1940-2024
Wayne passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 with his children by his side. Wayne is survived by his wife, Jeannine (nee Martin). He will be greatly missed by his children Gordon Letcher (Kim), and Susan Cillis (Matt), as well as his grandchildren Ben and Sam Cillis, and Jordan (Karli). He will also be missed by his nephew, Andrew MacColl, and step children Karl and Kurt Dreger, as well as step grandchildren Kami, Mikel, Alex and Nathan. Wayne is predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Paul Letcher, and his sister Carole MacColl of Sault Ste. Marie. Wayne grew up in Sault Ste. Marie where he enjoyed many summers at his family cottage in Goulais Bay on Lake Superior. He later attended the University of Manitoba where he enjoyed playing badminton and earned a degree in Science. Wayne began his teaching career in Gravenhurst and then moved to North Bay teaching in the Science departments at Algonquin and then West Ferris Secondary Schools. Many of his colleagues there became lifelong friends.
With them, he played goalie in recreational hockey and enjoyed curling for many years, almost making it to the Briar with his team. Wayne was a gifted wood craftsman. He built a family home on the south shore of Lake Nipissing, as well as his cottage on Trout Lake. There, he enjoyed many years of boating, building projects and Poplar Island sunsets. Upon retiring, Wayne enjoyed many wonderful years in Florida capturing the sun at the beach, on the golf course or on his Harley. In his final years, Wayne and Jeannine moved to Watersun Condominiums where he enjoyed the companionship there, playing bridge, darts and maintaining the library. And, he so enjoyed the company of his beloved dog, Ginger.
Wayne was a loving father and husband, a proud Grandpa, and a good friend. We will miss his presence, his guidance, sense of humor, love and support. He was happiest when he had a woodworking project on the go. Although a science major, Wayne also had many artistic talents. He played the organ for many years, and also enjoyed dabbling in painting.
We would like to extend our deep gratitude to all his caregivers at the VON, the staff of the Stroke unit at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, as well as his doctors who were so supportive to Wayne and his family during his battle.
Family are receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd, on Wednesday, August 14th from 1-3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation will be gratefully acknowledged by the family.