January 1, 2021
1950-2021 ~ It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Wayne Smith on Friday, January 1, 2021 at the age of 70.
Predeceased by his parents Harold and Thirza; Wayne is survived by his wife Linda; daughters Elyssa (Michael) and Laura (Blake); grandchildren Isla and Matthew; siblings Eleanor (Lin) and Garry (Dianne); and nieces and nephews Chris (Stephanie), Thirza (Patrick), Kyla (Vikram) and Martin (Serena).
Wayne grew up first in Dropmore and then Swan River, Manitoba to parents Harold and Thirza. In 1966, Wayne's father wanted to find a warmer place to live with his family in Canada and decided to drive west until there was no more snow.
That place was Nanaimo and the family happily settled into the community. After attending the University of Victoria, Wayne moved to Quebec City to learn French, which is where he met his wife-to-be Linda. They started their family and moved back to Nanaimo in 1986 when Wayne bought the Oxy Pub.
He sold the pub in 1989 and then bought it back in 1999 and owned it until his retirement in 2008.
Wayne loved life in his beautiful corner of the world, perched up on the hill where he could watch the world go by. He especially loved watching and nurturing the families of quail that would visit him daily!
Wayne was an incredibly generous member of the community and was admired and loved by many. He was a supporter of the arts, volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years, welcomed many newcomers to Canada and wouldn't hesitate to help people around him when they needed it. He always believed it was important to be kind and generous all year round, instead of just during the holidays. It was this philosophy and many others that inspired the people around him.
Above all, Wayne was reliable! He could always be found enjoying happy hour at the Oxy Pub or on his back porch with his family and quail.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Oxy Pub later in 2021 when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Until then, please give Wayne a joyful Cheers! Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.firstmemorialnanaimo.com
First Memorial Funeral Services-Nanaimo