Mr. Wayne Alan Chayer

After a courageous and hard fought battle with Lymphoma Cancer, we sorrowfully announce the peaceful passing of Wayne Alan Chayer on June 4, 2024. Wayne is survived by his wife Diane, five kids: Rene (Rachel), Paul C, Paul Gray, Dean (Gillian), Leah (Kelly), and ten grandchildren: Michael, Kristian, Emma, Madeline, Luke, Jack, Sophie, Paloma, Sam and Quinn. Wayne/Dad/Grampa was born in Hanna, AB on May 10th, 1943, and spent most of his childhood in Sunnynook, AB. His university education took him to Edmonton, AB, and after graduating he began his engineering career, which posted him in various locations including British Columbia, Montreal, Bolivia, Panama, and Evansburg, Alberta. A kind, patient, gentle patriarch, Wayne was a dedicated, loving husband, father and grandfather. He approached life with integrity, grace and unending patience. From the time he was a young boy, Wayne possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an eagerness to embrace the “new” and “different”. Wayne had an enthusiastic spirit, taking on a wide range of projects, interests and hobbies with incredible diligence and a meticulous attention to detail. His endeavours were broad and ranged from museum-level archival of photographs to befriending and taming a menacing, neighborhood black crow. Patience proved to be the secret to his success. While High River, AB eventually became home, Wayne loved traveling and enjoyed the adventure of exploring new destinations with his wife Diane. Whether it was a coast-to-coast tour of the southern United States, rural regions of France, or exotic terrains in Thailand, Wayne found endless fascination in the diversity of the people and places he explored. Wayne possessed an enthusiasm for trying new things which brought him a great deal of joy and excitement. From savoring a new dish made by his step-daughter and husband or immersing himself in unfamiliar activities abroad, he approached every new experience with an open heart and a genuine sense of wonder. Wayne enjoyed spirited conversations about politics and relished in the exchange of ideas. He also found happiness in the camaraderie of bridge, table games while also embracing an active lifestyle his entire life, becoming a dedicated Pickleball player and advocate of the sport within his community. His recipe for approaching life was simple yet profound. First, “do the right thing”, then add a blend of curiosity, unconventional, and adventure, seasoned with generous heaps of learning and dollops of horizons expanding. With equal fervor to intake as much as possible, Wayne’s reflexes were lightning quick when he saw the opportunity to lend a helping hand, offering his knowledge, support and kindness whenever possible. Wayne leaves behind a legacy of integrity, modesty and uncommon humbleness. His angelic gentle spirit, authentic kindness, and pure patience touched the lives of his family along with all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he is not with us in body, his down-to-earth, yet adventurous soul will live on in our hearts, now and forever more. Memorial Service will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 209 - 9th Avenue West, High River, AB T1V 1A4, on June 15 at 11am. For those unable to attend, the service will be Livestreamed through www.lylereeves.com . In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation to the Stem Cell Research Foundation (https://albertacancer.ca/why-we-need-you/cancer-research/) or the High River District Health Care Foundation (https://www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca/ways-to-give) Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Tributes

Mr. Wayne Alan Chayer

May 10, 1943 - June 4, 2024