlegar, visiting Kevin and Toni in Olympia, and visiting with his sister and her family. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Wayne”.

Fly high Wayne!

The Celebration of Life is planned for November 16, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. @ Hollyburn Funeral Home, 1807 Marine Drive in West Vancouver.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Wayne's memory