Mr. D. Wayne McGonigle

Wayne McGonigle passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, following a difficult and courageous battle with ALS at the age of 83. Wayne was born to William & Beatrice McGonigle on January 21, 1943 on a bitterly cold day on the farm near Winter, Saskatchewan. Delivered by his grandmother the midwife, it was obvious there were health concerns at birth. The doctor was fetched by horse and cutter and charged the price of 2 frozen ducks. In 1945 Wayne’s family moved to Alberta, where he spent the remainder of his life living within various communities & hamlets of the Foothills County. Born with Spina Bifida, Wayne spent many years in and out of hospital as a child. He walked with crutches and was easily recognized in the community. The crutches were a part of him but didn’t define or limit him. Wayne was strong, determined & resilient, no matter the challenge, he adapted and found a way. Horses played a central role in Wayne’s life from the very beginning. His earliest memory was being with his father while hauling grain in a wagon. He recalled seeing the hind quarters of two horses walking up the ramp into the elevator at Winter. Wayne often said that, his horses were his legs and they became a lifelong passion. He was truly a cowboy at heart. Growing up he was rarely far from his horse and rode almost everywhere – riding to school and visiting friends and family. It was not unusual for him to ride from Turner Valley to Cochrane to visit the cousins. Through the many stories he shared, it’s clear he was a mischievous child, known for playing pranks such as tipping outhouses or teaching his pony, Midnight to play dead along the highway so passing drivers thought the horse had been hit – Only for Wayne and Midnight to jump up and ride away laughing. Wayne began his early career with Calgary Power before finding his calling in real estate, where he built a successful career serving the Turner Valley, Black Diamond & greater Foothills area. It was while working at Calgary Power he met his wife Shirley. They married in 1967 and together they built their home and life, raising their 3 children in Turner Valley before eventually moving to their farm near Longview. They were solid, loving and caring parents who showed great pride and joy in their children and grandchildren. Wayne shared his passion for horses by organizing a local “Riding Club,” where he taught horsemanship & gymkhana skills to youth eager to learn. He enjoyed being involved in his community and for 43 years served as a marshal of the Diamond Valley Parade, and later the Longview Parade. He was often called upon to emcee family and community events, and volunteered for the Christmas bird count and at the Bar U Ranch. Following the devastating loss of Shirley in 2006, Wayne reconnected with his long-time friend Vicky, and they were married in 2015. They have spent these past 14 years providing each other with love, support and companionship. Wayne was known as a strong, proud and steady man (some might say stubborn) who valued family, long-time friendships and a good western movie. He has always been known as a fighter and showed that this past few years when his health began to decline. “Give up” was not in his vocabulary right to the end. He was a natural storyteller and enjoyed writing poetry, birding, camping, riding in the mountains, and spending time with family and friends. The grandkids all called him “Papa”. His grandson describes him as “always putting family first and himself second.” Papa was one of their biggest supporters. Whether it meant going to their school events or games or simply calling afterward to ask how it went, he always made it clear that he cared. He took a genuine interest in every part of their life. He passed forward his skills and knowledge of fishing, hunting, equine and knife sharpening. He also had a special way of making holidays magical, playing along with the spirit of Santa and the Easter Bunny. Most of all, Papa made sure they never felt anything less than deeply loved. Wayne especially loved when family and friends gathered at the farm to camp, celebrate holidays and milestones such as birthdays, graduations and a wedding. His stories, laughter and steady presence will be dearly missed, but the values he passed on and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Wayne often said -“God gave us memories so we might have roses in winter”. We’re grateful he gave us a lot of roses. Thank you. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, William and Beatrice McGonigle; his wife, Shirley; their stillborn daughter, Mary; his sister Gail Goss; and his brothers Ronald and Raymond McGonigle. He is lovingly remembered by his spouse Vicky McGonigle; his children Gary (Tammy) McGonigle, Colleen (Steve) Dougan and Corinne (Michael) Wight and grandchildren Shaun, Kathryn (Austin), Morgan (Ashley), Nolan, Lily and Riley. Wayne also leaves behind a special great-grandson, Hudson and his sister Janice McGonigle, along with many extended family members; nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He loved you all. In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, a private family burial will take place at Foothills Cemetery. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held in the summer, with details to be shared with family and friends at a later date. If desired donations in Wayne’s memory may be made to the Foothills Country Hospice. “Keep your feet in the stirrups and your mind in the middle and we’ll see you on down the trail” “Till we meet again” – Wayne McGonigle Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Tributes

Mr. D. Wayne McGonigle

January 21, 1943 - March 12, 2026