From a young age Wayne knew what he wanted to do, and that was to be in business. As a kid he had his own paper route, was a member of his school's Junior Achievement Club and after high school started a number of unsuccessful ventures with his friends including a recycling centre, and an overly ambitious tree planting contract.
Wayne soon started working for Fisher Stoves, a business that he would ultimately buy, and move to North Vancouver where it was rechristened as North West Stoves, shifting the company's focus from manufacturing wood stoves to distribution. He was proud of the company that he ran, and the deep relationships that he built with the many employees, customers, and suppliers over his four-decade career.
Wayne was an outdoors man, raised in the Scouts, he loved camping with his family in his pickup truck camper, and later in their RV. His sons will remember their frustration in asking "Where are we going?" and only being told "On a Magical Mystery Tour." His family will always cherish driving across Canada together, and across the US & Mexico.
He enjoyed kayaking, bike riding, working in the garden and being on his tractor. He had a taste for good wine and good food. His greatest life long love was being out on the ocean on his sail boat with his dear friends and family.
He is survived by his loving wife Zoe, his sons James and Grady, his brother Dave Rourke (Dorothy), sister-in-law Patricia McLean, brother-in-law Clifton Phelps (Anita), nieces & nephews Cam (Daniella, Jeremy), Leah, Emily, Devon, & Mackenzie. He was proud to be a member of the Carwithen Clan of the Comox Valley
His family would like to thank Dr. Paul Klimo, his team at BC Cancer, & the many others who supported him over his 4 year battle.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, & the BC Flood Relief efforts.
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